If you could dream up a permanent vacation, where would it be? Perhaps somewhere with year-round moderate temperatures, so that you can enjoy the outdoors whenever you’d like. Maybe the cost of living and taxes are low in that special place, so you can save more of your hard-earned dollars. Of course, it has to be near the beach. Oh, and it should be pretty easy to access, for when the family wants to visit, or when you feel like venturing out of paradise to visit them. Guess what? Such a place exists, and it’s called eastern North Carolina.
Eastern North Carolina is home to some of the most stunning scenery and livable towns in the nation, not to mention it has awesome tax benefits. Retirees are taking notice. In 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina was the third most popular relocation destination for people 60 years and older. Let’s explore some of the reasons that people love to call this area home!
Why Retire in North Carolina?
1) Attractive Tax Benefits
North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, so it’s attractive to retirees who want to make their income stretch. For those who can’t shake the entrepreneurial spirit, the state also encourages business and entrepreneurship with its low income and corporate income taxes. We encourage you to meet with your tax adviser to review the latest tax benefits of retiring in North Carolina. One thing we know for sure is that it’s worth it!
2) Hundreds of Miles of Shoreline
Three hundred twenty-two, to be exact. Needless to say, there’s never a problem finding a beautiful stretch of white sand beach for a cool evening stroll or a sun-drenched splash. The best thing about the water? Fresh seafood – and lots of it! Restaurants across eastern North Carolina get shipments of local fish, shrimp, and crabs within hours (if not minutes!) of them being pulled from the water. Is your mouth watering yet?
The entire North Carolina coastline is dotted by charming towns and seaside destinations, so there’s always somewhere new and interesting to explore. And of course, we can’t forget the more than 25 breathtaking barrier-island beaches. Visitors return to these shores year-after-year to rest and recharge, but residents are lucky (or smart) enough to live this way year-round.
3) Moderate Temperatures | Four Distinct Seasons
For those who believe variety is the spice of life, you’ll find it in the four distinct seasons of eastern North Carolina. While we all know the joy of summers at the beach, there’s something equally special about walking the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall, or cozying up to a rustic fire in the winter. Here, you can do it all. The weather is moderate enough that you can take advantage of fresh air and abundant sunshine all year long. Goodbye, snowplow!
4) Low Cost of Living
Tax benefits, a beautiful natural landscape, perfect beach settings – you can enjoy everything eastern North Carolina has to offer at a relatively low cost of living. The median home price is about $40,000 less than the national average, and gas, groceries and utilities are slightly less as well. A low cost of living makes for a life well lived!
With the warm weather of spring approaching and interest rates still historically low, now is the perfect time to find a new home in eastern North Carolina. If you need any help along the way, the team at JC Jackson Homes is here for you!
