7 Reasons to Retire to Wilmington, NC

With its great weather and tax-friendly climate, North Carolina has been on the radar of retirees for years. In 2019, it was the #3 state that people retired to, following behind only Florida and Arizona. While the suburbs of larger metro areas like Raleigh and Charlotte are always attractive, smaller, coastal towns like Wilmington have been gaining popularity!  

7 Reasons to Retire in Wilmington, North Carolina

1. Where the Beach Meets the City: Wilmington is a smaller coastal town of 127,000 people, but it's got all the activities and events that you would expect in a larger city. Plus, there are beaches! It's a popular city for film and television shoots because of the gorgeous waterfront, its annual festivals draw crowds in the thousands, and it's got a rich cultural history that’s accessed through museums and preserved historic buildings. There's always something fun and interesting to do, all year long.   
2. Great Weather: While North Carolina's weather is pretty awesome in general, it's just different on the coast! In the warm summers, the balmy breeze of the Atlantic cools things off a bit (there's nothing like eating outside on a patio with an ocean breeze blowing), and the average winter highs are usually somewhere in the high 50s or low 60s. With weather like this, every day is an outside day, especially for fun and relaxing outdoor activities like fishing and boating.    
3. Growing Area: The entire coastal region surrounding Wilmington is thriving and growing, so there's always somewhere new to go or something fun to do. Leland is well-known for its pickleball community and outdoor recreation, such as fishing, kayaking, and golf. Southport is "Home of the Salubrious Breeze," which promotes health and wellbeing. Hampstead is a fast-growing town that's known for its proximity to the ocean. 
4. Tax-Friendly Climate: Retirees love North Carolina because Social Security benefits are not taxed! Income retirement income, like a pension, 401(k), or IRA are subject to a flat 5.25% tax.    
5. Access to Free Education: If you ever wanted to learn a new skill, start a side business, or just brush up on your knowledge, North Carolina offers free higher education to state residents 65 and older. You can audit classes tuition-free at the campuses of the University of North Carolina and the state's community colleges. In Wilmington, that would be UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College, and Brunswick Community College is nearby. You can also take as many as six hours of tuition-free, for-credit classes at the state's community colleges each semester.    
6. Haven for Baby Chasers: Baby chasers are retirees who follow their children or grandchildren when they move to cities for better career or economic opportunities. Cities like Wilmington offer a strong economy, low cost of living, positive future job growth, and great schools — a win-win for everyone in the family!
7. New Housing: H&H Homes is proud to build brand new communities in Wilmington that offer beautiful homes with modern layouts, gorgeous designs and features, and convenient amenities. We also have several floor plans that are perfect for "right-sizing.” 

Both the Belair and the Harmony feature first-floor owner's suites, lots of main floor living, additional first-floor bedrooms, and accessible 36" doorways. Here's where you can find them in Wilmington:

Belair 2-4 Bedrooms | 2-3 Baths | 1814-2603 Sq Ft Available in:

The Preserve at Fisher Landing

The Cottages at Olde Georgetowne

Sparrows Bend

Grayson Park

The Preserve at Fisher Landing

The Cottages at Olde Georgetown