Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina

With so many different cities to choose from, we want to help you narrow down your options. We’ve ranked the top 10 best cities to retire in North Carolina based on factors like housing costs, senior population, poverty rates, and local sales tax.

Top 10 Cities to Retire in North Carolina

Here’s how the top 10 cities in North Carolina line up for retirees:

1. Rocky Mount, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 20.2%
• Median home sale price: $180,000
• Median rent price: $919
• Poverty rate: 21.2%
• Sales tax: 6.75%

Rocky Mount sits between Edgecombe and Nash counties. Roughly 20.2% of the population here is aged 65 or older, which is the highest share on this list. Rocky Mount also stands out for being the most affordable city to retire with a median home price of around $180,000, and median rent is just $919. Few places in North Carolina offer this kind of breathing room.

For retirees who want to stretch their savings, stay active, and be part of a senior-friendly community, Rocky Mount offers real value.

2. Burlington, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 18%
• Median home sale price: $264,000
• Median rent price: $1,030
• Poverty rate: 18%
• Sales tax: 6.75%

Right in the heart of North Carolina, Burlington is perfectly positioned for those who want to stay connected and explore the state with ease

Around 18% of Burlington’s population is 65 or older, which means you’re likely to find neighbors in the same stage of life and plenty of ways to stay active and social.

The sales tax is 6.75%, which helps with day-to-day costs. That said, the poverty rate is 18%, so the level of financial stability can vary depending on the area. 

3. High Point, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 16.1%
• Median home sale price: $255,000
• Median rent price: $1,062
• Poverty rate: 14.7%
• Sales tax: 6.75%

High Point, set in Guilford County, is famously known as “The Furniture Capital of the World” thanks to its deep roots in furniture manufacturing. But what stands out more for retirees is its balance between affordability and stability.

The median home price is $255,000, making it easier to buy without dipping too far into retirement savings. Plus, it also has a poverty rate of 14.7%, making it one of the more financially secure places on this list. That can mean better-funded local services that you can rely on.

About 16.1% of the population is 65 or older, which is lower than in some other cities on our list. While the city feels lively and community-oriented, certain neighborhoods may cater more to families than to retirees.

4. Wilson, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 17.9%
• Median home sale price: $249,500
• Median rent price: $925
• Poverty rate: 25.1%
• Sales tax: 6.75%

Wilson has that small-town feel while being just a short drive from Raleigh, giving residents the best of both worlds.

With 17.9% of the population aged 65 and older, Wilson ranks fourth in terms of retiree presence. Affordability is another plus; the median home price is about $249,500, and the median rent is $925, making it a wise choice for retirees looking to stretch their budgets. But it’s not without trade-offs. The poverty rate is 25.1%, which is the highest on this list. That could mean more visible economic challenges or fewer resources in some areas. 

5. Hickory, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 16.6%
• Median home sale price: $312,000
• Median rent price: $975
• Poverty rate: 16.9%
• Sales tax: 7%

Set against the foothills of North Carolina, Hickory combines scenic beauty with a warm, down-to-earth charm that will make you feel at home.

The city has a large senior population with 16.6% of residents aged 65 or older.

Housing costs are higher here; the median home price is $312,000; however, median rent is more manageable at $975. For those who are not ready to buy, renting may provide more flexibility.

Hickory also has a 7% sales tax, which is among the highest on this list and can chip away at your monthly budget.

6. Gastonia, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 15.1%
• Median home sale price: $296,000
• Median rent price: $1,145
• Poverty rate: 14.3%
• Sales tax: 7%

Just west of Charlotte, Gastonia combines suburban comfort with access to big-city perks. It’s the largest city in Gaston County and has built a reputation for being both livable and lively. 

With a poverty rate of just 14.3%, it ranks as the second-most financially stable spot among our top 10. That can translate into better public services and a safer, more reliable environment. 

