I lived in SC for 35 years, leaving in 2003. Lovely state, lot of nice folks. The political atmosphere is so conservative, however, and I began to feel isolated. Retirees from Northeast or Midwest may feel a bit out of place politically. If you like right-wing Republicans, however, this will be a very pleasing state in which to retire. I don’t mean to start any political arguments, and there’s much to like in SC. In my brief experience there, however, NC is a more “progressive” state, in general. I enjoyed reading the comparison above, which I think for the most part is quite accurate (though Sumter, SC is not really a college town).

November 17th, 2010 | #

Just for the record, the sales tax in both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, SC is 9% not 6%. North Myrtle Beach would like to raise their sales tax to 10%. Some alcoholic drinks purchased in restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area can be taxed up to 16.5% so research the areas carefully before packing your bags. Also, be aware that you must establish residency in South Carolina before you can take advantage of the $50,000 property tax deduction on your home at age 65 or older. If you are a non-resident you will be taxed at 6% plus a higher millage rate than a resident’s 4% and lower millage rate. For example, one of our friends in North Myrtle Beach is paying around $780/yr in property tax for a 1B/1B condo because he is a non-resident. The same condo for an under 65 resident would be about $250 and for a resident 65 or older it would be around $45. The reduction in property taxes is beneficial but groceries are on the expensive side so I can’t stress enough to research any area thoroughly and weigh all pros and cons. You can get a sales tax table on every city or town in SC by going to the State of South Carolina’s web site. Oh and car insurance in SC may be quite a bit more than what you are used to paying so factor that in also.

November 17th, 2010 | #

NC only waives taxes on the first $4,000 of retirement income

November 17th, 2010 | #

+ Sorry – I meant NC waives taxes on the first $4,000 of MILITARY retirement income

November 17th, 2010 | #

Right wing conservative state? I’m going to SC…beats this hell of a state (CT) that I’m in now!!

November 17th, 2010 | #

Been a resident of Charlotte, NC since early 80s and we are looking seriously at SC for retirement. Mecklenburg County has one of the highest overall tax bites in the country. Between sales tax (at 8+% depending on what you buy), real estate (which will be going up AGAIN!), property tax, car rental taxes, hotel taxes and, of course, income tax (which cuts no breaks on pension income) it just seems like everyone has a hand in your purse! Add to that the escalating housing costs (even in this economy). We are definitely looking at SC due to overall lower taxes (stay away from the beach) and property values. Plus if you are a beach person but can’t afford to live there year round, SC offers easier beach access highways from places like Summerville and Columbia. We can’t wait until going to Charleston and North Myrtle is not such a long drive.

November 18th, 2010 | #

[...] » Dueling Carolinas: North Carolina vs. South Carolina As the Best Retirement State Topretirem… [...]

November 18th, 2010 | #

South Carolina hands down!! Specfically Sun City Hilton Head. Low taxes, great weather, proximity to the beach, to Savannah, to Charleston and to Florida for a quick weekend getaway. Moved here close to 3 years ago and can’t believe that I live in such a beautiful place.

November 21st, 2010 | #

[...] not too cold. Home prices are well below the national average. (See our recent article comparing NC and SC for retirement). SC is on our list of “best” places to retire. 5. Maryland – Yes, MD is a high tax state and [...]

November 23rd, 2010 | #

We live in the Winston-Salem area in a golf community. Love W-S…very comfortable town that is easy to get around and has great medical services and an excellent arts community. Climate is more moderate being in the Piedmont of the state…a little snow in the winter, and usually a limited number of really hot days in the summer (although 2010 was an exception). W-S is also a college town with Wake Forest. Less than 2 hours to mountains and about 3-1/2 to the beach. Sure there are places with more upscale restaurants and shops, but if you a looking for a comfortable place to live W-S is pretty good.

Have spend significant time at Hilton Head and the traffic on the Island has become a zoo…278 is ridiculous most times of the day and the summer really stinks with traffic. If you live in a plantation and don’t have to go out on 278, it is OK except for the no-seeum’s that will chew on you. Greenville area of SC is very nice, but Columbia is way too hot and humid.

December 10th, 2010 | #

I was born in New Jersey and moved to Florida,after Hurricane Francis and seeing the financial opportunity of selling my home in Central Florida for a nice amount I left for the Greenville area of the upstate in S.C.,just under the snow belt,been here 5 years and do not regret it,long springs and long falls, good seasonal changes and great people.Good family area.I also have now a cabin in the Bryson city area of N.C.and love the Smokies and the outdoor life style.only difference I see right now is SC is more right and NC more left,but who cares to each his own.I am quite happy here and content.Try the shrimp and grits and love the barby.

December 19th, 2010 | #

[...] several possible article suggestions. We’ve already written the #1 most popular idea, “Dueling Carolinas: NC vs. SC“, as well as #2, “What is Your Retirement Lifestyle“. In a close race “Your [...]

December 20th, 2010 | #

I totally agree with Bill S. SC, although a lovely state, is quite conservative in its governance, taxing policies, and attitudes towards education. We’ve enjoyed our almost 20 years in the Piedmont of SC, but are retiring in Asheville, NC.

March 27th, 2011 | #

Hay john stevens,
You have that tax stuff all wrong about military retirement taxes and etc. Any Federal retirement income such as military, civil service is not taxed by NC. What is taxed is the retirement incomes from another state, and then the first
$4,000 of that retirement income is waved. After the first $4,000 then it becomes taxable. I know I am a military retiree..

