Is South Carolina or North Carolina better for retirement? This can take out a big chunk of your retirement savings. Many retiree-friendly communities have been developed with top-notch health care facilities. One of the downsides to living in Maine is the fact that the income tax and retirement income tax rate can be as high as 7.15%. amongst states with the highest per capita tax. A cost of living index above 100 means North Carolina, North Carolina is more expensive. These same mountains include fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. They also appreciate the state's diverse culture, with its many festivals and events. One of the most significant disadvantages of retiring in North Carolina is a lack of public transportation. The residents of this state display that Southern charm regularly. Cost of Living Data Series. Winters were a bear and I was desperate to get out, as such, moving to a place with mild winters was non-negotiable. In addition to the stunning scenery, the state has many parks and trails for retirees to enjoy. According to How Stuff Works, "the average cost of living for a retired couple in South Carolina is about $37,000 a year," which is significantly lower than many other states in the US. High Crime Rate 2. The first option is to live inland as the worst effects of the hurricane can impact you in the mountains, while the other option is to buy an insurance plan that covers all aspects of hurricane damage. If you're over 65, you can exempt up to $35,000 of your retirement income from state taxes. Read More. This is something to keep in mind if you're considering retiring to North Carolina. Heck, take a road trip to Great Smokey Mountains National Park (the most visited national park in the country!) Its important to remember that regardless of where you choose to settle in North Carolina, youre never far from the mountains. In addition, Social Security income is not taxed, and income taxes have been lowered to a flat rate, to 4.9% in 2022. Pros and Cons of Retiring in South Carolina The advantages of retiring in South Carolina include an affordable lifestyle where your money can go much farther than in many other parts of the country. Last modified February 20, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/north-carolina/. Published in Forbes, Senior Finance Advisor, Alzheimers.net and on other leading senior care blogs, she leverages her working knowledge of the senior care industry with leading research and best practices to create engaging content benefitting seniors and their caregivers. Something went wrong while submitting the form. The Biltmore Estate near Asheville stuns visitors with its beautifully designed 250 rooms and sprawling grounds. As one of the original 13 colonies, you'll find important historical sites in American history, from Revolutionary-era buildings to Civil War battle sites. Retiring in Asheville, NC: Reasons, Best Places & More! Once you have a good understanding of how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the cost of senior living. Even though this isnt true for the entire state, the most populous places do experience a fairly temperate climate. The most frequent explanation for North Carolina's increased crime rate is the state's higher-than-average poverty levels. Its all about the meat in this method, and sauce would serve as a mere distraction although a small side of ketchup-based sauce is provided, for those so inclined. Benefits of Retiring In Virginia (Pros & Cons) | Retire Fearless Asheville is a unique mixture of a lively city with an active and modern culture that is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of nature. As you think about it, the state does have a lot to love for retirement.The state's picturesque landscape,. Generally speaking, North Carolina offers more diversity in locations and scenery, from major cities and beaches to full-blown mountain ranges. She has written copy for both digital and print pieces ranging from blogs, radio scripts and search ads to billboards, brochures, mailers and more. 11 Pros and Cons of Retiring in Maine (2020) - Aging Greatly (n.d.). Are you considering buying a house in the mountains of North Carolina but arent sure where Read More, 8 Best NC School Districts for Buying a House Consider leaving a review on Google or Facebook. Recall how I mentioned southern hospitality as one of the best things about living in North Carolina? If you're over 65, you can exempt up to $35,000 of your retirement income from state taxes. That data found the median monthly mortgage cost was $1,314, and the median two-bedroom rent was $878. What more could you want in a new community? Raleigh and Durham. One big perk for retirees is that North Carolina will not tax your Social Security, which can give you thousands of extra dollars each year. However, as with every other state, North Carolina also has quite a few pitfalls that if you can look past, youll love living here. In some places, such as Durham County, you may even have to pay sales tax at the rate of 7.50%. Locals Tip: Something that caught me off guard after moving to North Carolina was hearing kids use yes maam and no sir in practically every interaction. The Friendly Community Feeling #6. Retirefearless.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. 0.77%. However, that doesnt mean that crime in the state is non-existent. The hurricane season hits North Carolina from June to November. Another pro of retiring in North Carolina is excellent health care. North Carolina doesnt tax Social Security retirement benefits. Retiring in North Carolina brings tax benefits, which means that the state considered pro-business, with a great outlook on jobs for seniors looking to start their own business or begin a second career. Besides the beautiful scenery, North Carolina offers a mild climate and plenty of amenities that make it attractive to retirees. 1.. North Carolinas total state and average local sales tax rate is 6.98%. Want to Retire in North Carolina? Charlotte. Brevard. They also have higher than average property tax rates. You will need to invest in a car to get the most out of living in North Carolina. I was fortunate enough to keep my teleworking job while living in North Carolina, so I didnt experience the challenges of find a job firsthand. One of the most significant drawbacks of retiring in North Carolina is the lack of a public transportation system. Posted by Preston Guyton on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 10:07 AM By Preston Guyton / September 30, 2022 Comment When you think "retirement destination," North Carolina may not be top of mind. Low Employment Opportunities 3. The state experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters in the mountains. One of the most significant advantages of retiring in South Carolina is the low cost of living. A few of the most popular include the Riverfest Music Festival, the NC State Fair, and the Charlotte Folk Festival. Worth mention: The flat 4.99% state income tax is one of the lowest in the country, further adding to the lost cost of living in North Carolina. Get money-saving tips, hard-to-find info and tactics for a successful retirement in our. How To Apply For Medicare: A Step-by-Step Guide, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Overall, North Carolinas health care is not bad by any means, but its also not close to the states in the top tier. Eastern BBQ calls for the smoking of the whole hog (minus the snout) before finishing with a vinegar-based sauce. And the next 10 years are predicted to bring even more growth. