Moving to North Carolina: The Top 6 Best Cities to Retire in 2026

Thinking about retiring to North Carolina? You are in very good company.

People are moving here from all over the country for the weather, the lower taxes, and a lifestyle that is hard to match. I have helped thousands of retirees make this move. I was born and raised in the North Carolina mountains, I have lived in six different states, and I now call the Triangle home. That gives me a firsthand feel for what makes each part of this state special.

In this article, I am sharing my six favorite North Carolina cities for retirement and who each one fits best. If you would rather watch, here is the full video: Moving to North Carolina: The Top 6 Best Cities to Retire in 2026.

Why North Carolina Keeps Topping the Retirement Lists

There is a reason North Carolina shows up on so many "best places to retire" lists. Start with taxes.

North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. One hundred percent of your Social Security income is exempt from state income tax. Our flat state income tax rate is 3.99% for 2026, down from 4.25% last year. There is no estate tax. Property taxes are moderate compared with many of the states my clients are moving from.

If you are 65 or older, own and live in your home as your primary residence, and have a household income under $38,800 (the 2026 limit), you may qualify for the elderly homestead exclusion. That can save you hundreds of dollars in property taxes every year.

Here is what really sets us apart. The Piedmont sits right in the middle of the state as our business hub. The mountains are about two hours west. The beaches are about two hours east. And some of the finest healthcare systems in the Southeast are right here.

We have four distinct seasons without brutal winters. Some would say we trade those winters for the "dog days of summer" in July and August. That is when you escape to the mountains for cooler air or to the coast for a sea breeze. Add a growing economy that keeps services and amenities strong, and a cost of living that is still reasonable compared to where most retirees come from.

Now, let me take you on a tour. Six cities, six completely different lifestyles.

1. Asheville: Mountain Living

Imagine waking up to fog drifting over the Blue Ridge Mountains. That is an ordinary morning in Asheville, and it is one reason more retirees are choosing this mountain town over the traditional retirement spots.

This is personal for me. I was born and raised in these mountains, and I have never missed a fall trip back to see the leaves. The foliage is breathtaking. Winter brings occasional snow that feels cozy, not harsh. Spring and summer are mild and made for being outside.

Outdoor life

Being outside is what Asheville is all about. You have more than 40 golf courses, waterfalls, rivers and streams for paddling and fly fishing, ski resorts nearby in winter, and direct access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains.

If you have not fallen in love with the Parkway yet, you will. Here is one of my favorite drives: Head south on the Parkway out of Asheville, wind through the tunnels, and stop at the Pisgah Inn for lunch and the views. It is one of only two lodges on the entire Parkway. Then keep going about 23 miles to Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the Parkway at 6,053 feet.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about an hour away. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests put miles of trails and campsites right in your backyard.

Arts, food, and the Biltmore

Here is what surprises people. Asheville is not just nature. Downtown has boutique shopping, wonderful restaurants, and one of the most vibrant arts scenes in the South. The River Arts District along the French Broad River is packed with studios and galleries. Asheville even earned the nickname "Beer City USA" for its number of breweries.

Then there is the Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America: a 250-room French Renaissance chateau on more than 8,000 acres. I once brought a friend visiting from Scotland. She promptly told me they had plenty of castles in Scotland. She was not impressed. What did impress her? The Highland Games up near Blowing Rock.

Just outside the estate gates is Biltmore Village, with tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafés, and shopping for fashion and art. It is easy to make a full day of it. Do not miss my favorite restaurant there, Corner Kitchen. A U.S. president once dined there. You will have to visit to find out which one.

The Urban Trail is a two-hour walking tour through 30 sculpture stations. And the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville keeps your mind sharp and active.

Healthcare, travel, and prices

Mission Hospital is the region's major medical center. Asheville Regional Airport is about 10 miles from downtown. Median home prices are in the low-to-mid-$400s right now, and you will typically pay less in property taxes than you would in a major metro.

Who Asheville fits

Asheville is for retirees who want a peaceful mountain lifestyle without giving up culture. If you love starting the day with a hike, then browsing a gallery or catching live music that evening, this is your place.

And if you want to know more about the North Carolina mountains, I am your resource. I recently sold a mountain estate on 10 acres overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains, and I fell in love with my mountain roots all over again.

2. Wilmington: Coastal Living at Its Best

I love the North Carolina coastline too, from the shipwreck-filled waters of the Outer Banks, known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," to the beaches of the Cape Fear region. And when it comes to retiring on the coast, Wilmington is my pick.

After years of helping retirees move here, this is the feedback I hear most: "I wanted beach access without living right on the beach." That is exactly what Wilmington offers. You get the coastal lifestyle without paying the premium for a home right on the sand.

