North Carolina Over 55 Communities (53)

Contents:

Charlotte/Lake Norman area | Research Triangle area | Wilmington area-coastal amenities | Resales | Guide

North carolina over 55 communities on this page are located in the lake areas, the "Triangle" area, the coastal areas and more.  North Carolina is one of the most active states for a 55+ retirement.  

The "Triangle" area composed of Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill, is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. This may be due to being a retirement destination and employment opportunities in tech fields.  The area's mild climate contributes to North Carolina's amenities.  Whether you are interested in lakes, mountains, oceans or urban, North Carolina has it all.  It touches four states and the Atlantic Ocean. 



Charlotte and Lake Norman Areas (separate page):

See separate page for:

 55+ Communities in Charlotte and Lake Norman Areas.

See the Chart of new and coming Charlotte and Lake Norman over 55 communities, resale communities, independent communities, and most popular in these retirement areas.

55+ Communities in the Research Triangle Area  

Known for its employment and technology centers, and the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Chapel Hill has a small-town feeling even though part of this large population center.

The Research Triangle is composed of the following areas: Raleigh, Fuquay Varina, Chapel Hill, Cary, Durham, Apex, Wake Forest, Mebane, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Clayton, Wendell.

It is worth mentioning that Raleigh is an easy 2-hour drive to Wilmington and the Coast. 

LOCATION: Hwy 54, Swepsonville (Durham area)

FEATURE:   Attractive location within 30 miles of Durham and more.  Single-family 2-3 bedroom ranch style homes.  Amenities include pickle ball court.

CONTACT:    Open daily 

LOCATION:  911 Red Bay Dr., Durham

FEATURE:     Northeast Durham

CONTACT:   919-925-4050 - Open Daily 

Medium to large single-family ranch homes priced in $400's.  By DR Horton Freedom Homes. Final opportunities now.

LOCATION:  Wendell (near Raleigh)

FEATURE:    Lots of amenities for recreation and social

CONTACT:   Call for appointment 919-348-4022

The first collection is called the Classic Series and features ranch homes  of 1-1.5 stories.  By David Weekley Homes.  Amenities include clubhouse, pool, tennis, pickleball, hiking at Lake Oliver and much more.  Start prices in $491's.

LOCATION:  Cary

FEATURE:    55+ Courtyard ranch homes

CONTACT:   9708 Morrisville Parkway, Cary - 919-871-0086 - open daily - shown by appointment only

Amenities include clubhouse, pool, pickle ball

LOCATION:  Cary

FEATURE:   Assisted living and healthcare available - New Urbanism - Research Triangle area - age 62+ - Family farm became a Lifecare community.  Assisted Living and healthcare services available.  Entry fee and monthly fee. Homes and apartments.

CONTACT:   17001 SearStone Dr., Cary - 877-235-1894

LOCATION:  Clayton (Raleigh area)

FEATURE:     Planned over 600 ranch homes in resort-styled community (verify)

CONTACT:   1162 Covered Bridge Rd., Clayton - 919-899-1767 - Sign up on VIP List on their website to get updates

Amenities include:

  • 15 miles to downtown Raleigh
  • Indoor/outdoor pools (verify)
  • Lifestyle Director
  • Near healthcare facilities

Starting in mid $300's. 

LOCATION:  Raleigh

FEATURE:   CCRC 

CONTACT:   8801 Cypress Lakes Dr., Raleigh - 919-870-9007

Equity-based CCRC of cottages and villas in mid-rise building. Rosewood memory care.   

LOCATION:  Apex

FEATURE:    Near Raleigh and Durham

CONTACT:   433 New Hill Olive Chapel Rd. - 844-840-5263; Shown by appointment only 

Medium to spacious single ranch homes. Amenities include pickle ball, bocce ball, walking trails. Access to Hwy 64, I-40 and airport. 

LOCATION:  Fuquay Varina

FEATURE:    Southwest Wake County and 25 minutes to Raleigh; large Amenity Center (clubhouse).

CONTACT:   1401 Carolina Park Dr., Fuquay Varina - 919-736-6065

Small to large ranch homes priced in $300's.   

Wilmington Retirement Communities for ocean amenities

LOCATION:  Carolina Shores

FEATURE:   Farm theme

CONTACT:   61 Carolina Farms Blvd., Carolina Shores - 843-655-0347

With a Farm theme, ranch homes. Near Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.  Beaches less than 5 miles and plentiful golf in area.