April 10th, 2011 | #

thanks for all the great comments..one thing I notice in all ‘summaries’ about where individuals reside is that ..’there is no mention of available health care..doctors/hospitals/day to day visits…etc….We believe this is on top of our list fo where to retire …especially, as we age..
when we visit areas we always visit some medical facilities…and explore how to get traeatments ,,like ‘urgent care’.
a good experience to share would be when on a trip to North Charleston..I visited the VA Hospital (a 35 year veteran ) and was told that once on Medicare I was no longer eligable to be treated at the hospital..
we went to a VA Clinic and it was very depressing…just a crowded room with folding chairs…loaded with patients on long waits?….
while there I met some individuals and asked some questions about another subject thatis rarely discussed by residents in this forum…that being “crime” and was shocked to find that North Charleston was NUMBER ONE in violent crime in the USA…
so just wanted to share our comments and thanks for all who do…Bob and Chris in New York (presently) and still looking…

April 13th, 2011 | #

I was looking at homes on James Island in SC. I thought it was a wonderful location right outside of Charleston. If anyone has information that would be helpful to consider when making a final decision, please send it along.

May 12th, 2011 | #

Johanna, I know a couple that has a home on the water–the Stono River (intercostal waterway) golf community. It isn’t listed yet. Would you be interested??

May 13th, 2011 | #

Not at this time, thank you.

May 15th, 2011 | #

We’re looking to retire in Henderson, NV. Would greatly appreciate any comments/suggestions pro and con as to the retirement communities there. Thanks.

May 16th, 2011 | #

Angela:
I wish I had used my own advice prior to moving so I thought I would share a few suggestions:
Have you thought about renting in the area first? I’m sure you would be able to find a short term unit. This way you could actually live in the area without moving and commiting to a house to later find out this isn’t the area for you.
If you get a long term opportunity to visit, plan it during the hottest months. If you can tolerate the desert heat the rest of the year will be a breeze.
I love a light and bright home, but we have found that in the desert you have to have blinds and curtains pulled because the sun coming in with the AC on is counterproductive. I didn’t like the house so dark all day long in the summer and couldn’t wait until we no longer needed AC and could have the sun flowing in again. Just a thought!
Look at the shopping in the area. Is the supermarket 20 miles away or just a mile. Are your only stores Walmart and Target (which I love) but sometimes you need to window shop at a mall.
If you live in a regular community are your neighbors all younger and always at work. This can be very lonely during the week when no one is around. Especially if you’re used to working and having people around you all the time.
By living in the area as a test you can also take your time to really investigate the communites that you might be interested in. When you look at houses with a realtor you usually don’t walk the street or the community. Look at the houses around the one your viewing. Do they keep them up, is the area well maintained. Do you see any life in the neighborhood or does everyone stay inside. Visit the area several different times of day to see what the traffic is like.
Moving cold turkey to a new state is exciting, new beginnings. But, it can also be very lonely during the curve of acquiring new friends.
I wish you well. I hope I haven’t gone on and on.

May 17th, 2011 | #

Anne, your advice is thoughtful and sage. I’ve had friends who bought in a mobile home park without once looking beyond the amenities in the model home. They found out too late that their environment extended beyond their four walls. It happened that the demographics were incompatible with their age and interests, a particularly crucial matter when units are cheek to jowl (mobile estate, apartment house). You haven’t “gone on and on” … you’ve supplied a reality-based checklist that every would-be relocator would be well advised to read.

May 17th, 2011 | #

I am interested in information on Nevada as well. I’m more interested in the Northern part of the State. I want to rent rather than buy. I haven’t found any retirement communities that rent as yet. I will keep looking.

May 17th, 2011 | #

Ann, thank you for your comments. Your suggestions will very helpful. Appreciate it And, no you have not gone on and on. People’s experiences are beneficial to those who are looking to retire.

May 18th, 2011 | #

I highly recommend Mt. Pleasant, SC, a suburb of Charleston, which is the garden spot of the Carolinas if you like close proximity to beaches (only a few miles from Isle of Palms). It has great shopping, restaurants, medical, and low crime. Also very convenient to downtown Charleston. Weather is great except for hot and very humid summers. Only other negative is traffic in summer beach season but locals find ways around that.

October 21st, 2011 | #

[...] and the “worst” lists of various kinds.  One article from late 2010 explored  “Dueling Retirement States – North vs. South Carolina“.  And one was a personal favorite, “What Sandy Learned from 8 Years of Looking at and [...]

December 26th, 2011 | #

Ann,
You are spot on! I have retired and am in the process of relocating. I have chosen a place that refelects my interests: horseback riding, animals, the great outdoors. Still, I wanted to make sure it was right for me. So, I am renting a home for a year. Already, I have discovered all kinds of everyday things about the area. So far, it has been a wonderful experience, and I probably will stay here. Do your homework on any place your looking to retire and absolutely live there for at least 6 mos. before you make that life changing move. it will pay off in the end.

December 28th, 2011 | #

Just one clarification on taxing pensions in NC. All federal pensions are exempt and fall under the Bailey exclusion PROVIDED the retiree had a minimum of 5 years of federal service prior to August 12, 1989.

Editor’s note: You are correct and thanks for the clarification. We have changed the article to reflect that.

February 2nd, 2012 | #

If you’re from Michigan, housing is much higher in both Carolinas. I’ve also noticed that food is about 30% higher than in Michigan. Fuel oil prices are similar but gasoline is higher by several cents per gallon. On the plus side you probably won’t use as much to heat your house.

February 2nd, 2012 | #

Fred,
What is the difference in taxes between the Carolinas and Michigan?
High real estate tax rates increase the ongoing cost of property, not to mention the other costs of a climate of 11 months of winter and four weeks of bad ice fishing.

February 3rd, 2012 | #

I’ve lived in NC for 50 years now (military brat) and retired near Chapel Hill in the central part of the state. This article is excellent on all counts — I can’t stress enough the diversity available in these two states. But Bill S. makes an excellent point that I was going to state — SC extremely conservative and NC much more progressive (yet also somewhat conservative except less so in the population centers). As a whole, NC has much more variety and offers more cosmopolitan options.

February 3rd, 2012 | #

Rich,
My husband and I are thinking about retiring in NC and we are quite interested in Heritage Wake Forest community. If you happen to know anything about that community, we’d appreciate your comments.