You get a beach-town vibe with a laid-back, historic feel. Depending on where you live in town, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are an easy drive away. That is close enough to enjoy beach life without the headaches of island living. The historic downtown riverfront along the Cape Fear River has all the coastal charm you could want.

Winters are mild, so you can be outside year-round. Golf courses, marinas, boat ramps, and trails are everywhere. For healthcare, Novant Health and a network of outpatient centers serve the area. And there is a real sense of community here.

The best Wilmington neighborhoods for retirees

• Porters Neck: the gold standard. Quiet, well established, with several gated communities, and only 10 to 12 minutes from Wrightsville Beach.
• Landfall: near Wrightsville Beach, with top-tier gated security plus on-site golf and tennis.
• Ogden: newer communities with easy water access and boat ramps.
• Masonboro and Myrtle Grove: mature, peaceful neighborhoods with beautiful marsh views.
• Scotts Hill: quiet communities with newer homes and great value.

Median home prices in Wilmington are in the low-to-mid-$400s right now, depending on the area.

Who Wilmington fits

Wilmington is for people who love the coast but not the crowds. Boaters, water sports lovers, and anyone who appreciates the marshlands but still wants easy access to dining and shopping. If a morning beach walk followed by coffee at your favorite café, with no bridge traffic, sounds perfect, put Wilmington on your list.

3. Cary: Safe Suburban Living

Now let's head to the Triangle, where I live today. Here is a stat that stands out: Cary was ranked the #6 safest city in the entire U.S. For retirees who put safety first, that is a big deal.

Cary is just 12 miles from downtown Raleigh. You get city convenience with small-town peace and quiet. It is ranked #11 in the nation on U.S. News 2026-2027 Best Places to Live, and #1 in North Carolina for the second year in a row.

Healthcare

This area is at the top of the list for care. UNC Health Rex is nearby, and WakeMed and Duke University Hospital are a short drive away. Several senior living and healthcare facilities are built right into the community.

Lifestyle

Life in Cary is well planned and refined. Explore Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, spend a day at Fred G. Bond Metro Park, or catch a concert at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Downtown Cary is full of great restaurants, breweries, boutique shops, and farmers' markets. There is always something happening.

Golfers have MacGregor Downs Country Club, Prestonwood Country Club, and Lochmere Golf Club right in town. Pinehurst, our next stop, is about an hour away. RDU Airport can be less than 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.

I often hear Cary compared to Boca Raton because of all the newer development. But Cary is far greener and more wooded than Boca, and our greenway system keeps growing.

Median home prices are in the high-$500s right now. That is above the state median, but for what you get, it is a great value.

Who Cary fits

Cary is for retirees who want a safe, convenient, comfortable suburban life. It also draws people from bigger cities who appreciate well-kept, organized neighborhoods. If you want to lock the door, head out on a trip, and let the HOA handle the details, Cary is a great fit.

If you are seriously considering any of these cities, I work with retirees making these exact moves every single day. Call me. And yes, I really do answer my phone. Somehow that still surprises people.

4. Pinehurst: Golf Paradise

Pinehurst was named the #1 safest and wealthiest retirement town in America by GOBankingRates in 2025. Once you see what it offers golfers, it is easy to understand why.

Pinehurst sits in North Carolina's Sandhills, about 70 miles southwest of Raleigh and 90 miles east of Charlotte. Nearly 40% of residents are 65 or older, so you will be among friends.

Golf, golf, golf

What really defines Pinehurst? Golf. It is home to world-renowned championship courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Donald Ross. Pinehurst has hosted the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. It is a true golfer's paradise.

The historic Village of Pinehurst brings the Southern charm you would expect, with a luxurious spa, beautiful gardens, and a growing arts scene. The weather is pleasant year-round. FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital is nearby and well used to serving the retiree community.

Retirement-Friendly and Golf Communities

Pinehurst has some of the best retirement-friendly and golf communities around:

• Pinewild Country Club
• Forest Creek Golf Club
• Knollwood
• Pinehurst Trace
• Quail Haven Village

Median home prices are in the high-$500s, depending on the type of property and community.

Who Pinehurst fits

Pinehurst is for avid golfers and anyone who wants the classic country club lifestyle. Think Southern charm with top-notch amenities. If your ideal week includes a few rounds, dinner at the club, and friends who share your passion for the game, Pinehurst is pretty much paradise.

5. Apex: Small-Town Charm

Now back to the Triangle. Apex has a motto: "The Peak of Good Living." Apex ranked #7 in the nation on U.S. News 2025-2026 Best Places to Live, so that motto is holding up.

