The summers are good for the beach, while winters are good for skiing in the mountains. If you're over 65, you can exempt up to $35,000 of your retirement income from state taxes. Sadly, our state has one of the most poorly funded schools systems in the nation. According to the U.S. News and World Report, some of the best beaches and beach town options in North Carolina include Emerald Isle, Bald Head Island and Cape Hatteras. Sorry there was an error. The state's picturesque landscape, with both its rugged inland mountains and windswept beaches, is sure to take your breath away. Weigh the pros and cons to see if retiring in North Carolina is right for you. North Carolina offers a relatively low cost of living to its residents. The cost of living in North Carolina is relatively low compared to other US states. Although North Carolina's crime rate is lower than the national average, some areas of the state still have higher crime rates. North Carolina is home to several historical sites, including battlefields from the Civil War, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the first documented gold find in the U.S., and the Battleship USS North Carolina. The largest employers in the state are: Walmart, Duke University, Food Lion, Wells Fargo, Lowes and Bank of America. 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. List of the Pros of Living in Charlotte, NC 1. However, as required by the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you may record your preference to view or remove your personal information by completing the form below. That data found the median monthly mortgage cost was $1,314, and the median two-bedroom rent was $878. The lack of proper public buses, trains, and other modes of transportation make it challenging to travel and explore different parts of the state. One of our content team members will be in touch with you soon. One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a house is the quality of schools your Read More, North Carolina vs. Virginia: Which is the Better State? During this time of the year, you must be very careful and mindful in case the state authorities issue any alerts. Know what that means? With lower than average rents, reasonably-priced food options, and free activities, retirees can save their dollars for other opportunities, such as traveling. In cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, the winter lows rarely dip under 35F. When it comes to retirement, there's a lot to consider. Contact us today to get started. Likewise, rain is not uncommon during the summer months. However, the sales tax differs from county to county. In sum, heres a quick roundup of the pros and cons of moving to North Carolina. Still, its worth pointing out, especially for those looking to grow their careers after moving to North Carolina. Another pro of retiring in North Carolina is excellent health care. 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. If you're considering retiring to North Carolina, it's important to research the health care options in the area you plan to live. The low property taxes in the state are one of the reasons for the below-average housing costs. RetireGuide.com. Durham. The state has been hit by several major storms, including Hurricane Florence in 2018. The median home price in Myrtle Beach is $216,000, and rent also . But there are still notable drawbacks to retiring in North Carolina. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Theyre non-negotiable in my book because they prevent things from molding overnight. Your email address will not be published. Seriously, Ive had days where the temperature soars to 80F by 8am (I mean, what the heck?). It came in as the 20th most-taxed state. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] North Carolina may not be a state traditionally thought of when it comes to retirement, but its popularity is on the rise. Obviously your lifestyle with depend on your way of life in North Carolina. Whether or not you have access to healthcare programs, insurance, and good hospitals and doctors, is and should be a major factor to consider. Resorts are spread throughout the mountains and many are open for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The first option is to live inland as the worst effects of the hurricane can impact you in the mountains, while the other option is to buy an insurance plan that covers all aspects of hurricane damage. 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. Many of our outpatient clinics are located near Mission Hospital, right in the center of Asheville. Roxboro. That rate continues to drop from what was 5.75% in tax years 2015-2016. Taxes - North Carolina's recent income tax reform lowered its rate to a flat 5.57 percent, but there are several states that don't tax resident income at all. In 2021, MERIC data ranked North Carolina as having the 24th lowest cost of living in the US. Get instant access to our latest in-depth guides covering important retirement topics. Marion. Come and see how Leisure Care communities are helping seniors rediscover (and sometimes reinvent) themselves. North Carolina offers a relatively temperate climate to enjoy. The state averages homeowners pay 0.85% of property value. Pros of living in North Carolina 1. Overall Score. And the state has the added benefit of generally affordable housing and a low cost of living, even within the cities. Find fishing, boating, hiking, golfing, and much more. Many folks are surprised to learn that North Carolina the 3rd most hurricane prone state in the country. 