North Carolina’s coastline is renowned for being home to some of the best beach towns, offering retirees a perfect mix of natural beauty, charming towns, and a relaxed lifestyle. From serene barrier islands to lively waterfront communities, the best beach towns in North Carolina combine great weather, a low cost of living, and plenty of amenities for those ready to trade in their office desk for a beach chair.
Jump Ahead
Wilmington: Where City Meets the Coast
Nestled along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, Wilmington offers the perfect blend of city convenience and beachside relaxation, making it an ideal spot for retirees. As a vibrant, historic city, Wilmington boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, theaters, and a variety of festivals that draw visitors year-round. Whether you’re attending a live performance at the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts or exploring the exhibits at the Cameron Art Museum, you’ll always find something engaging to do.
What makes Wilmington one of the best beach towns in North Carolina is its ability to offer both the hustle and bustle of city life and the serenity of nearby beaches. You can spend your mornings enjoying the historic district’s shops and restaurants and your afternoons lounging on the sands of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach, all within a short drive.
The real estate market remains relatively affordable for those looking to settle in Wilmington. The median home price is around $395,000, while the median rent sits at $1,437—giving retirees plenty of options to find a comfortable place to call home. Wilmington is also known for its growing senior population, which currently makes up 19.8% of the city’s residents, making it a welcoming environment for older adults.
Beaufort: A Coastal Gem with Southern Charm
Beaufort is a quaint, historic town that perfectly blends old-world charm with modern coastal living. Known for its picturesque waterfront, cobblestone streets, and rich maritime history, Beaufort offers a peaceful, slower pace of life. Unique to Beaufort is its close connection to both history and nature, with the town’s well-preserved 18th-century buildings and the nearby Rachel Carson Reserve offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.
The cultural scene in Beaufort is equally charming, with a focus on local history, art, and coastal traditions. You can visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s nautical heritage or spend time at the annual Beaufort Food and Wine Festival, a celebration of local cuisine and wines. For those who love the arts, the Beaufort Historic Site offers seasonal tours, and the town’s vibrant galleries showcase works from local artists.
Beaufort is consistently ranked among the best beach towns in North Carolina, thanks to its surrounding natural beauty. The nearby Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore offer pristine, uncrowded beaches perfect for quiet strolls, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the views. Additionally, nearby Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach provide more recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and paddleboarding.
With a median home price of $444,940 and a median rent of $1,505, Beaufort offers affordable coastal living, especially when compared to larger cities. With nearly 30.4% of the population aged 65 and older, it’s clear that Beaufort is a popular choice among retirees looking for a peaceful, tight-knit community.
Nags Head: A Beach Lover’s Paradise in the Outer Banks
True to the Outer Banks lifestyle, Nags Head offers retirees an idyllic beachside lifestyle with a touch of adventure. Known for its beautiful, expansive beaches and stunning natural surroundings, Nags Head is a haven for those who love coastal living at its finest. You can fully immerse yourself in outdoor adventures in Nags Head, including kiteboarding, hang gliding, and exploring the trails of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
While the town is small, it has a rich history, with sites like the Bodie Island Lighthouse and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is home to the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. For those interested in arts and entertainment, there are local galleries, beach shops, and seasonal festivals to enjoy. The Nags Head Fishing Pier and nearby piers also offer a local touch, where both seasoned anglers and beginners can cast their lines into the Atlantic.
With a median home price of $870,000 and a median rent of $3,295, Nags Head hasa higher cost of living compared to other areas, but it reflects the premium for being one of the best beaches in North Carolina. Its senior population, which makes up 42.4% of the residents, indicates that Nags Head is a popular choice for retirees looking to enjoy the beauty of the Outer Banks.
Southport: A Historic Seaside Town with Southern Charm
Southport is a charming, small town located along the Cape Fear River. Known for its historic streets lined with quaint cottages and stunning riverfront views, Southport offers a unique blend of old-fashioned Southern charm and modern coastal living. What sets Southport apart is its strong sense of community, walkable streets, and a deep-rooted connection to its maritime heritage. The town is known for its history as a former Civil War port, and visitors and residents alike can explore the town’s historical sites, including the Old Brunswick County Jail, the Southport Heritage Museum, and the famous Old Yacht Basin.
The cultural scene in Southport is rich with local art galleries, antique shops, and regular events that celebrate the town’s history and natural beauty. Southport also hosts the annual North Carolina Festival by the Sea, which attracts visitors with its live music, arts and crafts, and a celebration of coastal culture. For those who love to experience local cuisine, Southport has a variety of seafood restaurants, some with stunning views of the water.
