Retirement 2024: These Are the 10 Worst Places To Retire in North Carolina
North Carolina gets pretty high marks as a retirement destination thanks to its combination of affordability, moderate weather, diverse geography and urban centers that offer all the amenities. But certain places in the Tar Heel State are not ideal for retirees even as they attract younger people from all over the country.
Check Out: Here’s Exactly How Much Savings You Need To Retire in Your State
Read Next: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money
Determining the best and worst places to retire is an inexact science because there are so many different variables at play. A place that ranks low in one analysis could rank high in another. But based on different studies and metrics, some places are more likely to land in the “worst” column than the “best” one.
Here’s a look at 10 of the worst cities to retire in North Carolina based on research from GOBankingRates and other sources (listed alphabetically).
1. Asheville
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has built a national reputation for its physical beauty as well as its award-winning arts, food and music scenes. But it has become an expensive place to live and retirees might not like the cold winters.
Learn More: 6 Ways To Lower Expenses in Retirement While Still Living a Luxury Lifestyle
2. Cary
Cary is located in the red-hot Triangle region that also includes Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. Living costs are high here compared with other N.C. cities and you can find cheaper options elsewhere in the region.
3. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina flagship campus, which means you’ll have to contend with the usual college town hassles (street parties, traffic jams). It’s also the priciest N.C. city, according to a recent analysis from Rent Café.
4. Charlotte
North Carolina’s biggest city is also one of the fastest growing in the country, meaning you’ll have to deal with lots of traffic, rising crime and high prices.
5. Gastonia
Located just west of Charlotte, Gastonia is a cheaper option than the Queen City, but it ranks low in livability.
6. Goldsboro
Here’s a city located in the eastern half of the state that has comparatively low costs of living — except for healthcare, which costs about 28% more than the U.S. median. Goldsboro also rates relatively low in livability.
7. Jacksonville
This eastern N.C. coastal and military town was rated one of the 10 worst cities for retirees in the Southeast by Finance Buzz. That was largely because of its weather, which includes a continual threat of hurricanes and high humidity that brings pests into your home and yard.
8. Mooresville
Located about 30 miles north of Charlotte on Interstate 77, Mooresville is fast-growing exurban community that has seen its living costs, traffic and crime swell along with its population.
9. Statesville
Statesville is another city on the I-77 corridor that is located just north of Mooresville. It is more affordable than its neighbors to the south, but it rates low in livability and lacks the amenities found in other North Carolina cities.
10. Wilmington
Wilmington offers coastal living, an award-winning riverfront and a 230-block historic district. Living costs are around the national average, but healthcare is about 18% above the national median and you’ll have to deal with severe coastal weather and an influx of tourists during the summer.
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Retirement 2024: These Are the 10 Worst Places To Retire in North Carolina