February 4th, 2012 | #

We were pretty settled on returning to Florida for retirement but after reading about the possibilities which the Carolinas offer for retirees, we are definitely going to check it out….your comments re renting are excellent and very smart. Thank you for all the information!

February 5th, 2012 | #

Okay, we have decided to rent first. Does anyone know of a good apartment complex…in the Myrtle Beach-Conway area or even Beaufort area?? Please pass along the info. It is my husband and myself, plus our daughter will be coming home for Christmas and summers (she is a college student). Thanks

February 6th, 2012 | #

WE have recently moved to Rock Hill, SC and have the best of both Carolinas. Charlotte is 15 minutes up I-77 so we get the advantage of the bigger city amenities but the taxation of SC. Taxes here are about 1/2 of Charlotte, gas prices are .30/ gal less, sales tax is less and access to great medical centers. I love living here. We first retired east of Knoxville and hated it but this has been a great move for us. There are many communities like Rock Hill that are close to Charlotte but in SC, and Charleston, Savannah, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are only about 3 1/2 hours, a nice drive for a get a way. There is a Del Webb community outside of this area in Indian Land, a quick developing area. As far as the politics I have not found that to be an issue in this area. One other thing is that I have found certain areas are not as welcoming to outsiders, but I have not found that to be true in this area.

February 6th, 2012 | #

I am contemplating buying a home in Sebring, Florida. I have visited there and read a great deal about it but would also like to hear from anyone with comments about the area. Thank you!

February 6th, 2012 | #

Does anyone have personal information about New Hampshire as a retirement state? I understand that NH is one of the best states to retire in regarding taxes.

February 6th, 2012 | #

Peggy – what didn’t you like about the Knoxville area? Where are you originally from? We are from New England, I’ve been to Knoxville briefly to visit a friend but didn’t really explore. Our sights were originally set on the Carolina’s – more SC due to it being more tax friendly.

February 7th, 2012 | #

Karl – we lived in NH for many years – I for about 16 years. NH has no income tax and no sales tax, but very high property taxes. It depends on what you are looking for. I, personally, don’t like the winter’s and we moved to CT – a VERY expensive state which has clearly gotten worse over the years – #1 worst state to retire to. NH is beautiful, and is steadily growing. Many areas considered the ‘sticks’ without the conveniences, now have the bigger stores. I didn’t like having to spend a full day to go someplace to go shopping, but for other’s they may prefer it. Real estate can be expensive, but like any other state, depends on where in the state you wish to be. The same can be said with services provided – depends on the size of the Town/city. Manchester has grown incredibly since I lived there – but would recommend staying away from Rt. 3 – major route between Mass and NH. Haven’t lived there since 1997, so I’m sure there are other’s who can provide more recent input.

February 7th, 2012 | #

Live in NH and looking to retire in the Carolinas. As said no income or sales taxes in NH but very high property taxes. Also utility costs especially electric some of the highest in the country. NH is beautiful but winters are long and cold and can be a lot of snow. Great healthcare and good shopping and restaurants but cost of living in general I think is high.

February 7th, 2012 | #

We lived in NH during the 80′s, often think of moving back BUT – the real estate taxes were very high. The snow was deeper than any other place we lived
We moved to CT, then WI and now IL, still have very high real estate taxes. Don’t know where we will go next or to stay here.

February 7th, 2012 | #

Hi Linda/Bill/Beverly, thanks so much for your valuable input! Did you folks find that the tax breaks off set the high property tax? I hear you on the weather living here in VT but my wife needs to stay close to relatives. Any town in NH that might be more forgiving regarding property taxes?

February 7th, 2012 | #

Karl – If I were to compare it to where I’m living now..absolutely…since we have high property, high income, AND the sales tax!
A good site for research:
http://www.revenue.nh.gov/munc_prop/2011PropertyTaxRatesRelatedData.htm
It will basically depend on the town/cities services provided in relation to the property assessments/mill rate. They tend to go hand in hand.
I personally wouldn’t move back to NH because I don’t care for the long cold winter’s..and as mentioned, several homes heat with electric. I think many of those same houses supplement with wood or pellet stoves now.
Where we are in CT is warmer with shorter winters, and since I’m used to the high cost of living here, and the services are great we may stay. If we were to move, it’d probably be to the Carolina’s. I’ve traveled a lot for work to the Raleigh area and already know several folks in that area which makes it easier. Time will tell, and it’s best to rent and experience the area and do the research on the property taxes and services for yourself before making a the final decision.

February 7th, 2012 | #

I thank you so much Linda for your comments and suggestions, very helpful. So, does anyone out there really know what would be the most tax friendly state to stretch your income dollars, not get killed on property taxes, and a safe place to live? A tall order I know.

February 8th, 2012 | #

I can’t wait to move to SC! I live in Minnesota and EVERYTHING costs more here.I have decided on the Easley/Pickens area upstate.This move is the only way I will be able to retire. So as soon as my house here is sold I am on my way.

February 8th, 2012 | #

I am very interested in the Carolina’s for retirement. I cant decide which state I like best. The advice to rent first seems very sound. My problem is we have a lot of pets. I notice every rental community I checked limits pets to two. Does anyone know if the decent quality rental communities will allow three cats? Some of those retirement communities look very nice, but our attachment to our pets just might limit our options, I fear.

February 10th, 2012 | #

Kitty, I sympathize with your situation (and your name is perfect!)and most doctors would tell you that contact with pets makes for a longer happier life. I might suggest a website called VRBO which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner. Perhaps if you rented a house for a couple months in each location you might get a better feel for the communities. Also longer stays might lower the price since the owners have a committed renter for a longer time. We are in a similar position! Good luck.

February 11th, 2012 | #

Note: This comment had so much useful detail in it that we edited it and created a totally new article from it. You can see it at “One Year Later: Artie’s Observations about Moving to the Carolinas“.