Though a quieter town, Southport’s proximity to larger cities like Wilmington means that retirees can easily access bigger cultural and recreational amenities when desired. The town offers easy access to both inland and coastal activities, including golfing, boating, and fishing. Oak Island Beach is just a short drive away, offering miles of sandy coastline perfect for beach walks, swimming, and fishing. Holden Beach and Caswell Beach are also nearby, providing a peaceful retreat from the busier beaches along the coast.
With a median home price of around $330,000 (based on recent sales trends in Brunswick County) and a median rent of $1,468, Southport offers a relatively affordable living option for those looking to retire by the water. The town also has a large senior population, with 43.1% of residents aged 65 and older, making it a welcoming place for retirees seeking a community-oriented, low-key lifestyle.
Duck: A Quiet Coastal Retreat in the Outer Banks
Known for its serene atmosphere, charming coastal cottages, and friendly community, Duck is unique in that it combines an intimate small-town feel with a variety of upscale amenities. The town’s walkable village center is full of locally owned boutiques, cozy cafés, and art galleries, creating an inviting, relaxing environment for those looking to spend their retirement days in a quiet, beautiful setting.
The town hosts annual events like the Duck Jazz Festival, which brings music lovers together, and various art exhibits throughout the year. Residents can also enjoy walking along the Duck Boardwalk, which stretches along the Currituck Sound and offers stunning views, wildlife watching, and opportunities for peaceful strolls. Duck also boasts a strong focus on environmental preservation, with plenty of parks, wildlife areas, and nature trails, making it perfect for retirees who enjoy outdoor activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking.
Duck’s prime location along the Outer Banks means access to some of the best beaches in North Carolina. Duck Beach offers wide sandy shores perfect for relaxing, walking, or simply enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the nearby beaches of Corolla and the northern reaches of the Outer Banks are just a short drive away, offering even more options for beachgoers.
With a median home price of around $698,000 (based on recent Outer Banks real estate trends) and a median rent of $1,393, Duck offers a higher cost of living compared to other towns, but it’s well worth it for those seeking an idyllic, tranquil place to retire. The senior population in Duck makes up 39.6% of the total residents, indicating that the town is a popular choice for retirees looking for a slower pace of life while still enjoying beautiful surroundings and a close-knit community.
Manteo: A Quaint and Affordable Gem on the Outer Banks
In the heart of the Outer Banks, you will find Roanoke and, subsequently, Manteo. Manteo offers a more affordable and charming alternative to some of the area’s larger, more tourist-heavy towns. The town is steeped in history and is home to many historic sites, such as the Roanoke Island Festival Park, where you can explore the history of the first English settlers in America, or visit the Elizabethan Gardens for a serene escape in beautifully manicured gardens.
The town has a vibrant community of artists, and you’ll find several galleries showcasing local works. For those who enjoy history, Manteo offers the Outer Banks History Center and the 1587 Park, which commemorate the lost colony of Roanoke Island. Manteo also hosts regular cultural events, such as the annual Lost Colony drama, a live outdoor theater production that tells the story of the first English settlers. You can also enjoy the lively Waterfront Shops and restaurants offering a mix of seafood and Southern fare with fantastic views of the water.
Manteo may be more affordable than other Outer Banks towns, with a more modest cost of living, but it remains one of the best beach towns to retire in North Carolina. The median home price in Manteo is lower compared to other parts of the Outer Banks, at around $465,000, providing retirees with an opportunity to live by the water without the premium price tag seen in places like Duck or Nags Head. The town’s median rent is $1,261, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy coastal living without breaking the bank.
With a senior population of 25.6%, Manteo offers a welcoming community for retirees, combining affordability, cultural offerings, and natural beauty in a charming and tranquil setting. For those seeking a relaxed, more affordable coastal lifestyle, Manteo presents an ideal location to enjoy retirement in the heart of the Outer Banks.
Finding Your Perfect Beach Town: Tips Before Retiring in North Carolina
North Carolina’s coastal towns offer a diverse range of lifestyles, from the historic charm of Beaufort to the bustling beach vibes of Wilmington. Whether you’re drawn to the laid-back atmosphere of Manteo or the vibrant community of Nags Head, there’s no shortage of beautiful beach towns to call home. But before making the leap, it’s wise to consider renting for a year in the town you’re considering. While vacation visits give you a glimpse of the local life, living there full-time will offer a much clearer picture of what daily life is really like.
Additionally, don’t forget about the impact of hurricane season, which can be a significant factor for coastal living. Being familiar with how a town handles severe weather and experiencing it firsthand can be important in your decision-making process. Renting allows you to get acclimated to the area, its weather, and all the nuances that come with living in a coastal community before committing to a permanent home. By taking this approach, you can ensure that you’ve truly found the right place to enjoy your retirement years with peace of mind and confidence.
Are you looking for the perfect beach town to retire in? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
*All other data sourced from the US Census Bureau
