This North Carolina county ranks as the state’s best place for retirees. Here’s why

Simone Jasper
·2 min read
39

The best place to retire in North Carolina is nestled along the state’s coastline, a new report finds.

Carteret County ranks No. 1 on a list of destinations offering older adults the most attractive activities and living conditions at an affordable price, according to findings published May 4.

To determine the top county for retirees, the data-driven website Stacker said it studied 2023 figures from the ranking website Niche. Using data from the U.S. government and other sources, Niche considered weather, affordability, population trends, entertainment and access to medical care in 98 of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

Emerald Isle is in Carteret County, which was named the most desirable place to retire in North Carolina.
Emerald Isle is in Carteret County, which was named the most desirable place to retire in North Carolina.

Carteret County — home to Beaufort as well as the popular travel destinations of Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle — reigned supreme in Niche’s rankings. It made its mark after it received high scores for its weather, costs of living and attractions.

In its report, Stacker also gave the county a nod for being a long-time retirement destination and for having top-notch health care.

“In 2020, it was North Carolina’s first coastal county to receive RetireNC’s Certified Retirement Community designation, a recognition of the county’s ability to provide services and amenities targeted toward creating an enriched senior lifestyle,” Stacker wrote. “Among those amenities are plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, golfing, and relaxing on Emerald Isle Beach.”

In addition to ranking No. 1 in North Carolina, Carteret County also landed in the No. 10 spot on Niche’s nationwide list of best counties for retirees to call home.

Stacker’s report comes after other parts of the state have ranked among the nation’s hot spots for retirees. Raleigh recently was named a top place to retire, and it joined Wilmington on a list of places gaining the most residents ages 60 and older, McClatchy News reported.

Best place for a summer vacation? This NC destination ranks among nation’s favorites

This barbecue joint was named the best in North Carolina. What makes it so special?