Cons of Retiring in North Carolina Threat of hurricanes. Hickory. The Outer Banks' positioning on the east coast makes them more susceptible to direct hits or brushes from tropical storms that ride up the East Coast. A website run by locals in various cities, with the hopes of making big life decisions a little easier on you. Winters were a bear and I was desperate to get out, as such, moving to a place with mild winters was non-negotiable. Please call us using the phone number listed on this page. 0.77%. Resorts are spread throughout the mountains and many are open for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. North Carolina Pros And Cons; North Carolina Pros And Cons. Recall how I mentioned southern hospitality as one of the best things about living in North Carolina? A cost of living index above 100 means North Carolina, North Carolina is more expensive. Raleigh, the state capital, could also be a suitable retirement destination that includes many big city offerings without quite as much activity as Charlotte. The states property tax rate stands at 0.77%, which means that a homeowner has to pay around $770 every year for every $100,000 in home value. Our calculator will help you determine the life insurance policy size that best fits your circumstance. There are many advantages to retiring in North Carolina. Oops! Many retiree-friendly communities have been developed with top-notch health care facilities. Thank you! Unlike Eastern style BBQ, the meat is part of the party, but not the whole show. Pinehurst. Published in Forbes, Senior Finance Advisor, Alzheimers.net and on other leading senior care blogs, she leverages her working knowledge of the senior care industry with leading research and best practices to create engaging content benefitting seniors and their caregivers. Low Employment Opportunities 3. For instance, with the highest average rent in the United States, a one-bedroom apartment in the. According to the NC Rural Health Research Program, people who live in rural areas often have to travel long distances for care. The state is best known as the birthplace of Aviation, irresistible barbecue and friendly locals theres so much to love about living in North Carolina. This is something to keep in mind if you're considering retiring to North Carolina. You can just as easily find a charming apartment in the city or a farmstead, if you so choose. As one of the original 13 colonies, you'll find important historical sites in American history, from Revolutionary-era buildings to Civil War battle sites. Do you enjoy the resources RetireGuide provides? Reidsville. North Carolina compensates for its affordable cost of living by putting a significant tax burden on its citizens. 1. Forest City. Retrieved from. The Friendly Community Feeling #6. Drawing people from all over the country with its beauty, stunning coastline, and southern hospitality, theres a lot to love about retiring in North Carolina. But I dont want to fool you, its not all sunshine and peach cobbler gossip runs rampant in the rural parts of town and youll need to be mindful of the tea youre spilling. If you need help pricing and building your medicare plan, call us at 844-572-0696. If youre considering retiring in North Carolina but still require some convincing, Ive lined up more than a few reasons to help you make a decision.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'retirefearless_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-banner-1-0'); If youve spent most of your life living and working in a metropolitan city, the best thing about retirement is the opportunity to pack up your life and move to a quiet place with majestic views. The south is known for hospitality, and North Carolina is no exception. You havent lived until youve tasted the irresistible temptation that is vinegar barbecue, its life-changing. With some of the countrys best university medical centers in the country, fortunately, North Carolina delivers well in this regard. In cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, the winter lows rarely dip under 35F. North Carolinas total state and average local sales tax rate is 6.98%. Thats a similar level of cost of living for states like Wyoming or Wisconsin, and significantly lower than most of the states that make up the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast. Retirefearless.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. However, the state will tax other types of retirement income, including 401(k) and pension distributions. Social Security Income is exempt. And its true, with median home prices coming in at $330,000, many folks end up moving to North Carolina to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning a home (myself included). As you think about it, the state does have a lot to love for retirement.The state's picturesque landscape,. It also has a lot to offer retirees, from big cities to tightknit mountain communities. In addition to the stunning scenery, the state has many parks and trails for retirees to enjoy. Retrieved from, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Theres two types of BBQ (Eastern style and Lexington style) and the topic of the best is hotly debated. Truthfully speaking, the friendly community feel took some adjusting at first because Ive mostly lived in large cities where being greeted by name was deemed unusual. The sales tax rate is 6.98%, which falls into about the middle tier nationally. While those certainly exist, there are also major cities that could make for a fun and active retirement lifestyle. If you're over 65, you can exempt up to $35,000 of your retirement income from state taxes. In 2021, MERIC data ranked North Carolina as having the 24th lowest cost of living in the US. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for helpful guides, interesting topics, and tips from locals. ; There are no social security taxes. North Carolina does have a low corporate tax rate, making it more business-friendly. North Carolina may be most known for its scenic mountain ranges, but it also has plenty of beach options with 322 miles of coastline. According to the Kiplinger State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Retirees, Virginia ranks as a tax-friendly state for retirees. And the next 10 years are predicted to bring even more growth. Roxboro. Residents have over 200 state parks to explore, including Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. placing it on the ranking of 26 in the nation. (30) Living in North Carolina (99) Living in Ohio (11) . Thats not to say that youll be greeted with open arms (Ive found locals to be friendly, yet reserved Ill cover this in detail shortly) but you will be welcomed and treated with respect. Estimate how long you'll live and explore retirement options for a long life. The good thing is that they are more than willing to welcome newcomers with open arms. The state's income tax rate is 4.99% in 2022, but the state updated its income tax schedule for the next seven years. We can be reached via email at contact@retirefearless.com. After all, this state has a lot to offer. Five-star service. Between the breathtaking Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, youll be spoiled of choice. If you fancy yourself a city-dweller, you wont be disappointed either. North Carolina maintains seasons but doesnt suffer from the same regularly severe weather as northern states. Contents1 Which county in NC has the lowest property taxes?2 Do you have to pay property taxes after 65 in NC?3 [] It wont come easy (Ill touch on this shortly as well). Although North Carolina's crime rate is lower than the national average, some areas of the state still have higher crime rates. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. Festivals and events take place throughout the year. We love planning for retirement. 4.3. However, that doesnt mean that crime in the state is non-existent. As the younger population flocks to the more happening and exciting states, they often miss out on the beauty that is NC. The scenery is also beautiful, and its one of the few states that is diverse enough to offer everything from small mountain towns to major cities and beaches. The EBNC is The Eugenics Board of North Carolina. The Southern states have seen massive growth recently, with the region becoming one of Read More, These Markets Are Projected to Have the Most Home Price Change in 2023. Small City . Top 10 places to retire in NC. 1.4 million of the states residents live in poverty, making NC the state with the 15th highest poverty rate. For starters, Social Security income is not taxed and if youre over 65 years old, up to $35,000 of your retirement income is exempt from state taxes. Before moving to North Carolina I found myself living in Chicago, where I braced for winters with the enthusiasm reserved for water-downed cocktails and malfunctioning alarm clocks. This can take out a big chunk of your retirement savings. These same mountains include fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. You can thank me later. A few of the most popular include the Riverfest Music Festival, the NC State Fair, and the Charlotte Folk Festival. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of providers, transportation issues, and a lack of insurance. Lamia Chowdhury is a financial content editor for RetireGuide and has over three years of marketing experience in the finance industry. Hurricanes are always a lurking threat for those living along the eastern seaboard, and unfortunately, they can potentially wreak havoc on the residents lives. Worth mention: The flat 4.99% state income tax is one of the lowest in the country, further adding to the lost cost of living in North Carolina. The residents of this state display that Southern charm regularly. But North Carolina also displayed a high prevalence of food insecurity and people commonly avoiding seeking health care due to the cost. The Biltmore Estate near Asheville stuns visitors with its beautifully designed 250 rooms and sprawling grounds. New Study Reveals Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Theyre All Small Towns. In North Carolina, there is no tax on Social Security Income, income taxes have been lowered a flat rate (and that rate has been decreasing), there is no State Estate Tax, and a low corporate income tax. Our communities are located across the United States and offer a range of senior living services including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. But one mountain city that stands out is Asheville. From Sir Walter Raleigh landing in NC in 1587 to NC succeeding during the Civil War, this state has witnessed its fair share of nation-defining historical events. While it is technically one of the highest-ranking states in terms of taxation, there are a few pretty low taxes. South Carolina, a state with plenty of history and marshland was actually not discovered until a while after North America had been founded. Here, retirees can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed pace of life. 890 Words; 4 Pages; Open Document. North Carolina offers a relatively temperate climate to enjoy. For instance, with the highest average rent in the United States, a one-bedroom apartment in the District of Columbia costs $2,324 to rent.So, if you move to North Carolina, youll be saving quite a bit on your monthly cost. The famous Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. Weigh the pros and cons to see if retiring in North Carolina is right for you. The Appalachian Mountains run through western North Carolina, providing ample hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Find a job before moving to North Carolina is vital (especially if you plan to live in the rural parts of the state). The Best Places to Retire in North Carolina. In my experience, locals are very friendly, but theres a reserved nature about them. Christian is a former winner of a Florida Society of News Editors journalism contest and has written professionally since 2016. With over 300 miles of beaches, you are sure to find one you love. The fact is that every place you consider moving to will have its benefits and pitfalls; you will have to decide the factors that are important to you and the ones youre willing to look past. For instance, prescription drugs are exempted from taxes, and the local corporate tax rates are quite reduced. