Two North Carolina towns named on top retirement destinations in the South list

Joseph Pierre, Fayetteville Observer
·2 min read

Southern Living recently released its "Best Places to Retire in the South" list, featuring 12 cities — and two are in North Carolina.

The ranking used top-rated cities and towns from the lifestyle brand's 2023 South’s Best awards and finalists were selected using data from Investopedia to compare and analyze a "variety of economic and lifestyle criteria" including affordability, average resident age and access to restaurants, hospitals, colleges, airports, and green spaces.

More: Hundreds of new apartments and townhomes are coming to Fayetteville. Will rent prices drop?

Beaufort, North Carolina

Recognized by Southern Living as "best for healthy living" among the retirement destinations, Beaufort is the fourth oldest town in North Carolina, established in 1709. The coastal landscape has plenty of activities for new retirees, including kayaking in areas around the Atlantic Ocean and participating in fishing tournaments. There are also many seasonal events that bring the town together, such as the annual Music Festival in May and the Wine and Food Festival in October.

View of marina in Beaufort, North Carolina.
View of marina in Beaufort, North Carolina.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

For those looking for peace and quiet in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Southern Living recommends their best mountain town for retirement: Blowing Rock, North Carolina. With a population of less than 1,400 people, residents can look forward to a simple life in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where new retirees can ski, hike and enjoy other outdoor activities. Nearby, Appalachian State University also offers free class auditing for those ages 65 and older.

One of the longest scenic drives in the world, the Linn Cove Viaduct.
One of the longest scenic drives in the world, the Linn Cove Viaduct.

The rest of Southern Living's Best Places to Retire in the South list

Here are the 10 other Southern cities listed as great options for retirement:

  • Greenville, South Carolina

  • Chattanooga, Tennessee

  • Abingdon, Virginia

  • St. Augustine, Florida

  • Huntsville, Alabama

  • Ocean Springs, Mississippi

  • Lexington, Kentucky

  • Savannah, Georgia

  • Eureka Springs, Arkansas

  • Fort Worth, Texas

More: Who's the city of Fayetteville's top earner? Here's what city records show.

Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Beaufort, Blowing Rock in NC are best for retirement, says Southern Living