North Carolina has emerged as one of the top retirement destinations in the country. Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham Triangle draw the biggest numbers, with Asheville and the mountains offering a different lifestyle. The coast — Wilmington and the Brunswick County corridor — has been growing fast. No tax on Social Security and a flat income tax rate make the financial case straightforward.
55+ Markets in North Carolina
Charlotte / Lake NormanLive Guide
Full community research, cost breakdowns, and tax analysis available.
Raleigh / Durham / CaryLive Guide
Full community research, cost breakdowns, and tax analysis available.
Wilmington / Brunswick CountyLive Guide
Full community research, cost breakdowns, and tax analysis available.
Asheville / MountainsComing Soon
Market research in progress.
Myrtle Beach / Grand StrandLive Guide
Crosses into SC — see also South Carolina
North Carolina Retirement Tax Snapshot
North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. Flat income tax rate of 4.5% (dropping). Property taxes vary by county — Mecklenburg runs about 0.8%, Wake about 0.7%, Brunswick about 0.4%. No estate or inheritance tax.
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