Apex is about 15 miles southwest of Raleigh, with a population of around 82,000. Its historic downtown gives the town a welcoming feel that makes it feel like home right away.

The location is hard to beat. You are about 15 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, a quick drive to Research Triangle Park, and about 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh. Love a road trip? The beach is about two hours away and the mountains about three, with easy access to major highways.

Lifestyle

Apex blends small-town charm with big-city access. The historic downtown is filled with locally owned shops and restaurants, and there is always something to do. The town hosts Peak City Pig Fest (this is the South, and we do eat barbecue), Apex Oktoberfest, PeakFest, and the Apex Christmas Parade. The Apex Farmers Market is a local favorite for fresh, locally grown produce.

For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of parks, including Apex Community Park, Kelly Road Park, and Jaycee Park. My favorite places to eat? Scratch Kitchen and Taproom, and Abbey Road Tavern.

Prices and market

Median home prices are in the mid-$600s right now. Homes are staying on the market about 45 days, so it is a more balanced market than the frenzy of the past few years. Apex has shown strong long-term appeal among Triangle homebuyers, which makes it worth a look for both lifestyle and long-term homeownership.

Who Apex fits

Apex is perfect for retirees who want a walkable downtown with real character, without giving up convenience. You are about 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh, yet you come home to a quieter, more relaxed pace. If you want authentic charm and modern amenities nearby, Apex delivers.

6. Wake Forest: Quiet Triangle Living

Now let's head north in the Triangle. Wake Forest was ranked the #6 Best Place to Move to in North Carolina by ConsumerAffairs in 2025. For retirees who want peace without isolation, Wake Forest hits the mark.

Just north of Raleigh, Wake Forest offers easy access to the whole Triangle, with Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill all close by. The Wake Forest-Raleigh Express bus runs hourly through the day, with stops at Downtown Wake Forest, Triangle Town Center, and Downtown Raleigh. You can enjoy the quiet without giving up city access.

Prices and homes

Median home prices are in the mid-$400s, depending on the neighborhood. You will also find plenty of new construction neighborhoods if you want a newer home.

Lifestyle

Wake Forest is small-town charm with modern conveniences. Downtown hosts shopping and events year-round, with live music, holiday parades, and community activities that keep the town lively. White Street Brewing Company is a local favorite hangout, along with Norse Brewing and Lone Rider Brewing.

Senior living options are plentiful, including The Lodge at Wake Forest, Cadence at Wake Forest, and Crossings at Heritage senior apartments. GoWake Access Transportation offers door-to-door service for residents 60 and older. I think that is amazing.

You are also close to the best of the Triangle: Durham Bulls baseball, shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center, and some of the top restaurants in Durham and Raleigh.

Who Wake Forest fits

Wake Forest draws retirees who want a peaceful life with easy access to the Triangle. If you want a slower pace, a strong sense of community, and a charming small downtown without the crowds, all about 30 minutes from everything Raleigh offers, Wake Forest is a great choice.

Which North Carolina City Fits Your Retirement Dream?

North Carolina is not a one-size-fits-all retirement destination. From mountain towns to coastal communities to the heart of the Triangle, there is a lifestyle for nearly every next chapter. Here are my six picks at a glance:

• Asheville: Blue Ridge views, a vibrant arts scene, and the Biltmore Estate. Homes in the low-to-mid-$400s.
• Wilmington: easy beach access without island living, plus historic charm. Homes in the low-to-mid-$400s.
• Cary: ranked the #6 safest city in America, with suburban convenience and excellent healthcare. Homes in the high-$500s.
• Pinehurst: a golfer's paradise built around championship courses like Pinehurst No. 2. Homes in the high-$500s.
• Apex: small-town charm, a walkable historic downtown, and 20 minutes to Raleigh. Homes in the mid-$600s.
• Wake Forest: a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle about 30 minutes from everything. Homes in the mid-$400s.

Every one of these cities shares North Carolina's retirement-friendly tax structure: no state tax on Social Security, a flat 3.99% income tax in 2026, moderate property taxes, and no estate tax.

Let's Talk About Your Next Chapter

I was born in North Carolina, and I have lived in six different states. I can walk you through the real differences you will feel when you make the move.

If you are ready to explore any of these cities, call or text me at 919-601-7710. I will walk you through the neighborhoods, the real costs, and exactly what retirement looks like in each city, so you can make the smartest move possible for your next chapter.

Want to understand the Triangle market specifically? Check out my other videos on the Marti Hampton YouTube channel, including where not to move in Raleigh. The more you know, the better your decision will be.

Marti Hampton

Marti Hampton Real Estate | eXp Realty | 919-601-7710 | martihampton.com