From a mild climate to affordable housing prices to natural attractions, North Carolina has a lot to offer retirees. While the state has its perks, there are also reasons to reconsider retiring here and look elsewhere instead.
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Saving money is the reason people retire in North Carolina, but the savings vary depending on where you live, as some cities are much more expensive than others. Additionally, we also have hurricanes here, although maybe not as many as in Florida.
If you want to retire in North Carolina, there are several reasons to reconsider.
1. Natural disaster
North Carolina may have nice weather, especially if you're traveling from the north, but it also has hurricanes. Tornadoes and severe storms also occur occasionally, putting homes in coastal areas at risk of flooding.
According to the National Center for Environmental Information, between 1980 and 2024, North Carolina experienced $116 billion in disasters. ABC11 reported that the risk of severe flooding is also expected to worsen by 2050. Statewide data shows coastal areas are most at risk. However, counties with at least a 10% risk of major flooding cover most of the state.
2. The cost is not as low as you think.
According to Zillow, the average home price in North Carolina is $329,225, but housing costs can vary widely depending on where you live. For example, the average home price in Raleigh is $442,852, while in Winston-Salem it's only $252,763.
Ellen Pitts, founder of North Carolina Harmony Realty, said in a blog post that while housing is generally cheaper, food, medical care, utilities and transportation costs are higher. The state has an income tax that could rise to 3.99% by 2026, Pitts noted. States do not tax Social Security, but they do tax retirement benefits, public pensions, and private pensions.
3. Lack of public transportation
Public transportation is available, but depending on where you live, it may not be very available. According to PODS, there are buses, but it is difficult to get around without a car. In Charlotte, the walk score is just 26, and the transit score (27) and bike score (31) aren't that great either. Raleigh, on the other hand, is considered very walkable. The city has a Walk Score of 83, a Transit Score of 71, and a Bike Score of 88.
4. Limited access to health care in rural areas
North Carolina is home to some world-renowned hospitals that provide excellent medical care, but if you live in a rural area, you may have to travel long distances for treatment. According to the University of North Carolina's Rural Pharmacy Health Initiative, 38 of North Carolina's 78 rural counties do not meet the recommended ratio of one primary care provider per 1,500 residents. Access to health services may also be limited by geography, distance, and economic issues.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Reasons You Don't Want to Retire in North Carolina
