5 Great Reasons to Retire in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the country. And it’s becoming an increasingly popular place to retire. In fact, some of the retirees here have even earned the nickname of “halfbacks” because of their migration from Florida halfway back to the North.

But what’s causing the sudden influx of aging Americans? North Carolina has a lot to offer besides just the fantastic scenery. Here are five reasons you might want to consider retiring there.

The mountains

Just because the landscape isn’t the only thing this state has to offer, doesn’t mean it isn’t still a fantastic benefit. And the North Carolina mountain ranges are some of the most grand in the country. It is home to both the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains. On these mountains, you’ll find breathtaking waterfalls and scenic trails, perfect for hiking or biking. And if you care to make your home in the mountains, there are plenty of beautiful log homes for sale in NC. Imagine waking up to the fresh smell of pine and the distant sound of a running stream every morning.

The beaches

If you’re more of a beach bum, North Carolina has more than 300 miles of coastline and over 25 beaches. This makes the state the perfect place for water sports and relaxation. Along these shores, you’ll see towering lighthouses, beautiful historic homes, and bustling boardwalks. But the great thing about having so many beaches is that you can choose from a beach like Nags Head, where your whole family can enjoy paddle-boarding and sailing. Or from one like Sunset Beach, where you can relax and take in the quiet sea air.

The tax breaks

North Carolina is one of the states that will not tax your Social Security benefits. And while most other retirement income is recognized, it is only taxed at a 5.499 percent flat rate. But aside from income, North Carolina also has low property taxes and a little below average sales tax. This makes housing costs in the state about four percent lower than the national average.

The sports

North Carolina is a great state for professional sports enthusiasts. All together, they have 21 pro and minor league teams. North Carolina is home to the Panthers NFL team, the Hornets NBA team, along with several hockey and baseball teams. They even have their own motor speedway in Charlotte that’s home to some of the world’s largest NASCAR events. And we can’t leave out the famous Tar Heels from the University of North Carolina.

The food

A lot of the foods we eat and love today were born or made popular in North Carolina. One of those is barbecue, which is actually considered a big part of the state’s heritage. In fact, there are entire societies and clubs devoted to the topic. Krispy Kreme doughnuts also got their start in North Carolina, as another example. They started out making all their products from scratch, but eventually built a plant to make their mix. Now they’re a worldwide chain, bringing their sweet treats to over 500 stores.

The history

You won’t find many places with as many historical sites as North Carolina. There are well-preserved historical estates, such as the ones you can visit at Old Salem Museums and Gardens or the Blandwood Mansion in Greensboro. Or you can can venture into old colonial forts like Fort Dobbs. You can even visit Kitty Hawk to see where the Wright brothers discovered the art of flight. No matter what part of the state you’re in, there is a historic site you can visit and expand your knowledge of North Carolina’s rich heritage.