I can’t speak specifically to the advantages of disadvantages of having chosen NC over SC. I’m sure my wife and I could have been happy in any number of places in either state. Considereing I thought I was moving to Florida (e.g. Jupiter), but here I am, remarkably in Cary, NC.

A word about renting. My wife and I considered doing this. In theory it sounds great and the most prudent thing to do. However, in reality, it can be a sizable added expense and will usually entail a second physical move. And, as most (if not all) people will tell you moving is NOT fun.

To the person above who was interested in Wake Forest, NC. It is a lovely community. If we didn’t choose to move to Cary, we would have moved to Heritage Wake Forest.

Anyway, here is what I reported to friends back in NY after the one year aniversary of our move. It may be a bit long winded and not always all that interesting in which case, I apologize. Some may find parts of it useful, as an example.

This past August has been our one year anniversary since we moved to our new home at the Carolina Preserve (CP) in Cary (aka Containment Area for Relocated Yankees) NC, The year has gone by quickly. We continue to be very happy with our decision to move here. We are continuing to find it just calmer, in many ways nicer and simply a less stressful and easier way of life compared to Long Island. Of course, no longer choosing to work… or worse,…having to work at a distasteful and unrewarding job, goes a long way in improving one’s mental outlook. However, add to this, the peace of mind that comes with getting away from from all the traffic congestion, higher costs, (especially RE taxes) and additional stresses that have come to characterize living in much of the metro NY area. We both feel very fortunate. That said, Long Island (after over 55 years) will always be considered our home. And, while there are always going to be some things we miss, we honestly don’t miss many of those things all that much. Remarkably, there is life beyond Long Island and NY.

In spite of the continuing bi-polar ups and downs of the stock market and the continuing economic malaise affecting this country, the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill “Triangle” still appears to have a lot of activity going on. It’s not that this area is unaffected by what is happening in the rest of the country, (unemployment is an issue here, too), it just seems where we are in Cary (the middle of the “Triangle”) to be a bit less noticeable. There is still a lot of new road construction and housing development going on. I just read recently that there has been an uptick in home sales as well, which, if true, is a plus. Obviously, this area is continuing to grow and spread out in all directions. There seems to be more new stuff coming into the area all the time, whether it’s a new shopping center or a new restaurant opening up.

The migration to this part of NC, seems to still be coming largely from the Northeast.Personally, I view this as a “plus.” We NY’ers are used to a certain life style and level of amenities. I would say this is attributable to a variety of things including perhaps some good press, the diversity of activities the area has to offer and generally to the milder and overall nicer weather. The area is certainly not only attracting retirees. In this respect, this isn’t like many parts of Florida. We happened to choose to move to an over 55 “active adult” community for a variety of reasons (e.g. amount of amenities, activities, ease of meeting other people in similar circumstances (meaning mostly retired), low home maintenance, etc. Our community at the CP is unique right now in this area but other similare communities are in the works. By and large though, there are more young working families with children living and moving into this area and to nearby towns and communities. For young people with families, this area, has to offer a calmer, easier and more affordable life-style when compared to the NY metro area and Long Island. I actually understand there is a need for school teachers down here because of the increasing number of school aged children. Your housing dollar certainly goes much farther considering what you can buy down here vs. Long Island. And, RE taxes although considered high (in Cary) for NC are still about 25% of what mine were in Westbury, NY, and I have a nicer, newer, and larger house here. This part of NC is actually a very pretty part of the country. I keep telling people that it’s not unlike some of the north shore and east end areas of Long Island only with nicer year round weather, bigger trees, lakes, parks and more open space. The only downside to me is that the nearest ocean beaches are 2 hours away. While somewhat inconvenient, this isn’t terrible. We also have the mountains of Asheville about 4 hours to the West. There is considerably more open green space and rural (farm) areas. The roads and highways are a pleasure to drive compared to Long Island.

Research Triangle Park along with it’s high tech corporations including computer and software companies, medical related businesses, bio-tech companies and Federal agencies is the primary hub and economic driver for many of the larger employers in the region. However, there are also all the colleges and universities, large medical institutions and research facilities, as well. Lastly, with Raleigh being the state capital, you have a lot of state jobs.

We also covered a lot of ground this year traveling and taking advantage of the activities and places to go in our adopted state.

Locally in NC:

Willmington
Outer Banks
Bald Head Island
Asheville

There are many concert and theater venues in the Triangle Area…some of the concerts and shows we attended so far include:

John Mellencamp – Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers w/ ZZ Top (Time Warner’s Walnut Creek Raleigh)
Jimmy Buffet (Time Warner – Walnut Creek)
Huey Lewis & The News – Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary, NC
Music of Paul McCartney – Members of Beatle Mania along with Raleigh Symphony Orchestra – Koka Booth Amphitheater
Music of Queen – 5 Member professional rock band along with Raleigh Symphony Orchestra – Progress Energy Center, Raleigh
Cirque du Soleil – RBC Sports Center – Raleigh
In the Hood – B’way Show – DPAC
Billy Elliot – B’way Show – DPAC
Yes – DPAC
Rock of Ages – B’way Show – DPAC
Aretha Franklin- DPAC
Paul Simon – DPAC
American Idiot – Prgress Energy Center, Raleigh

My wife and I have our separate and joint activities. Among these include a variety conducted at Bradford Hall which is the Carolina Preserve’s club house and “centerpiece.” This is the 35,000 square foot facility which has a well equipped gym and both indoor and outdoor pools, bocce, pool tables, ping pong, tennis courts, exercise classes, etc. Various classes and clubs meet here all week long. Whatever your interests are, whether its golf, photography, poker (and other card games), the stock market, sporting events, yoga, crafts, wine, writing, photography, bowling biking, tennis, ping pong, swimming, exercise and dance classes you’ll find it here. If I want to hang out and see some younger people for a change and get tired of seeing fat ‘ole Ms. Fogolotz at the CP “senior” pool, we also have the use of the Amberly facilities, including another pool complex and gym (Amberly being a mixed age community), across the street. There are at least 100 activities and clubs. This is why I’ve said to a few of you, who feel compelled to tell me I have too much time on my hands, you can be as busy or not busy as you want to be.

