Relocating to a new city can be both exhilarating and stressful. It seems as though most everyone you meet in Charlotte has come from someplace else, and many have relocated here for economic opportunity, family considerations, or a fresh start.
In recent years, a growing demographic has been the surge of Retirees and Active Adults to the region. Retirees are moving to the Sunbelt region in increasing numbers, and North Carolina is one of the top destinations, with Charlotte becoming an urban mecca for Active Adults and Retirees.
North Carolina is currently ranked as the 5th most popular retirement destination in the U.S. and is projected to surpass Florida as the #1 retirement destination according to the National Active Retirement Association (NARA).
This surge in senior living in NC is due in large part to a phenomena we locals call the "Halfback" migration. Many retirees moved from the Northeast to retire in Florida, but due to reasons such as hurricanes, high cost of living, or climate considerations, these retirees moved "halfway back" to the northeast and settled in North Carolina. Another reason for the appeal of Charlotte living is attributed to the "trailing grandparents" trend as they follow their kids and grandkids to North Carolina and Charlotte in particular. One other draw is that the low Charlotte property tax rates makes the Charlotte affordability index one of the lowest in the country.
Charlotte is the largest metropolitan area in the Carolinas, and is the largest city between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Charlotte has been a primary beneficiary of the retirement migration to North Carolina. With a 50+ population of 148,558 and a corresponding 50+ growth rate of 25.9%, Charlotte NC is ranked by Money Magazine as one of the Top 30 Big Cities to retire in the U.S.
Retirement living in Charlotte NC offers something for everyone. Some of the diverse attractions include the Mint Museum of Art, Blumenthal Performing Arts Theater, NFL and NBA professional sports teams, the U.S. Whitewater Rafting center, boating at one of the area's three lakes, as well as nearly 100 public and private golf courses in the area. In addition, Charlotte's location in the Piedmont region of North Carolina makes for a convenient drive to the mountain ski resorts (approximately 2 hours) or coastal beach resorts (approximately 3 hours). Retirement Carolina style and retirement living Charlotte certainly has its priviledges!
Housing, quality healthcare and taxes will be important to Charlotte retirees and active adults as they follow their kids and grandkids. The area median home price is approximately $217,642 with property taxes averaging approximately $2,100 a year.
Active Adult Communities in Charlotte Nc
Some of the active adult communities in Charlotte NC include the popular Del Webb's Sun City Carolina Lakes active adult community in SC and the upcoming Sun City Carolina Ridge active adult community in Lake Norman. Four Seasons at Gold Hill is another area active adult community Charlotte NC, and is located just across the border in Fort Mill, SC.
If your plans don't include active adult communities, there are a ton of other home communities in the Charlotte NC area that offer convenient living for retirees and active adults. Ranch homes in Charlotte NC are more popular than ever due to the increasing demand for one-level living.
Other considerations such as social, recreational and cultural activities for active adults are just as important. Oftentimes, a Realtor may be the only person they know in the new city. As real estate professionals, The Pruitt Group can be an excellent resource for neighborhood and crime reports, property tax and insurance comparisons, temporary housing and insight on future plans for an area of interest. Look to us for recommendations on healthcare providers, area churches, and getting connected within your new community.
The real estate market must also be analyzed if retirees have to sell a home in order to move. The Pruitt Group is highly connected within the Keller Williams national network of real estate offices throughout the country. Chances are that there's a Keller Williams branch near you, and we can be instrumental in hand-picking a qualified Keller Williams associate to assist you in marketing your current home in preparation for your move.
The Pruitt Group offers experienced and professional real estate services. We have extensive experience working with Retirees, and we have the accredited Senior Real Estate Specialist ( SRES® ) designation to prove it! Through specialized training, our knowledge and expertise allows us to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling your family home.