Top 3 Reasons to Retire to the Coast of North Carolina
North Carolina recently overtook Florida and Arizona as the favorite retirement destination state
among the aging population in a recent Del Webb study. We take a look at some of the reasons why North Carolina takes
out the top spot to live out the golden years.
#1 Climate
When choosing a retirement home - location, location, location is everything. Aside from
proximity to family, a warm winter climate usually sits at the top of the list for prospective buyers.
Some may argue that Florida boasts a warm weather climate that is hard to beat; however, we
make the case that North Carolina’s climate offers an enjoyable, yet still diverse weather pattern
all year round.
Unlike Florida, North Carolina does endure a mild winter season with colder temperatures.
However, where there is a mild coolness through winter, there is a mild coolness through
summer, giving North Carolinians relief that can’t be found in Southern Florida. Along the
coastline in North Carolina, specifically where
Bald Head Island sits, temperatures rarely drop
below 40 degrees in winter and rarely go over 100 degrees in summer.
The best part about North Carolina’s coastal climate is the ability for retirees to enjoy any sport
or activity of choice all year round. Unlike states located further south, North Carolina still enjoys
four seasons throughout the year with mild transitions to carry fall into winter and winter into
spring. On
Bald Head Island, golfers can enjoy a round of golf on its prestigious, award-winning
greens no matter what time of year it is and with a nice cool breeze, residents can still enjoy
dinner on the harbor during the hottest months of summer.
#2 Serenity
Unlike most popular beach destinations, the North Carolina coast inhabits wide, expansive
beaches that aren’t overcrowded or overrun with tourists. A twenty minute ferry ride from
Southport, North Carolina allows you to escape to a quaint, private island known as Bald Head
Island that feels hours, even days, away from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. The
white, sandy beaches and sweeping green dunes are enjoyed by a community of only 300 full-
time residents year round. With two miles of serene beach up for grabs no matter what time of
year, the Island is the perfect place to find your tranquil escape.
#3 Character
North Carolina offers a ‘cool factor’ that is hard to find in other retirement spots around the
country. In the coastal town of Southport, retirees enjoy a historic city with a revered past and
charming present. Beautifully restored homes, churches and public buildings grace the city’s
tree-lined streets.
The Southport Community Building, as seen here, is host to many weddings throughout the
year as it’s perfectly positioned on the banks of the Cape Fear River.
Additionally, Southport, North Carolina is also the gateway to the state’s best kept coastal
secret, Bald Head Island. A fun 20 minute ferry ride from Deep Point Marina in Southport allows
you access to the most private and charming island where only golf carts and bikers are allowed
to roam. Bald Head Island’s character is defined by a car-less island that is home to a beautiful
harbor, two beautifully built clubhouses, nature trails, forests, two miles of pristine beach and
more. The island has its own tennis courts, croquet field, golf course, swimming pool, bike trails,
Maritime Market, day spa, award-winning restaurants, and boutique shops - all in one spot, so
you never have to leave. Because trust us… you aren’t ever going to want to!
Published on Sunday, November 15, 2015