My wife keeps up with her personal training and enjoys hiking at one of the nearby parks quite a bit. She recently got her NC licensing requirements out of the way if she decides to use her LMT license (part-time). We both have become bowlers and enjoy biking from time to time. We have some great bike paths including the 26 mile American Tobacco bike trail. I’m continually trying to get back on track and get to the gym more frequently as I’ve run out of excuses. Over the last several months, I finally found some like-minded musicians to continue my illustrious rock n’ roll career at 61. With the arrival of the cooler weather (summer was HOT), I’m still planning to join all the golfers soon. However, getting this music project going has been my primary focus. And, of course, my two boys Tyler (Bichon) and Benny (Maltese/Shih-tsu) keep us entertained.

We continue to explore and check out new things whether that be a new restaurant, shopping or entertainment venue. More importantly, everyone right now is healthy and doing well. So, all things considered we are most thankful for that. Even though it has always been my nature to be cynical and negative, as I have one of those “glass half-empty” personalities, remarkably, I’ve been complaining a lot less. It’s not that I’ve given up complaining, I just don’t find as many reasons to do so. Most of the more egregious reasons for my complaining have been removed. Also, my wife, thankfully, has continued to be the optimist and has always been more upbeat about most things. At times, I find myself having to tell her to “dial it down” a notch. I will say she is exceptionally happy to be living down here and tends to get overly enthusiastic and carried away at times when telling others about how great her new southern life-style is. Consequently, I’ve started to refer to our NC home as “Polyannaville.” In any event, considering some of the hardship stories and health issues I’ve heard about from friends back “North,” and, in consideration of what has been going on in this country and around the world, I should be dancing doing “jazz hands.”

February 11th, 2012 | #

Thanks, Artie, for your entertaining as well as illuminating comments! We are making our first foray into NC in May by attending a workshop at U of NC at Asheville called Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend. We plan to make a trip over to the area around Charlotte and RDU so we’ll check out Cary. Not quite sure how I feel about the over 55 communities but you make a good argument in their favor!

February 11th, 2012 | #

Cherie,
I tried finding the course you are attending at UNC, and could not find it. Can you provide any info on where to find out more about it? We will be in the area in late May and this might be something we would like to attend.

February 12th, 2012 | #

Interesting information. Thanks for the heads up…..and for those that need the link it’s: http://ncccr.unca.edu/creative-retirement-exploration-weekend

February 12th, 2012 | #

Maybe we’ll see you all there! We’ll be the extremely good-looking ones! (with the strange senses of humor)

February 13th, 2012 | #

HOW MUCH IS TAXED ON OUT OF STATE (MUNICIPAL) PENSIONS IN SC, NC, AND FLORIDA?

February 13th, 2012 | #

Artie,
Thank you for your very interesting information about NC and Cary. We are native North Carolians and really love it. However, after living in Charlotte for forty six years we felt we needed a change for many reasons. It is a lovely city but has changed over the years into a more urban area and with that brings much more traffic and congestion. Colder weather in winter for the past years ( with the exception of this year) has been a factor. Also,senior activities are not that plentiful unless you live in a 55 community. Developers are working on that and it will be better in the years to come. However, we are already in the retirement years and find we need services now rather than waiting for them to come. We were downsizing from a larger home and looked for a smaller home only to find they are so far away from the city. We do not want to be isolated in a surburan neighborhood and after careful research we decided we needed to look elsewhere. We do know both states and have traveled around looking. We have gone to Florida and have a home there but have decided we do not want to live there year round and want to have just one home. We are planning to come to Cary in May to explore. We have looked at CP and know the Del Webb in SC. We liked the layout of SC but not the location. Services are not there yet and again we do not want to wait for them to come. They have been planned but the economic situation has halted the progress. We have children and grands in the Triangle area and feel it may work for us.The medical is great. However, I am wondering if you or anyone else know anything about the Pinehurst area? It is about an hour away from Raleigh and a quieter lifestyle. It seems charming but do not know the negatives. Does anyone know anything about it or has anyone lived there? My husband is older and we really need to get settled. We thought florida was it and we love the weather but it is not a fit. Thank you all for your help.
Linda L.

March 26th, 2012 | #

We are close to buying a place around the Sarasota area but is the weather really way too hot to live on the West Coast. I don’t want to be confined inside for 5 months of the year. Any helpful suggestions or a better place to look that is not as humid in hot on the West Coast would be appreciated. Thanks.

March 27th, 2012 | #

MKB, My brother & niece live in the Sarasota area. We go to visit now & then. I think it’s hotter than the east coast of Fl where I live, but I am walking distance from the ocean & my brother is more inland. Sarasota seems to have so much more traffic than we do as well. Yet it is a pretty place & people are friendly enough. Anywhere in FL you will have humidity & heat, but the closer to water you are usually is about 10 degrees cooler. But then you have to be aware of hurricanes if on the coast. At least you know they are coming and can prepare & evacuate where as with tornadoes you usually don’t have much chance to get to safety.

March 27th, 2012 | #

Wilmington NC. I lived in Wilmington NC. I was still working and moved there for a job. I did not find the people very friendly. If you find a niche group with like-minded people, it has nice weather and great water access with Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, etc. The city itself has an interesting history and the Cape Fear River area has fun, free events

I think if you move to an active adult community, you might find it more friendly. Retired executive tend to stick together in gated communities (not necessarily active adult) and seem very happy. I do not have experience with any of the active adult communities.