That said, it’s not the cheapest place to live. Median home prices are around $296,000, and median rent comes in at $1,145.  Add a 7% sales tax, and your day-to-day expenses can stack up fast. 

7. Kannapolis, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 14.9%
• Median home sale price: $324,945
• Median rent price: $1,168
• Poverty rate: 12.2%
• Sales tax: 7%

Kannapolis has a polished feel, with quiet neighborhoods and plenty of green space. You’re within driving distance of mountains and bigger cities without being in the middle of the noise.

It is also the most financially stable city in our top 10, with a poverty rate of 12.2%. However, it’s not the most affordable place to settle. Median home prices are around $324,945, and median rent is $1,168, both are the second highest among our top 10. 

8. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 14.8%
• Median home sale price: $280,500
• Median rent price: $1,033
• Poverty rate: 17.9%
• Sales tax: 7%

If housing costs are a priority, Winston-Salem delivers. The median home price is around $280,500, and the median rent is about $1,033. Both are strong options for retirees seeking value without compromising on quality of life.

While only 14.8% of residents are 65 or older, which might mean fewer senior-specific amenities or social groups, the city still offers a welcoming atmosphere and access to essential services.

Keep in mind that the 7% sales tax can add up, especially if you’re on a fixed income. Still, for retirees wanting an affordable place to settle, without the hustle of a big city, Winston-Salem is worth considering.

9. Greensboro, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 13.9%
• Median home sale price: $283,500
• Median rent price: $1,114
• Poverty rate: 18.4%
• Sales tax: 6.75%

Greensboro offers a well-rounded slice of North Carolina, with easy access to both the mountains and the beach.

Everyday expenses are a bit easier here too, it’s 6.75% sales tax, ties for the lowest among our top 10, providing a small but steady advantage for long-term budgeting.

However, with seniors making up just 13.9% of the population, the smallest share among our top 10, Greensboro may feel a bit youthful for those seeking a stronger retiree community.

Plus, the city has a poverty rate of 18.4%, so it’s worth exploring neighborhoods carefully to find the stability and support you need.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

• Share of population 65+: 19.2%
• Median home sale price: $547,500
• Median rent price: $1,303
• Poverty rate: 14.6%
• Sales tax: 7%

Asheville sits between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, blending scenic beauty with deep-rooted history. 

About 19.2% of the population is 65 or older, so you’ll find a well-established senior community here. It’s easier to meet people and settle into a retirement routine that doesn’t feel isolating. With a poverty rate of 14.6%, it’s also more financially stable than many other cities across the state.

However, this natural charm comes at a price. Median home sale prices are the highest among our top 10 at $547,500, and median rent is $1,303. If Asheville is on your shortlist, it’s worth taking a closer look at your long-term budget. The lifestyle here is rich, but it does ask for planning.

See Where Your North Carolina Community Ranks for Retirement

Curious where your city stands? Below is the full list of the largest cities in North Carolina, ranked based on factors that matter most for retirees.

Methodology

We looked at North Carolina cities with at least 40,000 people and compared them using key retirement-friendly factors. These included home prices, rent, local tax rates, poverty levels, and the share of residents aged 65 and older. Each factor was weighted based on how much it tends to shape day-to-day life in retirement.

The numbers came from reliable and recent sources. Population, rental costs, and poverty rates are from the 2023 American Community Survey (5-Year Estimates). Home sale prices reflect Redfin’s April 2025 data, while sales tax information was pulled from Avalara.

Here’s a breakdown of how each factor influenced our rankings:

• Percentage of Population 65+: 30% 
• Median Home Sale Price: 20% 
• Median Monthly Rent: 20% 
• Poverty Rate: 20% 
• Sales Tax: 10%

Reference Policy 

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Article Sources

1. 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
2. Redfin
3. Avalara

Read More

Are you considering retiring somewhere other than North Carolina? You can explore our guide to the 10 Best U.S. Cities for Retirement and our Best and Worst States to Retire In.