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in North Carolina Right Now Whether or not you have access to healthcare programs, insurance, and good hospitals and doctors, is and should be a major factor to consider. Consider how much of your income is spent monthly on food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and homeownership costs. The median home cost in the city is $260,000, but you can save some by relocating to Durham if you prefer. North Carolinas total state and average local sales tax rate is 6.98%,placing it on the ranking of 26 in the nation. Hurricanes in North Carolina are accompanied by intense winds and unpredictable weather patterns that can cause flooding and severely damage your home. The state is home to some of the best hospitals in the country, including Duke University Hospital and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. If you prefer the sea to mountaintops, the state has you covered in that department as well. Obviously your lifestyle with depend on your way of life in North Carolina. Travel Challenges 4. Now to answer the big question: Is North Carolina a good place to live? and youll see what all the fuss is about. If youre more interested in a small-town retirement, the U.S. News & World Report also pointed to Hickory as an option, which is opposite from Charlotte. The Pros and Cons of Retiring to Alabama Have you been thinking of retiring to Alabama? Five-star fun. Unlike most other states, North Carolina taxes groceries. Moreover, there are also smaller university hospitals in the state that are nationally ranked. 890 Words; 4 Pages; Open Document. Regardless of your preference, both city and rural life have an overall laid-back quality about them that I havent seen in other places Ive lived. Here are the pros and cons of retiring to Asheville, North Carolina. North Carolina's rich history influences much of the cultural scene. True to form, locals focus on getting to know their neighbors and building a sense of community. The taxes are not overtly high, but still will cost you more than many other parts of the country. The state does tax public and private pension incomes, 401(k)s, IRA, and other retirement accounts at the current income tax rate. Since they live in a gorgeous state, youll find most people casually walking around looking happy and enjoying life. Unlike Eastern style BBQ, the meat is part of the party, but not the whole show. Retire in Asheville - Asheville North Carolina retirement With lower than average rents, reasonably-priced food options, and free activities, retirees can save their dollars for other opportunities, such as traveling. According to WRAL, there are also several small mountain towns scattered throughout the state that can also appeal to retirees. Being called maam isnt a reference to your age, fret not. Pros of retiring in North Carolina Beautiful scenery Diversity in locations Low cost of living And the state has the added benefit of generally affordable housing and a low cost of living, even within the cities. Social Security Income is exempt. Theres something for everyone in the mountains of North Carolina. Receive Helpful Content Straight ToYour Inbox. Christian is a former winner of a Florida Society of News Editors journalism contest and has written professionally since 2016. Read More. As the younger population flocks to the more happening and exciting states, they often miss out on the beauty that is NC. The states property tax rate stands at 0.77%, which means that a homeowner has to pay around $770 every year for every $100,000 in home value. Here are 10 pros and cons of living in North Carolina to consider before making this state your home. What is the property tax in North Carolina? - 2023 The parkway is a total of 469 miles and is world-renowned for its biodiversity featuring extremely rare habitats. State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2020. 6. When it comes to retirement, there's a lot to consider. The 7 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - msn.com If youre considering retiring in North Carolina but still require some convincing, Ive lined up more than a few reasons to help you make a decision. NC isnt the worst state for retirees when it comes to income taxes, but it isnt the best either. The Median income in North Carolina is about $56,000. After all, this state has a lot to offer. If youre hoping to stay in touch with civilization in retirement, this city offers everything from a great culture to major sports teams and events while still giving you the chance to experience seasonal weather with mountain ranges and nature activities nearby. Truthfully speaking, the friendly community feel took some adjusting at first because Ive mostly lived in large cities where being greeted by name was deemed unusual. It has an old town feel and is very affordable, giving older adults the chance to retire in a charming town with great scenery. But there are still notable drawbacks to retiring in North Carolina. North Carolina has a growing variety of retirement communities, with some as small as a couple hundred homes grouped together and others large enough to qualify as sprawling self-sufficient towns. 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In Greenville SC (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset With its rugged inland mountains and wind-swept beaches, the state offers some grossly ravishing scenery that will take your breath away. This site also participates in other affiliate programs such as CJ, ClickBank and more, and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina comes in 5 points below the national average. The cost of senior living in North Carolina is fairly consistent across the state, coming in at $3250 per month for assisted living care, below than the national average. However, the sales tax differs from county to county. North Carolina offers mild weather and beautiful seasons while also keeping older adults closer to the communities they came from, offering a more pleasing retirement life. Cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte have a public transportation system, but they lack the convenience that other cities, such as Chicago or New York, offer. It truly offers the best of both worlds to prospective retirees. A website run by locals in various cities, with the hopes of making big life decisions a little easier on you. Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina? - 2023 If youre planning to retire in North Carolina, you have more than a few reasons up your sleeve to do so. We offerindependent living servicesat Treeo Raleigh in North Carolina. However, with your retirement nearing, you dont have to look past this wonderful state. North Carolina experiences moderate temperatures in all four seasons. The Outer Banks' positioning on the east coast makes them more susceptible to direct hits or brushes from tropical storms that ride up the East Coast. For instance, if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'retirefearless_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-retirefearless_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Duke University Hospital is among the best in the country. It can balance out somewhat, however, since the cost of living and affordability of North Carolina is significantly lower than some similar states that also tax retirement income. Much of determining where to retire may come down to researching where your money will spend the best. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] For full transparency, we clearly identify our sources in a list at the bottom of each page. According to a report from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, North Carolina ranks 22nd nationally in cost of living. Cmon now, my grubby little hands will never squeal! By 63, you no longer pay taxes. (n.d.). And its true, with median home prices coming in at $330,000, many folks end up moving to North Carolina to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning a home (myself included). Therefore it becomes challenging to get from one place to another without a vehicle. Many of our outpatient clinics are located near Mission Hospital, right in the center of Asheville. Central North Carolina's Piedmont region is home to the state's capital, Raleigh. The Southern states have seen massive growth recently, with the region becoming one of Read More, These Markets Are Projected to Have the Most Home Price Change in 2023. Contents1 Is it cheaper to live in SC [] Lexington style BBQ (also called Western style) uses only the pork shoulder and employs a ketchup-based red sauce perfected with vinegar and spices. North Carolina does have a state income tax, which can be unappealing to some retirees and sets it back from a financial perspective from popular retirement states like Florida, which doesnt have tax income at all. 3. The Appalachian Mountains form most of North Carolinas territory, providing the state with. RetireGuide.com, 20 Feb 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/north-carolina/. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for helpful guides, interesting topics, and tips from locals. . When you think "retirement destination," North Carolina may not be top of mind. For instance, Duke University Hospital is among the best in the country. Estimate how long you'll live and explore retirement options for a long life. Retrieved from, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. placing it on the ranking of 26 in the nation. For instance, prescription drugs are exempted from taxes, and the local corporate tax rates are quite reduced. This trail starts from Georgia and passes through North Carolina, making it all the way to Maine. Overall Score. You're signed up for our free newsletter! Over the years we've found the best ways to live, how to travel, take on new hobbies and give back. 2023 Best & Worst States for Retirement | Retirement Living Raleigh, the state capital, could also be a suitable retirement destination that includes many big city offerings without quite as much activity as Charlotte. Low Population 4. 1. As far as the major cities, Asheville may offer the most affordable lifestyle. If you're considering retiring to the coastal region of North Carolina, it's important to have a plan in place in case of a hurricane. Asheville is the #1 retirement town in the U.S. As a result the entire region has experienced rapid growth as tens of thousands of retirees have migrated to these mountains in western North Carolina. Before moving to North Carolina I found myself living in Chicago, where I braced for winters with the enthusiasm reserved for water-downed cocktails and malfunctioning alarm clocks. Most of all, retirees with eyes on West Virginia must weigh the pros and cons of rural living. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Myrtle Beach? in advertising from the University of Illinois, Alissa has worked all over the world as a freelance communications strategist and writer. There aren't enough regular buses, trains, and other means of transportation to allow you to travel and explore different areas of the state. North Carolina may be most known for its scenic mountain ranges, but it also has plenty of beach options with 322 miles of coastline. The company also offers access to third-party pre . South Carolina's tax code is great for retirees as there are also some substantial deductions for other kinds of retirement income. Theres essentially something for everyone. Required fields are marked *. This post is for you. Again, it's about researching the specific community you're interested in living in as many areas have low crime rates. Residents have over 200 state parks to explore, including Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Benefits of Retiring In North Carolina (Pros & Cons) - Retire Fearless With its picturesque beauty, stunning coastline, and southern hospitality, it isnt hard to see why North Carolina draws people from all over the country. Please call us using the phone number listed on this page. Its a major area and feels like it as its the most populous city in the state. While the people whove been living here for a long are prepared for these types of disasters, those who are unprepared can often be severely injured or embrace mortality due to touching downed wires or getting swept up in flood. For anyone trying to find affordable senior housing in Indiana, there are some good options to choose from around the state. It wont come easy (Ill touch on this shortly as well). It came in as the 20th most-taxed state. There are plenty of opportunities for retirees to pursue academic study at the many universities located around the State. North Carolina has a diverse range of weather and climate, depending on which region you retire to.