But the retired folks that I met eventually moved with one exception (who had relatives there before they retired).

June 4th, 2012 | #

Hey Folks,

Can anyone tell me about retirement in Georgia by the coast? There does not seem to be any resonable priced retirement communities. Looking in the low $100,000 price range for a 2 bed 2 bath.

Skip and Barb

July 31st, 2012 | #

Have you checked out St. Marys, Georgia? Small town living on the water, about 35 minutes north of Jacksonville, Florida (the Mayo Clinic is in Jacksonville), and 30 minutes south of Brunswick, Georgia. Although not a “retirement community” per se, many retirees relocate there.

Jan Cullinane
The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life
The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement

August 1st, 2012 | #

Rich,
We have done considerable research and seem to be leaning toward the Chapel Hill/Pittsboro area of NC. It sounds like you are really happy in the Chapel Hill area. Are you in a 55+community and can you recommend it? Thanks so much.
Linda L

August 1st, 2012 | #

In terms of communities in NC, I have lived in Greenville, NC for over 20 years. It is an active college town with a first rate medical facility… In fact, Im a nurse at Vidant Medical Center. Cost of living is very reasonable and below the average of the NC cities. Greenville is 70 miles from the coast. If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck in NC this would be a community to consider.

August 2nd, 2012 | #

Never written before & have followed you for years. Have favored Cary, NC but have been held in place by family. Now I’m 70, my husband 80 – have very little family left. Son & family live 6 hours away. Feel life is passing us by & don’t know if we have the ability to catch up

August 3rd, 2012 | #

Ilene, I was kinda sad when I read your comment today. I live in NC since 93 when I left Florida from 75 to 93. Started out in NY. I am 63 today! and I always figure that by the time I am 70, I can get outta here. I live 15 minutes from Cary, where by the way I lived from 93 to 97 and now I live in unincorporated Wake County (Fuquay Varina address). This is a good area, the Triangle if you are going to raise kids, or your kids or here with your grandchildren. Other than that it is no place for retirees. Don’t get me wrong, house prices are stable, but it’s very hot here in Central NC. Where do you live now?

“Old age is no place for sissies.” Bette Davis

That is what I keep telling everyone!

August 3rd, 2012 | #

Ilene and Susan,
I am writing about your postings of August 2nd and 3rd. Susan, Happy Birthday!
We are orginally from North Carolina and have moved to Florida to a community that we thought would keep us both active and looking forward to the remaining years. However, we miss North Carolina so much and have decided to move back. We know the state very well but is a different situation to determine sctive living for retirees. North Carolina has become the most popular state for retirees but the developers have not built enough communities to keep up with the people moving. They are now doing that but we need the facilities now. We are from Charlotte. We have looked in the Cary,Chapel Hill,Raliegh area and have researched all those small towns and as you say Susan, they are very nice but seem to be family oriented. We have looked and visited many times to Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, seven miles from Chapel Hill. It is a lovely community with many clubs, and other advantages. Also Duke medical on site. It is not a 55+ community but it pretty close to it. It is in chatham county with much lower taxes and Duke has a life long learning program that is excellent. There are many other postives for living in the area. I will say that we am still searching all of North Carolina before we make our decision. Ilene, I am 70 and my husband is 82. We have no family left except our children and grands. They are in NC and are all very busy with thier own families so we look to people in the 55+ age group for our friends and relationships. Sometime I feel that time is passing us by although I do have a postive outlook that we must and will find the right place this time. Therefore, I am still and have researched every possible way to see everything available in NC. Susan, we are coming to your area in early September and I will be happy to meet with you to tell you about all my research or if you like I will send my email and phone number so we can talk. Ilene, just because you and your husband are in the ages you are, do not feel that you have to be stuck where you are. If you would like to talk or email let me know and I will be happy to. Send your email or phone number. We hopefully can all feel that age is just a number and we can still get on out there and live and have great fun with each other. ( sorry this is so long)
Linda

August 4th, 2012 | #

Before you consider anything, check the crime stats and those hidden costs.

August 6th, 2012 | #

Does anyone have an insite on Hickory nc..We are heading to Asheville to look around and just came across Hickory about an hour away.

August 7th, 2012 | #

Hi…I have recently decided to relocate from Lynchburg Va to to the coast of either NC or SC. I am single and pushing retirement age. Does anyone have any advice on which town or city is best for over 55 and is single friendly??

Thanks!!

August 20th, 2012 | #

Can anyone tell me whether Asheville’s Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend in May is worth signing up for? What did you learn? Thanks.

August 21st, 2012 | #

Barbara, please share your impressions of Asheville and hickory for that matter. As I live abroad (in Argentina ) I need to depend on the community for hints to good retirement spots for when I make the move back home.

August 22nd, 2012 | #

Mike A…We are going to Asheville in Sept to start looking around. We have already spoken to a realtor to take us around,,If you check out ashevillerealestate.com there is a large variety of housing. I’ll update when i get back.

August 23rd, 2012 | #

Alex, I attended the last CREW weekend. It was very well done and I think you’ll get a good sense of what to look for when relocating for retirement in Asheville or elsewhere. On Sat night they assigned local people who had relocated to Asheville and are involved with the program to have dinner with small groups of CREW attendees in downtown Asheville restaurants. This was a great opportunity to see the night life in the downtown area and to learn about their experiences during the relocation process and how they liked living in Asheville. We joked about them “drinking the Kool-Aid” because everyone raved about Asheville. On Sunday afternoon local realtors were assigned to CREW members to take them to see different local and surrounding Asheville areas. That was a good opportunity to ask the realtors questions about the area.
All in all, I found the CREW weekend to be well worth my time and money.

August 24th, 2012 | #

Thanks, Maggie

August 25th, 2012 | #

Maggie – I’m interested in attending this conference in Asheville. Did they provide you w/a list of hotels or how did that work? How about the additional cost of lodging?