LOCATION:  Bolivia

FEATURE:   Active adult lifestyle (verify type)

CONTACT:  1800 Bard Dr. SE, Bolivia, NC  (Brunswick County) - 910-821-8553 - Call for appointment

Medium to spacious single homes priced from $307's - Short drive to Oak Island and Wilmington, NC, and 55 miles to Myrtle Beach SC.  Planned clubhouse and pool.

LOCATION:  Wilmington

FEATURE:   Independent living and life care

CONTACT:   1200 Porters Neck Rd.

Scenic location - villas, duplexes and apartment homes. Independent living and also life care. 

LOCATION:  Hampstead

FEATURE:   Manufactured homes community

CONTACT:   877-288-6126 (Mgr.), Hampstead  

Previously by Jensen Communities (verify) - 15 miles north of Wilmington - 15 miles to U. of North Carolina - affordably priced manufactured homes.  Land lease.  By Sun.

Brunswick County COASTAL HOMES

The following communities by True Homes (Tribute Collection with amenities for active adults) while not age restricted are geared to active adult living on the North Carolina Coast.  See their website for more. 

  • St. James Plantation - Seaside 

LOCATION:  Southport

FEATURE:   Within master community near beaches

CONTACT:   4006 St. James Dr. - 910-292-4830 - Open Daily

Golf, marina, tennis, pool, beaches.  2 and 3-bedroom small to spacious homes from $300's.  Not 55+ but amenities for active living.

LOCATION:  Shallotte

FEATURE:   Near beaches - location is between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach

CONTACT:   791 Thistle Trail NW, Calabash - 910-294-9059 (Derek) - Open Daily (This is the tour location at Savannah Lakes at Meadowlands.) Community address is 4869 Sugarberry Dr., Shallotte

By True Homes -   Pool, tennis, clubhouse, 15 minutes to beaches.   2-5 bedroom medium-large single homes from $200's.  Country-like area between large resort areas like Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.

LOCATION:  Shallotte

FEATURE:    Small to medium floor plans; 15 minutes to beach - If you've been looking for a smaller floorplan, here's your chance to get one.   2-3 bedroom small to medium-sized homes from $300's.  Single homes with good functional utility with cottage-styled appeal.

CONTACT:    791 Thistle Trail NW, Calabash - 910-292-4830 - Open Daily

LOCATION:  Leland

FEATURE:  In master community Brunswick Forest near beaches - Medium to spacious homes from  $200's.  Amenities include indoor/outdoor pools, tennis, fitness, river access for kayaking and fishing, social activities and walk trails.

CONTACT:  1229 Crosswater Circle - 910-292-4830 - Open Daily

  • Meadowlands Golf Club

LOCATION:  Calabash

FEATURE:   18-hole golf

CONTACT:   1000 Meadowlands Trail in Calabash (Seafood Capital)

Medium to large 2-5-bedroom homes in resort community minutes to top beaches of Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach.  Priced from $200,900.

North Carolina Over 55 Resales:

  • Ashbury Crossing-Cimarron Homes - Mebane - Attached cottages - 601 Blue Lake Dr., Mebane  - One mile from historic Mebane - near Duke and UNC hospitals - Condos. Attached cottages. Green and energy efficient.  Condos were from $230's.  
  • Auburn Meadows - Raleigh - Ranch homes - 143 Cashmere Ct. - Started from lower $300's.  By Lennar.    
  • Blakeley - The Reserve Collection - Cary - Adjacent to new YMCA; West Cary location  - Luxury single family large ranch homes with 2nd floor options for 3rd bedroom, storage, den, etc., started in $390's.  Low taxes and homeowners fee (verify).  - 2704 Hayes Hill Place
  •  Carriage Glen at Anderson Creek Club - Spring Lake in Cumberland County - 18-hole championship golf; gated in resort master community - 125 Whispering Pines Dr., Spring Lake - 55 plus gated community located inside a resort-styled community with access to championship golf and other amenities.  Clubhouse, pool, recreation. There is also an Inn.  Military discounts.  Was in $200's. 
  • Carolina Arbors - Durham - Del Webb resort amenities 3055 Del Webb Arbors Dr., Durham  Large community of singles and town homes. Sister community is Carolina Preserve at Cary.  Price: started mid-$270's -   Amenity Center, 2 pools, gardening area and more - 1, 2 and 3-bedroom single homes.  37,000 SF clubhouse.
  • Carolina Ridge at Ingleside by Del Webb - has decided to not go forward with project at this time - no future date given - please check with Del Webb website on status.
  • Carolina Preserve by Del Webb at Cary - At Cary near the "Research Triangle" area. Located within master planned community called Amberley. Cary NC has been called one of the best small cities by Money Magazine.   Start $200's.   107 Arvind Oaks Circle  
  • Chapelwood - Chapel Hill - This is one of the nicest locations in the Triangle area - near UNC and historic downtown.  Large brick 3-bedroom singles.  Nearby golf. Builder is Hagood Homes.  Green building.  Reserved open space.  Durham County taxes. Start $300,000's. Recently sold out-check if anything available.
    Barbee Chapel Rd. 
  • The Courtyards at O'Kelly Chapel - By Epcon - 2 and 3-bedroom ranch homes in low maintenance community - Resort-style with clubhouse, walking trails and more.  Started upper $200's. 108 Pittard Sears Rd., Cary
  • Courtyards at Regency - In the Landfall gated master community - Active adult lifestyle - Upscale prices for European-styled villa homes built among nature and intracoastal waterway near marina, historic downtown and more. Enjoy outstanding amenities at Landfall including golf. Hagood Homes.
    601 Bedminister Lane, Wilmington
  • Creekside at Bethpage  Durham - Research Triangle location - Start pricing was in the low $400's.  2-3 bedroom ranches.  Small and large floor plans. Clubhouse, pool, social activities, garden and more. Medical Centers, universities and airport nearby.  6511 Crown Parkway, Durham (Sales Center) 
  • Del Webb at Traditions  - Wake Forest - Research Triangle area - Part of Traditions master community.  Medium to large single homes - Minutes to downtown Wake Forest and north of Raleigh.  On-site lifestyle director.  Started mid-$300's.  905 Del Webb Manor Ave.  Resales.
  •  Del Webb Wilmington    Wilmington - Del Webb with resort amenities - 4204 Passerine Ave., Wilmington -  Located in the award-winning RiverLights riverfront master community - Over 55 community of small to spacious single homes - resort amenities including trails and indoor and outdoor pools. Small to large homes started $300's.  Zillow Resales  
  • Encore Brunswick ForestWilmington - Large Village area off 17 in Wilmington.  By David Weekley Homes - proximity to beach, canoeing, kayaking, pool, tennis, trails, clubhouse and more.  Inside Brunswick Forest master community. Started in low $400's.
  • Encore at Briar Chapel - Chapel Hill (Research Triangle area) 117 Boone St. - Started in low $300's - Desired area - 55+ community within master community of Briar Chapel with many amenities.  Encore communities by David Weekly Homes.  
  • Evergreen at Flowers Plantation - Clayton - 18 Miles to Raleigh - Aging in Place design - Bramble Lane, Clayton -  Resort amenities include 3 pools and playground for grandchildren.  Medium to large ranch homes with Aging in Place features.  Stepless entry; wide hallways. Prices started $300's.   
  • Falls Village - The Pines - Falls Village is a golf course community near the Research Triangle area; condos with pool and clubhouse amenities.  By DR Horton.  131 Falls Village Lane, Durham
  • Fendol Farms  Durham - Between Durham and Raleigh  1003 White Bark Lane, Durham -  By Lennar   |   Started from high $300's (Villas and Terraces) and $400's (Residences collection)    Sold out
  • Four Seasons at Olde Liberty by K. Hovnanian - In Youngsville - Franklinton County - farm and woods ambience - Clubhouse, pool. Spacious single family homes. Great for commuters near I 40. 
  • Four Seasons at Gold Hill - Fort Mill near Charlotte SC by K. Hovnanian - Gated one-level condominiums
  • Four Seasons at Renaissance at Durham  - Prime area in Triangle location offers single ranches, townhomes and villas collections starting in upper $190,000's to low $300,000's. Resales.
  • Heritage Pines at Cary - by K Hovnanian - single family - Resales

