“Near” and “far” take on different meanings when you retire in North Carolina, thanks to a sophisticated and well-engineered transportation system that makes travel simple. We have the largest state-maintained highway system in the nation (anchored by interstates 26, 40, 77, 85 and 95), four international airports, daily Amtrak passenger service and an unrivaled coastal ferry system. And our state’s ideal location provides easy access to surrounding cities and states, making it a perfect jumping-off spot for business and leisure travel.

Show me - All / Airports / Ferries / Trains / Welcome Centers

There are a number of compelling reasons to choose North Carolina as your retirement destination. We can entice you with facts and figures, impress you with our scenic beauty, and point proudly to a host of awards and accolades. But absolutely nothing can replace visiting North Carolina and experiencing for yourself why this is a truly special place to retire.

Of course, it’s always nice when someone else tells the story for you:

When you retire to North Carolina, it’s reasonably certain you’ll find yourself debating which is your favorite time of year. Our state is blessed with four distinct seasons – never too chilly or hot – with plentiful rainfall that keeps our beautiful natural settings healthy and lush. With our scenic mountains, rolling central region and more than 300 miles of coastline and barrier island beaches, retirees always find a special place that fulfills needs and desires, along with an ideal climate that’s refreshing and keeps everyone active.

RegionAverage TemperatureAverage RainfallAverage Snowfall
Mountains55 degrees48 inches16 inches
Piedmont59 degrees41 inches8 inches
Coast64 degrees54 inches2 inches

For more on average seasonal temperatures and rainfall across the state, click on the links below:

Mountains

Asheville

Boone & the High Country

Great Smoky Mountains

Piedmont

Charlotte

Greensboro & Winston-Salem

Raleigh, Durham & the Triangle

Coast

Greenville

Outer Banks

Wilmington

There’s no reason to pay a premium price for the privilege of retiring and living well. If you like to work the numbers, you’ll discover the cost of living in North Carolina is below the national average, while ranking high in personal satisfaction and fulfillment. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is an ideal place to research and compare your retirement options by city and state, based on analysis of everything from housing and utilities, to health care and transportation, to everyday living expenses.

For even more information about the quality of life and cost of living in North Carolina, visit EDPNC.com.

2012 ACCRA Cost of Living Index

CityIndex
Ann Arbor, Mich.103.0
Asheville, N.C.94.4
Atlanta, Ga.95.0
Auburn, Ala.95.9
Boston, Mass.142.8
Charleston, S.C.98.1
Charlotte, N.C.93.7
Chattanooga, Tenn.93.7
Cleveland, Ohio101.9
Dallas, Texas96.4
Denver, Colo.105.1
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.112.6
Greenville, N.C.96.6
Hilton Head, S.C.110.5
Marietta, Ga.97.9
New York, N.Y.229.6
Philadelphia, Pa.122.8
Plano, Texas103.3
Raleigh, N.C.90.9
Richmond, Va.100.6
San Francisco, Calif.168.3
San Jose, Calif.157.0
Sarasota, Fla.99.8
Washington, D.C.150.9
Wilmington, N.C.95.6
Winston-Salem, N.C.89.2

For information about our state's tax structure, visit the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

North Carolina is a place where retirees can be assured of benefitting from affordable and expert health care. With some of the country’s finest health care facilities and four respected medical schools producing skilled professionals, the cost of care in the state ranks as the 14th lowest in the country. In addition to quality medical attention, personal safety is heightened by effective and dedicated law enforcement, supported by progressive government and an efficient legal system.

Per capita personal health care expenditures
North Carolina: $6,444 (14th lowest in the nation)
United States: $6,815
Source: StateHealthFacts.org 2009 data

Per capita expenditures for hospital care
North Carolina: $2,280 (14th lowest in the nation)
United States: $2,475
Source: StateHealthFacts.org 2009 data

Health professionals per 10,000 people
Physicians: 22.1
Dentists: 4.3
Registered Nurses: 98.6
Source: North Carolina Health Professionals Data System, 2011 Data Book

Share this Page

Download our Certified Retirement Communities Guide

FIRSTS THAT LAST and the NC design are registered service marks of the EDPNC.
© 2020 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina   Privacy - Terms of Use

Request your Travel Guide

Featured Travel Partner