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. Pros of retiring in North Carolina All four seasons. The sales tax rate is 6.98%, which falls into about the middle tier nationally. It wont come easy (Ill touch on this shortly as well). The. A coworker joked that North Carolinians are the best neighborhoods and acquaintances a person could have because respect is a second language. Just when you think summers in North Carolina cant get worse, youll experience the threat of a looming hurricane. JG Wentworth is well known across the country for its structured settlements, and was first founded in 1991. We offerindependent living servicesat Treeo Raleigh in North Carolina. For anyone trying to find affordable senior housing in Indiana, there are some good options to choose from around the state. Our fact-checking process starts with vetting all sources to ensure they are authoritative and relevant. 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. 1. Its important to remember that regardless of where you choose to settle in North Carolina, youre never far from the mountains. Of course, your location influences your total costs. North Carolina is a retiree's paradise when it comes to outdoor recreation. We appreciate your feedback. In North Carolina, the public transportation network is limited in scope and under-served. According to the NC Rural Health Research Program, people who live in rural areas often have to travel long distances for care. And its true, kindness comes easily, but friendships are earned (and typically last longer, in my experience). One of the most significant advantages of retiring in South Carolina is the low cost of living. amongst states with the highest per capita tax. Identifying a state with a low cost of living and still offers a vibrant post-retirement lifestyle can be difficult, but North Carolina checks both boxes. Retiring in North Carolina Is North Carolina a good place to live? The beaches are stunning and bring many families back year after year a great way to start a new family tradition. Something went wrong while submitting the form. The mountainous regions in the state experience humid days in the summer and pretty cold temperatures in the winter. The state is home to some of the best hospitals in the country, including Duke University Hospital and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Most pay between 6.75% to 7%, although there are a handful of counties where the rate is 7.5%. What this means for you: Anytime you hear mention of a possible hurricane, make a beeline for the grocery store and stock up on essentials. With an abundance of hiking trails and hundreds of miles of coastline, theres no seeming end to the amount of outdoor expeditions you can enjoy in the state. Here are 10 pros and cons of living in North Carolina to consider before making this state your home. We love planning for retirement. The Appalachian Mountains run through western North Carolina, providing ample hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Healthcare is a massive concern for those looking to move to another state, especially retirees. According to the communitys website, it is 10 minutes from a city in Wilmington, 30 minutes from the beach and includes many nature attractions and activities. According to an article from Tax Foundation, the spending power of $100 in North Carolina is equal to $109.53. North Carolina is generally an affordable state. However, with your retirement nearing, you dont have to look past this wonderful state. Retiring in South Carolina Pros and Cons South Carolina has no shortage of things to do to stay outdoors and active. While the state has always had plenty to offer, one of its biggest advantages for retirees is that it can essentially serve as a middle ground between more extreme retirement destinations. One of the largest is Brunswick Forest, which is located outside of Wilmington. Its important to remember that Original Medicare is essentially the same in every state since it is a federal program. The Appalachian Mountains form most of North Carolinas territory, providing the state withmiles of hiking trails. Social Security Income is exempt. Whether or not you have access to healthcare programs, insurance, and good hospitals and doctors, is and should be a major factor to consider. For full transparency, we clearly identify our sources in a list at the bottom of each page. With its rugged inland mountains and wind-swept beaches, the state offers some grossly ravishing scenery that will take your breath away. This post is for you. However, as with every other state, North Carolina also has quite a few pitfalls that if you can look past, youll love living here. If youre moving to North Carolina with the hopes of escaping the grind and bustle of daily living, youll find reprieve. The High Cost of Housing #2. I think this is a normal human reaction to outsiders, but it takes a little while for folks to warm up and to make genuine friends after moving to North Carolina. As a mid-sized city of around 275,000 residents, Durham has all the excitement . North Carolina doesnt tax Social Security retirement benefits. Although the cost of