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'retirefearless_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_16',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');The hurricane season hits North Carolina from June to November. Americas Health Rankings. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Charlotte is viewed as an excellent retirement destination. Contents1 Is it cheaper to live in SC [] Moreover, given the vast and diverse landscape, you can engage in a myriad of outdoor activities, such as visiting the beach or trekking, completely free of cost. Let's look at some pros and cons of retiring in North Carolina to see if it could be the right state for you. There's a reason why retiring in the southeast, for example, is such a popular choice: it's the perfect intersection of affordability, convenience, and climate that many retirees crave. With lower than average rents, reasonably-priced food options, and free activities, retirees can save their dollars for other opportunities, such as traveling.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'retirefearless_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); First off, accommodation is the biggest expense that any states residents have to incur. The affordable housing prices couples with reasonable property taxes and youll understand why buying a home in North Carolina is a desirable endeavor. One of the downsides to living in Maine is the fact that the income tax and retirement income tax rate can be as high as 7.15%. The state has been hit by several major storms, including Hurricane Florence in 2018. As in North Carolina, South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. North Carolina does have a state income tax, which can be unappealing to some retirees and sets it back from a financial perspective from popular retirement states like Florida, which doesnt have tax income at all. Regardless of your preference, know this: you cant go wrong but you better learn to defend it. You may be surprised to learn that the home of Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill might value public education enough to fund it, but no dice. Williamston. North Carolinas Medicare quality ranking reflects the availability and effectiveness of Medicare Advantage plans in the state, which are sold privately and are available regionally. North Carolina cost of living is 90.6. The Appalachian Mountains stretch across most of North Carolina and provide many hiking trails. The taxes are not overtly high, but still will cost you more than many other parts of the country. Summers in North Carolina are the worst. In some places, such as Durham County, you may even have to pay sales tax at the rate of 7.50%. North Carolina doesnt tax Social Security retirement benefits. North Carolinas crime rate almost matches the national average. The state is 560 miles wide from east to west! We are a publishing team of licensed Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses, Assisted Living Directors, and individuals with vast personal experience with retirement communities and senior living. Last modified February 20, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/north-carolina/. Hurricanes in North Carolina are accompanied by intense winds and unpredictable weather patterns that can cause flooding and severely damage your home. State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2020. Mild Weather Year-Round #3. They also have higher than average property tax rates. The beaches are stunning and bring many families back year after year a great way to start a new family tradition. The only downside to the easy going vibe is the lack of ambition you may come across from time to time. The coastal region is where you'll find the Outer Banks plus the miles of the Atlantic coastline. The. With that being said, the low cost of living may be less relevant, depending on how much money you have for your retirement. The state also offers other generous exemptions on other types of retirement income. What more could you want in a new community? Seriously, Ive had days where the temperature soars to 80F by 8am (I mean, what the heck?). Winston-Salem. The Tar Heel State offers exceptional opportunities for you to witness the beauty, from the Outer Banks to the Smoky Mountains. However, European countries had beforehand . [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] Brevard. Decent Essays. Low Population 4. Table of Contents. RetireGuide.com. With a GDP per capita of $64,582, the Virginian economy is ranked 15th out of the country's 50 states.. With that said, after researching one too many US states with retirement potential, I decided to dig deeper into the hidden wonder that is North Carolina. 771 Words 4 Pages. The lack of proper public buses, trains, and other modes of transportation make it challenging to travel and explore different parts of the state. These include Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Asheville. Although the cost of senior living may seem daunting at first, a second glance may reveal something different. Both of those are key areas for seniors and certainly good news. Living in North Carolina during the winter months is easy compared to other places Ive lived, and its one of the things I most enjoy about daily life here. As with other retirement communities, it also offers a variety of differently styled homes and ways to live in retirement. Expenses like groceries, housing, and transportation were under national expenditures. "North Carolina Retirement." In true form to its southern neighbors, North Carolinas public schools are nothing to write home about. Now to answer the big question: Is North Carolina a good place to live? Over the last 10 years, Greenville has become one of the most vibrant cities in the nation. cost 9.8% of ones yearly income. If we talk about numbers then, South Carolina is a clear winner as the people here pay 0.56% of their home's market value, and also people above 65 years of age get a deduction of about $50K. South Carolina's tax code is great for retirees as there are also some substantial deductions for other kinds of retirement income. The access to nature and plethora of outdoor recreational is hard to beat.