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.
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.
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 $400's.
LOCATION: Durham
FEATURE: Between Durham and Raleigh
CONTACT: 1003 White Bark Lane, Durham - 919-346-0471
By Lennar | Start from high $300's (Villas and Terraces) and $400's (Residences collection) | Open Daily | Showing by Appointment only
LOCATION: Durham
FEATURE: Research Triangle location - Start pricing in the low $400's. 2-3 bedroom ranches. Small and large floor plans available. Clubhouse, pool, social activities, garden and more. Medical Centers, universities and airport nearby.
CONTACT: 6511 Crown Parkway, Durham (Sales Center) - 919-626-3500 - Appointments only at this time - Limited Opportunities
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
FEATURE: 18 Miles to Raleigh - Aging in Place design
CONTACT: Bramble Lane, Clayton - 910-672-7296
Resort amenities include 3 pools and playground for grandchildren. Medium to large ranch homes with Aging in Place features. Stepless entry; wide hallways. Prices start $300's. Requesting appointments at this time private or virtual. Final opportunities now.
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:
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.
LOCATION: Wilmington
FEATURE: Del Webb with resort amenities
CONTACT: 4204 Passerine Ave., Wilmington - 866-216-3695
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 start $300's. Open Daily.
LOCATION: Carolina Shores
FEATURE: Farm theme
CONTACT: 61 Carolina Farms Blvd., Carolina Shores - 843-655-0347
With a Farm theme, ranch homes from $200's. 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 $200'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: 531 Loblobby Trail, Hampstead - 910-270-3520
By Jensen Communities - 15 miles north of Wilmington - 15 miles to U. of North Carolina - affordably priced manufactured homes. Land lease.
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.
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 mid-$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
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.
LOCATION: Spring Lake
FEATURE: 18-hole championship golf; gated in resort master community
CONTACT: 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. $200's.
In South Carolina but near the Charlotte area:
Also see:
See homes in South Carolina for 55+
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 |
*Determined by how many click throughs in most recent 3 months.
Added New: 8/21: Encore at Wendell Falls in Wendell; Retreat at Cedar Crossing in Apex; Nichols Farm; 2/2022: Quarry Hills now open daily; Added new 2/2022: Courtyards at West Cary in Cary
---Added to Coming in 8/21: Quarry Hills; 12/21 Del Webb Carolina Overlook in Clayton
---Added to Last Chance to buy 8/21: Del Webb Traditions (now sold)
---Added to Sold Out list in August 2021: Encore at Briar Chapel, Chapel Hill; Del Webb Traditions sold in December 2021; The Glen
---Start Prices Changed: 8/21: Auburn Village to $300's; Creekside at Bethpage to $400's; Carolina Gardens to low $300's; Del Webb Wilmington to upper $200's. 2/22: Fendol Farms from $200's to $300's; Del Webb Wilmington to $300's.