2 North Carolina Mountain Towns Most Affordable For Retirement

2 North Carolina mountain towns have been named most affordable for retirement. One of them you may be able to guess, the other probably not. I just checked my 401K and I am nowhere near close but it is fun to dream of one day.

If you love the outdoors like I do this could be the ideal fit. No matter if you are close to retirement or you have a few decades to go. This is something to think about. The experts weigh in.  Chad Brinkle is the owner of High Country Off-Road in Wilmington. He tells msn.com “Many mountain towns offer a sense of community that retirees can appreciate, with opportunities to engage in social activities and events”.

So, there are other criteria for mountains towns most affordable for retirement. Cost of living is a factor. Accessibility to health care is another factor as well as social and cultural opportunities. Now granted one of these North Carolina mountain towns you will see and say, ah yes. The other on the list might be a surprise.

The experts say Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most affordable for retirement. Chad Brinkle's quote from our source, msn.com.

 “Asheville boasts stunning natural scenery, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and kayaking,” He adds if you love the arts there are many museums, art galleries and festivals in Asheville. I spent my college years near there. The entire Asheville area is gorgeous including Waynesville and Hendersonville.

Hey, look at you Hickory. Hickory, North Carolina is ranked among the 10 most affordable mountain towns for retirement. This town is set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is known for great views and great history. The median home price in Hickory is around $219,000. The median price for renters around $743.

Asheville and Hickory are 2 North Carolina mountain towns most affordable for retirement. To get the complete list go here.

If you're looking for a great place to retire look no further than North Carolina. The state offers affordable homes with mild winter temperatures. Additionally, easy access to the coast and mountains makes the state attractive to retirees. Retiring in North Carolina gives you the option of choosing a coastal area, bustling metro area, or college town. The experts over at US News and World Report ranked the top 5 cities to retire in North Carolina. This has me asking how can I be one of those people who retire in their 30s? #goals.

If your retirement dreams include moving to a quaint town full of relaxation, amenities, and activities then you’re in luck. There are some fantastic places to retire in North Carolina. Whether you want to golf, relax on the beach, revel in small-town living, or be closer to the city you won’t be bored in these cities and towns! Some offer various activities perfect for the retiree who wants an active lifestyle. Others are ideal for those looking to fully kick back and relax.

Read the full US News article here or keep reading to see where the top 5 cities to retire in North Carolina are.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,195
Median monthly rent: $846

Greensboro is much more affordable than the other large metro areas of the state but it's still a short drive from all those cities have to offer.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,419
Median monthly rent: $1,073

The largest city in the state has a lot to offer retirees and many others. And while the cost of living is higher than other areas of the state it's cheaper than many parts of the country.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,048
Median monthly rent: $708

Hickory keeps popping up on lists among the top cities in North Carolina, and in this case placing higher than Charlotte. It's lower cost of living is a large factor in those rankings.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,178
Median monthly rent: $790

A quieter city in the Triad and with easy access to the popular Yadkin Valley, Charlotte, lakes, and other resources makes Winston a fantastic place to retire.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,602
Median monthly rent: $1,162

The triangle gives residents all the benefits of a large city and a metro of the state's most prominent college towns.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,357
Median monthly rent: $953

While it has a significant cost of living, if you can afford to retire in Asheville then its money well spent to spend your time in the beautiful mountains.