Where To Retire In Charlotte

More than ever, Charlotte, North Carolina, is experiencing a booming population. However, with some people looking for somewhat smaller cities to live in, they still want access to all the desirable features of big city life without the exorbitant price tag.

Charlotte offers all of that on top of some of the best year-round weather in the country.

Forbes consistently names Charlotte as one of the best states for retirement. One reason is the number of choice retirement communities available, as the number of retirees is set to grow over the next several years.

Given the abundance of dining, recreation, and healthcare options, along with high-caliber senior living options, it is simple to see why Charlotte is the best option.

Here are just nine of the best retirement communities to look at when considering Charlotte.

1) Cresswind Charlotte

Cresswind Charlotte, located in Silver Springs Court, features Craftsman-style houses with two bedrooms, two baths, a living room, and a 2-car garage. Prices range from around $385,000 to $515,000 for 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Named one of the “Top 100 Places to Live” in 2021 by Ideal Living Magazine, Cresswind Charlotte offers a 17,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with an indoor pool, exercise center, and social rooms. Pickleball, tennis, Bocce courts, strolling pathways, and grilling courtyard. The community is only a quick half-hour drive from Uptown Charlotte and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

2) The Cypress of Charlotte

The Cypress is a 55+ life plan community that allows residents to purchase their homes rather than just renting them. Various floor plans are available among cottages and villas, ranging in size from 1,800 to 4,000 square feet.

The condominium-style villas cost in the $450,000 and $1,300,000 range, whereas cottages go for around $1,100,000 to $1,450,000. Prices may vary due to changing market values, but these residences are designed for people who prefer the idea of owning their retirement property in full.

3) The Farm at Ingleside

The Farm at Ingleside, which used to be an iron mining station located in Lincoln County, offers single-story and optional two-story homes. These ranch-style homes have six different floor plans that range in size from 1,588 to 4,455 square feet, and they are priced between $381,000 and $416,000 each.

This active adult community is close to Uptown Charlotte, with Highway 16 providing easy access to quality restaurants, retail establishments, and the renowned Lake Norman.

4) The Polo Club at Weddington

This low-maintenance adult community, one of Charlotte’s most sought-after 55+ communities, has 85 single-level homes and ten townhomes. The 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, which serves as the community’s hub for socializing, exercising, and other activities, is in the center of these lovely homes. This community also features a softball field, tennis courts, picnic areas, and walking and biking trails–all for the enjoyment of residents and their guests.

5) Regency at Palisades

The Regency is a 55+ community on Lake Wylie in Mecklenburg County. It offers 413 single-family and loft-type homes with 2-to-5 bedrooms and 3 to 5 full baths, starting at around $522,000.

The community features a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, indoor/outdoor pools, an exercise center, and a wet bar. Bocce, tennis, Pickleball, billiards, and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course keep residents busy and social. In addition, the community’s proximity to Lake Wylie, beaches, and the Blue Ridge Mountains offers limitless options for outdoor activities.

6) Southminster

Situated on Park Road, Southminster is a 55+ adult retirement community that offers independent living care, including memory care. Offering a variety of styles for homes, most feature private garages, landscaped yards, and cozy fireplaces. Homes here accommodate those who require assisted care and those who live a more active lifestyle.

7) Sun City Carolina Lakes

Sun City is a 55+ resort-style neighborhood on Charlotte’s south side. It features two community centers, an 18-hole golf course, and around 3,000 houses. Over 140 organizations and specialty groups keep locals engaged year-round.

Sun City Carolina Lakes offers two- and three-bedroom houses. Depending on the layout and square footage, prices range from $375,000 to $630,000.

8) The Vineyards on Lake Wylie

The Vineyards on Lake Wylie serves both 55+ residents and younger families. This active adult community features resort-like amenities and lakefront homes within a convenient distance from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

This lakefront community offers walking trails, Pickleball, tennis courts, a pavilion, and water sports. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, the Town of Belmont, and the U.S. National White-Water Park are only minutes away.

The Vineyards offer ranch-style homes and townhomes with open floor plans, beautiful exteriors, and lawn care. Many homes are priced in the mid-$200,000 range, with larger properties costing more. New 3-to-5-bedroom homes for active families can run between $430,000 to $1,200,000.

9) 3 Cherry Way

3 Cherry Way is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for adults. This 55+ community in the Charlotte area has over 200 attached brick homes with many amenities. The general price range falls in the $300,000s to mid $400,000s bracket.

Residents can enjoy relaxing sunsets on Lake Norman or explore a more active lifestyle featuring beaches, nature, local attractions, and more. Luxury quad residences feature custom furniture, carpeted floors, airy sunrooms and porches, and tasteful interiors.

Is NC Tax Friendly For Retirees?

North Carolina’s retirement taxes aren’t as low as in other southeastern states, but many retirees find them acceptable. For one thing, North Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. So when you file your North Carolina income tax return, you can deduct all Social Security retirement income from your taxable income.

Other retirement incomes such as pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s are taxed at a flat rate of 5.25 percent. Unlike many other states, North Carolina does not permit deductions on any retirement income. The standard deduction in North Carolina, however, is relatively high. For single filers, it is $10,750; for joint filers, it is $21,500; for heads of household, it is $16,125.

Sales and property taxes are considered pretty moderate. The average effective property tax rate for the entire state is 0.77%. Accordingly, for every $100,000 in home value, homeowners can anticipate paying, on average, $770 a year.

Due to these low property taxes, housing costs in North Carolina are lower than the national average. The relatively low cost of living in North Carolina is also a result of this.

To Learn More About Retiring In Charlotte

The Queen City has a lot to offer newly retired people, from a fairly low cost of living to a broad range of communities, activities, and natural loveliness.

If you’d like to learn more about retirement options in Charlotte, North Carolina, call the Henderson Properties team at 704.535.1122 today.