senior living may seem daunting at first, a second glance may reveal something different. Rapidly Increasing Economy. The fact is that not everything is rainbows and butterflies in the Old North State. Read More. (n.d.). North Carolina Retirement. Get money-saving tips, hard-to-find info and tactics for a successful retirement in our. According to a report from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, North Carolina ranks 22nd nationally in cost of living. Pros & Cons of Living in Asheville . The Appalachian Mountains stretch across most of North Carolina and provide many hiking trails. Explore the local galleries for hand-crafted pottery and other creations. However, after moving to Carolina and making the adjustment, this is one of my personal favorite perks of living in North Carolina. The average monthly rent for, a 2-bedroom apartment in North Carolina is $825, , which is much lower than in many other states. The city mixes the old with the new in an innovative way, bringing history to life with Civil War landmarks, the Discovery Place, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and even Carowinds, a sprawling theme park all within the Queen City. The answer is yes, between the affordable housing market, low cost of living and unmistakable southern hospitality, living in North Carolina is living life on easy mode. The most frequent explanation for North Carolina's increased crime rate is the state's higher-than-average poverty levels. More so, to celebrate their states rich and abundant history, North Carolina actively funds and looks after the many museums and historical sites in the state. As for my favorite BBQ joint? If youre hoping to stay in touch with civilization in retirement, this city offers everything from a great culture to major sports teams and events while still giving you the chance to experience seasonal weather with mountain ranges and nature activities nearby. The Median income in North Carolina is about $56,000. So heads up! However, that doesnt mean that crime in the state is non-existent. North Carolina has become one of the best retirement states in recent years. Small City . The state's income tax rate is 4.99% in 2022, but the state updated its income tax schedule for the next seven years. North Carolina may be most known for its scenic mountain ranges, but it also has plenty of beach options with 322 miles of coastline. Usually, there are two options to steer clear of hurricane damage. Travel Challenges 4. Aging in America Rankings. After all, this state has a lot to offer. Thinking about living in North Carolina? Pros And Cons Of Living In North Carolina First of all, these are the top 10 North Carolina pros and cons: Great sense of community Low cost of living and economic opportunity Temperate weather and mild winters Abundant outdoor activities Access to quality health care High tax burden Sub-par K-12 education High crime rates Lack of weather variety Let's look at some pros and cons of retiring in North Carolina to see if it could be the right state for you. Residents could spend years exploring the state's caverns, gorges, and state parks, but retirees will need to plan their excursions for the summer months before the . Last modified February 20, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/north-carolina/. Is Virginia a good place to retire for taxes? . Thats our promise. If youre a history enthusiast, you can explore the many museums at Beaufort or Cape Fear and get lost in the centuries of history.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'retirefearless_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-leader-1-0'); The true reality of a state can often be judged through its people, and if thats the case, then North Carolina truly is the most charming state in the US. But I dont want to get ahead of myself, so lets cover everything you need to know about moving to North Carolina based on firsthand experience. https://www.wral.com/new-study-reveals-best-places-to-retire-in-north-carolina-they-re-all-small-towns/19879509/, https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/articles/best-places-to-retire-in-north-carolina, https://assets.americashealthrankings.org/app/uploads/2021-senior-report-%E2%80%93-state-summaries.pdf, https://taxfoundation.org/state-individual-income-tax-rates-and-brackets-for-2020/, https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series, https://web.archive.org/web/20230126082510/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/aging, https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-beaches-in-north-carolina/, This article contains incorrect information, This article doesn't have the information I'm looking for, Winner of the Florida Society of News Editors Journalism Contest, Member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, Founded an independent, student-run publication at UCF, Leah, H. (2021, September 16). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/north-carolina/. They also have higher than average property tax rates. Pinehurst. Is South Carolina or North Carolina better for retirement? We'd love to hear your thoughts. COST OF LIVING North Carolina United States Overall 90.6 100 Grocery 96.5 100 Health 107.5 100 Housing 81 100 Contents1 [] Cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte have a public transportation system, but they lack the convenience that other cities, such as Chicago or New York, offer. The median home cost in the city is $260,000, but you can save some by relocating to Durham if you prefer. Living in Pennsylvania . Retirees can enjoy beautiful falls and springs without the harsher weather found in more northern states while appreciating nature that ranges from towering mountains to sandy beaches. 