Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Four mild seasons, mountains to coast, and no tax on Social Security.
1. Asheville: Best overall for retirees
2. Wilmington: Best coastal retirement
3. Raleigh: Best for healthcare
4. Pinehurst: Best for golfers
5. Hendersonville: Best small mountain town
6. New Bern: Best waterfront value
7. Southern Pines: Best for an active pace
8. Charlotte: Best for city living
North Carolina has become a top retirement destination for its mild four-season climate, lower costs than the Northeast, strong healthcare, and the choice between mountains, cities, and coast. It does not tax Social Security, which sweetens the math. Here are the 8 best places to retire in North Carolina, ranked.