August 25th, 2012 | #

Hi Michelle, The costs for lodging was extra but they did provide the names of hotels that would give discounted rates for CREW participants. The website for the weekend is: http://ncccr.unca.edu/creative-retirement-exploration-weekend and the person in charge is Michelle Rogers mrogers@unca.edu . She is very helpful and can provide you with all the details.

August 26th, 2012 | #

Good Morning. I am a widow of 13 years and will be reaching the 70 mark very soon. I seem to be stuck in my decision process and am all over the board. The most difficult part is finding an area friendly to singles. Everything and everyone seems to come in pairs. I sold my house after my husband passed and bought a smaller one in a community of mostly families and felt very out of place. Now renting an apartment and desperately looking to settle in and get on with life. I have narrowed my search down to NC, VA, TN. It was all over the place before, trust me! This is nothing. Not necessarily looking for over 55 per se, however areas 55 & over friendly i.e. medical, artistic, educational, activities, etc. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m currently living in the “state of confusion”. Actually, I have lived in MD all my life, however with all the taxes etc. I find it impossible to stay. Thanks…..

August 26th, 2012 | #

To Alex, Kay & Karen too, I also attended the last CREW conference in Asheville and we agree 100% with Maggie. It was very informational & especially helpful in getting partners to talk with each other and others in similar situations. There were a number of singles who attended also and felt the weekend was very beneficial. We of course fell under the spell of Asheville and we are planning a full month there early next year. One week felt too much like being a tourist and a month will help us feel more a part of the community. Don’t worry too much about that ‘state of confusion.’ We are all there to some degree!

August 26th, 2012 | #

This is my first time writing on this site but after seeing Karen M’s statement about being a widow and looking for a place that is single friendly I’d like to know if anyone knows about the Pawley Island, SC 55 + communities like Heritage, Pawleys Plantation, River Club or others in that area. Are there singles in these communities?

August 27th, 2012 | #

Cherie’s comment about staying somewhere for a month to get a better feeling for it is a really good one. I have a number of places I’d like to visit but the cost would turn out to be really large. The problem is, I haven’t figured out the most economical way of handling a stay of this length. Can anyone share with me how they might have done it in the past?

August 27th, 2012 | #

To Karen, I understand your situation. I am not a widow but have been looking everywhere for a good retirement location. We currently live in Maryland as well and plan on leaving due to taxes. Our retirement target date is 5 yrs from now and plan to put our house on the market in 3. So far NC seems the right fit but recently we have been thinking of the Villages in FL. My husband wants us to be around lots of people so we can make friends and also lots of activities. We are planning to visit there and check it out next spring as well as a visit to coastal NC. Just wanted you to know your not alone.

August 27th, 2012 | #

To LFremont regarding affording a month’s stay to better acquaint yourself with a community. We have always found the web site VRBO, vacation rentals by owner, quite helpful. Traveling in an off season is another cost saver plus it gives you the opportunity to be in a location when it is not the prime weather conditions. If you belong to a church, you might check in with the churches in the area of interest. My church runs an out-of-town B&B type system where you can find a family willing to rent part of their home to you for a reasonable rate and the money, or a portion of it, is donated to the local congregation. Trip Advisor is another useful web site with monthly rates for home rentals.

August 27th, 2012 | #

To LFremont…cherie is right about checking out Vrbo.com. We are using it to stay in Orlando for January (high season) and Myrtle Beach, (low season) for February. We are escaping the cold NW Indiana winter, and exploring two places for relo. You can get all kinds of places to rent, and usually, by the monthh is more reasonable, especially in low season. We are even taking our dog!

August 28th, 2012 | #

Home exchanges are another way to try out a place; http://www.homeaway.com, for example. If you’re willing to reciprocate and don’t want to pay, you could try wwww.globalfreeloaders.com.

Jan Cullinane
AARP’s The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement (John Wiley & Sons)
The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life (Rodale)

August 28th, 2012 | #

Value Place – http://www.valueplace.com/

August 28th, 2012 | #

Hotpads is pretty good for rentals too – http://hotpads.com/

August 28th, 2012 | #

Retirement is highly overated unless you have unlimited funds. We retired to Texas..San Antonio as the weather was everything we had hoped…warm, dry plenty of healthcare, and a large enough city to have lots to offer…so we thought. Many states that have suffered massive influx of yankees are ill prepared for the rapid expansion, the roads and traffic here are absolutely terrible, rush hour lasts ALL DAY! The healthcare is significant-7 hospitals but most of them are centered in the middle of town…not conveinient to where the growth and building boom is centered. We love to golf and thought there would be an abundance of courses, many were listed in the retirement books and travel books, they are very far apart and expensive. We settled for a home 1/3 rd the size and a small development lot as my husband was tired of taking care of an acre of land. We had no problem with the builder and the house was as expected..the development and city are not. Making friends is difficult in a non retirement community as we have no children to do things in common with our neighbors. Our neighbors all have 1-2 hour commutes and kids to run around on the weekends so we almost NEVER SEE anyone casually in the neighborhood. The weather is awesome here, the locals hate it so most do not come out of their airconditioning all day. I have a neighbor I have not seen once this summer out in her yard. We love our yard to look nice and have spent time adding to the landscape to make our house stand out…no one else on the street has planted even a flower extra from what the builder put in the yard to begin with. It is like living with all apartment dwellers, they pile junk in the garage, mult cars and trucks in the driveways, and dogs in the fenced back yards…we are living in a very nice development and would never have thought that the average homeowner would be so classless, we didn’t think we would have to spend a million dollars to live with educated, cultured polite neighbors…I digress. Bottom line, stay close to your children, family and friends, take an extended vacation to get out of the bad weather and keep the home you already have and love. Unless your children have all moved away from you, relocating is expensive it cost us approx S10,000. (mover, new carlicenses, drivers licenses, new funiture and appliances etc) and may well not be what you were really looking for. You know what Dorothy said was true “what I wanted was always right here in my own backyard!” We always loved the east coast and planned to move to the Pawley’s Island area but the hurricanes and rainy seasons they were having for the past several years before we left changed our minds. We have been back for vacation and still have decided we would not choose a VACATION

