These Are the Best Places to Retire in North Carolina

Best Places to Retire in North Carolina

Retirement is full of choices. Not only must you decide the right time to retire, but location also matters. After all, choose the wrong location, and you might end up in a place that really doesn't fit your lifestyle or budget.

North Carolina, however, can be a great choice both for budgetary reasons and for those who love the outdoors. Every one of its cities has opportunities for outdoor adventure, and every major city has colleges and a vibrant culture. The Research Triangle is within a reasonable drive from everywhere within North Carolina, providing opportunities for innovative medical treatments, clinical trials, and even cutting-edge consulting jobs.

Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to retire in North Carolina, in alphabetical order:

1. Cary

Cary has a population of about 180,000 and boasts a remarkably low crime rate. It's located just 11 miles from the Research Triangle and includes 20 of the best hospitals in the state within 25 miles of its downtown. The only downside to Cary is that the median home sales price in November 2025 was nearly $615,000 according to Zillow data.

Still, if you're relocating from an area with a higher cost of living to make the most of your retirement plans, choosing a smaller home in Cary may still keep you well within budget.

2. Chapel Hill

As a college town, Chapel Hill offers a small-town feel without lacking any of the amenities. With just shy of 60,000 residents, the city is a solid size without being too overwhelming. The crime rate is low, the cost of living is just barely above the national average, and it's only 13 miles from the Research Triangle, with 16 of the best hospitals in the state within 25 miles.

However, the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, primarily due to housing. The median sales price in October 2025 was over $630,000 -- but since late 2024, sale prices have been cooling off a bit.

3. Charlotte

If you are looking for a bigger city in North Carolina to call home, Charlotte is a great option. It's a city of about 943,000 people, but its cost of living is barely above the national average, and the crime rate is still below both the national and state average.

Charlotte has 27 of the best hospitals in the state within 25 miles (but you'll have to drive 151 miles if you need to visit the Research Triangle). It's also a good choice for those who want to travel during their senior years, given that it's home to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Housing costs slightly more than the national average, too, with the median sales price in November 2025 at $420,000.

4. Concord

With a population of about 115,000, the city of Concord, North Carolina, is big enough to be interesting but still has small-town vibes. The cost of living is just below the national average, and crime is very low.

The median home sales price in Concord as of November 2025 was $387,500 – significantly below the national average. Fifteen of the best hospitals in North Carolina are within 25 miles of Concord.

5. Greenville

Greenville is another one of those not-too-small-but-not-too-big towns in the state, with a population of just over 90,000.

Cost of living is slightly lower than the national average. The median home sale price was significantly lower than the national average as of October 2025, at roughly $230,000. However, healthcare and grocery costs are higher than the national averages.

The crime rate in Greenville is low, and there are seven of the state's best hospitals within a 25-mile drive.

6. Jacksonville

If the Atlantic coastline calls to you, Jacksonville is the place to be. The medium-sized community of about 70,000 people is not directly on the beach, but it's incredibly close to it. The city also boasts a low crime rate and super-attractive real estate prices.

Although the cost of living is above the national average, the average home price in October 2025 was over $250,000. Healthcare access is a bit more limited compared to other cities on this list, with only three of the best hospitals in North Carolina within a 25-mile drive of Jacksonville.

7. Kannapolis

Kannapolis is one of the smallest towns on this list, with a population of just 60,500. Located about 25 miles outside of Charlotte, Kannapolis is a quiet retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

The cost of living and crime rate are both well below the national averagess. The cost of real estate makes it a great place to settle in for retirement. The median home price in October 2025 in Kannapolis was less than $315,000, which is substantially below the U.S. average.

Thirteen of the top North Carolina hospitals are within 25 miles of Kannapolis.

8. Raleigh

Although Raleigh isn't the cheapest place to live in North Carolina, you get a lively metro area full of innovation and some of the brightest medical minds in the country since it's only 16 miles from the famous Research Triangle.

The city boasts a population of over 500,000 and a low crime rate, but the cost of living is above average. In October 2025, the average home sales price was just under $450,000. You've also got 25 of the best hospitals in the state within 25 miles of the city.

9. Wilson

Wilson is the only real town in Wilson County and boasts a population of less than 50,000. If you're looking for the quiet countryside, this could be the place for you. The cost of living is above average, but the crime rate in Wilson is low, as is the cost of real estate.

In October 2025, the average home sales price was less than $215,000. It's just 65 miles from the Research Triangle but it only has six of the best hospitals in the state within 25 miles.