890 Words; 4 Pages; Open Document. Raleigh, the state capital, could also be a suitable retirement destination that includes many big city offerings without quite as much activity as Charlotte. Were you able to find the information you were looking for on RetireGuide.com? Not to mention the plethora of problems that arise when humidity becomes a part of your daily life. Regardless of your preference, both city and rural life have an overall laid-back quality about them that I havent seen in other places Ive lived. The answer really depends on what youre looking for in retirement since each state offers different benefits. The south is known for hospitality, and North Carolina is no exception. One of the reasons people retire to North Carolina is the stunning scenery. Im not joking, the debate has become the subject of state legislation with bills being introduced over which of the two prominent BBQ styles should be deemed official. Although the good news is that Maine . First off, accommodation is the biggest expense that any states residents have to incur. Here's what you need to know about the state before you make your move. Considering the states population and big cities, North Carolina has an affordable cost of living for many retirees. Here, retirees can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed pace of life. But there are still notable drawbacks to retiring in North Carolina. There are many advantages to retiring in North Carolina. One option that stands out is Hendersonville. You never know when the threat will come to fruition so youll want to be prepared. For instance, Duke University Hospital is among the best in the country. Best known for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, the mountains of North Carolina also boast stunning waterfalls, one of the oldest rivers in North America, farm-fresh foods, and even some of Americas best craft beer. The low property taxes in the state are one of the reasons for the below-average housing costs. . South Carolina, a state with plenty of history and marshland was actually not discovered until a while after North America had been founded. Get money-saving tips, hard-to-find info and tactics for a successful retirement in our free weekly newsletter. Youre probably not surprised to learn that affordable housing plays the largest role in the low cost of living in North Carolina. One big perk for retirees is that North Carolina will not tax your Social Security, which can give you thousands of extra dollars each year. Both of those are key areas for seniors and certainly good news. The Appalachian Mountains form most of North Carolinas territory, providing the state with. With its picturesque beauty, stunning coastline, and southern hospitality, it isnt hard to see why North Carolina draws people from all over the country. Christian Simmons is a writer for RetireGuide and a member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE). Most of all, retirees with eyes on West Virginia must weigh the pros and cons of rural living. So what does that mean for you? Considering the average salary in the state clocks in at $54,250, the cost of living in North Carolina is deemed reasonable. In true form to its southern neighbors, North Carolinas public schools are nothing to write home about. However, although higher than the national average, the murder rate in North Carolina is much lower than in South Carolina. More so, to celebrate their states rich and abundant history, North Carolina actively funds and looks after the many museums and historical sites in the state. Its more of a low-impact retirement destination than Florida or Arizona, keeping many snowbirds closer to home and maintaining the seasonal changes that many Americans enjoy without as much severe weather. For instance, prescription drugs are exempted from taxes, and the local corporate tax rates are quite reduced. Dine Well, Live Well at The Vero at Orange, One Month Rent-Free Incentive at Treeo Raleigh, Memory Care at MacKenzie Place Fort Collins, February Fitness Frenzy at Fairwinds Rio Rancho, True restaurant dining, with made to order meals, Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit, Assisted living and memory care services, if needed. All rights reserved. If youve ever wondered how some of our favorite Hollywood stars continue to make a living after their film days are over, they usually have several options. If you're considering retiring to the coastal region of North Carolina, it's important to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane. North Carolina Pros And Cons; North Carolina Pros And Cons. Expenses like groceries, housing, and transportation were under national expenditures. Hurricanes in North Carolina are accompanied by intense winds and unpredictable weather patterns that can cause flooding and severely damage your home. Dont hesitate to reach out with questions, Im here to help! So, if you move to North Carolina, youll be saving quite a bit on your monthly cost.