August 29th, 2012 | #

Sorry hit enter before I was done ranting. We would not choose a vacation town, they are what they are…vacation towns, We have been in San Antonio for six years this year, our son is 900 miles away in Nashville, and my Daughter and pending granddaughter are in Arizona on the Apache reservation for her husbands job so we are equal distant from both and will have to stay now that the housing market has tanked and we are still having builders putting up houses as if they cost $1000.00. We are in an area north of town that has had a building boom of over 15,000 houses since we moved in. We will be moving East of the Mississippi as soon as we can, we do love Nashville as well even though it will be more expensive to live there we will have family close. And both my husband and I are back at work, I work full time at a job I love, so now I will be here until I don’t want to work at all as changing jobs is not my idea of a good time, and he works part time at a golf course(expense solved) So real bottom line think long and hard about moving away from everything you have held dear….esp your children and grandchildren! FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH…….

August 29th, 2012 | #

Request retirement info, or where info can be attained, on Florida coastal area from Melbourne to Hollywood

August 29th, 2012 | #

I think Susan makes a great argument for the idea of spending more than a weekend or a few days researching a location. Or even worse, researching from the computer. Sometimes the ease of technology is tempting but the heart may have different plans for us! Some of these big developments even have a rent before you buy program so you can get a feel for the community before you cough up your hard-earned savings. While it may not be the most fun-filled vacation, going in the “worst” season may yield the best information. For TX, FL and AZ, that would perhaps be August. For the northern climates, maybe Jan-Feb. Better one lousy sweaty/freezing month than a miserable retirement!

August 29th, 2012 | #

We moved to south fl. 2 yrs ago while renting our primary home ion long island. We were in a community with lots of tennis,which we love,however,we discovered that for the most part,people were cliquey and reluctant to socialize outside of their sphere of comfort. bottom line, moved back to long island,lucky to have sold our condo..we are renting in a beautiful new community near the water on the south shore. moving,packing,selling etc was a horror but worth it in the end . Grandchildren r here about22miles west. Anyway be careful what you wish for,

August 29th, 2012 | #

I lost my job and home a year ago. At age 64+, I am now looking at low income senior rental apartments, some are government housing here in North Georgia. It has been so depressing. This is NOT how I had planned my retirement! So far, I have been approved for food stamps. I took my SS early, it’s not very much – less than $800 a month. Not enough to pay rent, utilities, car payment & insurance, etc. I have applied for so many jobs in my area, but, so far, no replys. I have been having yard sales every weekend to downsize since I inherited my brother’s belongings when he passed away and I had so much stuff of my own after moving from a big house to a small 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment. I have thought about taking in a room-mate, but friends and family tell me that it could be risky. I wish TR would have some articles on how low income seniors could get help. I know there are so many seniors in my situation. Not all of us are able to purchase a home. And, at my age, I would prefer rent. Anyone with any help or suggestions?

August 29th, 2012 | #

I forgot to mention one of the low income apartments I am considering is in a small town near Waynesville, NC since I have many family members in that area.

August 29th, 2012 | #

Susan,
Very interesting and good advice for many. I like that you were specific about the weather, health care, traffic, what was important to what you liked and disliked about your neighborhood, etc. This is the kind of info that I look to this list for. I have no children. But I think that what many people “wish for” is a friendly community. I have often seen that in posts. This is especially true for single folks. So many are being careful with what we “wish for”, but it is a very vague and personal thing. It is very hard to judge in a short visit. If your interests are not golf or “popular” retirement interests it is even harder to judge. But this at least gives us a starting place to explore. I wish more people were like you and are specific about what is great about an area and what just doesn’t work for them and why.
Thanks for your posts.

August 30th, 2012 | #

Cora,
Waynesville is a wonderful small town with lots going on. It could make like happier for you go to be near family for support and connect with a senior’s group for friendship. Also, finding a small church of your faith with a senior group can be strong support. Waynesville seems to have “feeling” people that care and that is probably a very good thing for you now. It could prove to be a start over that will be very much to your favor and give you lots of uplifts. Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain and so many other small towns are nearby for fun events. 64 is such a young age and you have a lot of living ahead of you to enjoy. Remember when one door closes another one opens, sometimes even wider. The best of luck and much JOY to you.

August 30th, 2012 | #

Linda: I was wondering if you could be more specific as to where exactly in “south Florida” you were located. My husband and I have just returned from our second trip to the Sarasota/Venice area, and looked around Ft. Myers extensively. At this point, we really don’t care too much for the 55+ areas that we saw: too restricted, too far from town, etc. We also heard that the cliquishness in some of those places was a problem. However, moving to a “regular” area doesn’t help much in meeting folks around your own age and making friends. Could you advise? MANY THANKS!

August 30th, 2012 | #

Kimbee-Jeanq….did you look at Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers? It is a 55+ community with a good HOA that is not overly restrictive. We moved here in April and are building a home in Pelican. The grounds are just beautiful and the amenities are wonderful. We are finding people very friendly and depending on what activities you involve yourself in, you quickly get to know people and make new friends. We are about 35 minutes from Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel Island and there are all the stores, places to go within 15-20 minutes of the community.

August 31st, 2012 | #

Toni, thank you! We had tried to check out Pelican Preserve when we were there in April and the office was closed…and we did not get there this last trip. I am really sorry that I didn’t check it out again, but we are going back in late fall/early winter so we certainly will do so! It’s nice to know that someone who actually is going to live there recommends it for friendly people and good amenities, and a reasonable HOA. The combination of those three factors is not easy to find. Thanks again; I do appreciate your input!

September 1st, 2012 | #