  • Four Seasons at Charlotte Metro by K. Hovnanian

  • Lake Point Landing Retirement Village at Hendersonville - Also assisted living - Call to visit at 828-693-7800
  • Lighthouse Cove Carolina Shores  (Adjacent to Calabash) - Prices started from $160's - near beach - 189 Lighthouse Cove Loop, Carolina Shores  
  • The Meadows at 12 Oaks -  Holly Springs - Raleigh metro area by David Weekley Homes in the 12 Oaks master golf course community.  Planned amenities.  Was from $300's.
    Sour Mash Court, Holly Springs 
  • Moyock Crossing -  Moyock - Currituck County - Water access; near border with Virginia  -  Features for active adults  |   Single ranch homes convenient to Greenbriar Mall.   |  Nearby Outer Banks  |  Started mid-$200's  - -  192 Shingle Landing Rd.  
  • The Orchard Villas Apex - By Cornerstone Homes. Triangle Area.  Historic downtown.  86 homes - Clubhouse, pool and more. 1520 Orchard Villas Ave., Apex.   Started from $270's.  Sold out.
  • Regency at White Oak Creek by Toll Bros. - Apex - Luxury ranch homes in Cary - 8113 Green Level Church Rd., Apex  Spacious 2-bedroom ranch homes - Hundreds of options - Pool, recreation, trails. Started $400's.
  • Rourk Woods -  Shallotte - Near beaches - location is between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach
      791 Thistle Trail NW, Calabash  - By True Homes -   Pool, tennis, clubhouse, 15 minutes to beaches.   2-5 bedroom medium-large single homes started from $200's.  Country-like area between large resort areas like Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.
  • Rourk Woods Grove Pointe -  Shallotte - Small to medium floor plans; 15 minutes to beach - If you've been looking for a smaller floor plan, here's your chance to get one.   2-3 bedroom small to medium-sized homes were from $300's.  Single homes with good functional utility with cottage-styled appeal. 791 Thistle Trail NW, Calabash    
  • The Glen - Burlington - Started in low $200's. In the Mackintosh master community with clubhouse, pool, park and more.  2-bedroom ranch homes for active adult living.  Access to Mackintosh Lake, restaurants and shopping.  Small town life by DR Horton.  119 Granger Trail, Burlington  
  • The Village at Mott's Landing - Wilmington - Not over 55 but retirees-focused and main residents - River Rd. at Sanders Rd.  By Premier Homes - homes have retirement living features - pool, tennis, walking trails, kayak river access, clubhouse and more. New garden homes - Prices started mid-$300's.  Also, Pamela's Place - By Premier Homes - separate gated community within Mott's Landing.   Large detached villas and patio homes.
  • Villas of Wake Forest  Sold - By Cornerstone Homes for over 55.   In North Raleigh. Ranch-style 2 and 3-bedroom condominiums were from $270's - Clubhouse, pool and more.  In heart of Wake Forest - 989 Bluebird La., Wake Forest
  • Weston Corners - While not just for over age 55, this is a popular style for seniors - 35 2- and 3-bedroom luxury town homes, urban-styled, with walking to shopping and restaurants at Park West Village.  Easy access to technology centers.  Freedom Homes.  Started upper $200's. 303 View Dr., Morrisville

In South Carolina but near the Charlotte area:

  • Sun City Carolina Lakes - Sold - Fort Mill - By Del Webb - From low $200's.  Singles and villas in large community with clubhouse, golf, 100 clubs, 10 lakes, dog park, pools, bocce, garden and more. See local Realtors for resales. Ph: 866-578-5831 - 5074 Grandview Dr. 
  • The Villas at Culp Arbor - Chapel Hill - college town with quaint downtown area - 2 and 3 bedroom courtyard homes. Features sidewalks throughout, clubhouse, fitness, pool.  By Epcon.
    108 Culp Hill Dr.  
  • The Village at Aversboro - Garner near Cary and Raleigh - walking distance to Lake Bensen park - large ranch homes started in $200's. 
    Ph: 919-662-5507 - 201 Easy Wind La.
  • Villages at Isle of Pines - Mooresville. Started $240's for over 55. Recreational activities on Lake Norman and 30 miles from Charlotte. Also, walking trails, large 2/3 ac. homesites and RV and boat storage.  816 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville - 704-662-0105 

Also see:

Charleston, South Carolina street

See homes in South Carolina for 55+

Guide

Newest 55 Plus Communities in North Carolina

Name Starting Location Type
Del Webb Carolina Overlook $300's Clayton Single
Carolina Gardens $300's Fuquay Varina(Cary) Single
Retreat at Cedar Crossing $400's Apex Single
Courtyards at West Cary $500's Cary Singles
Encore at Wendell Falls $400's Wendell Singles
Quarry Hills $300's Swepsonville Singles

55+ Communities in North Carolina with Golf

  • Carriage Glen at Anderson Creek (Resale)
  • Meadowlands (new)
  • St. James Plantation (new and resale)
  • Meadows at 12 Oaks (resale)
  • Falls Village (resale)
  • Courtyards at Regency (resale)

Most Popular Communities on this page*

  • Quarry Hills
  • Fendol Farms (sold)
  • Carolina Overlook

*Determined by how many click throughs in most recent 3 months.





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