Most Popular 55+ Communities in North Carolina

At PCR, we’re all about connecting active adults with the community that best aligns with your unique essence. If you’re looking to find and settle down in the perfect community—based on climate, taxes, amenities, lifestyle activities, proximity to family, and everything in between—rest assured we know just the place.
Not surprisingly, North Carolina is a sought-after destination for retirees and adults seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s a shortlist of this year’s most popular 55+ communities in North Carolina.
Conveniently located in North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle region, this popular 55+ community offers a low-maintenance lifestyle and luxury amenities designed for active adults. The residents’ clubhouse includes a well-equipped fitness center, resort-style swimming pool, pickleball and bocce courts, an event lawn, and two golf courses within a five-minute drive.
Carolina Gardens by Del Webb- Fuquay-Varina, NC
The newest Del Webb community in North Carolina’s Triangle region, Carolina Gardens encompasses 400 acres with 900 single-family homes and a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse with amenities and activities to suit a variety of interests. Residents 55 and over stay active and healthy at the fully equipped fitness center, swim laps or relax at the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hone artistic skills at the craft studio, and enjoy friendly competition at the tennis, pickleball, and bocce courts. There are also miles of walking trails, community gardens, and pocket parks.
Cresswind Charlotte- Charlotte, NC
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city yet still within easy reach of Uptown attractions with this popular 55+ community in Charlotte, NC. Specifically-designed for seniors in search of an active lifestyle, community highlights include miles of walking trails, an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse with fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, pickleball, and bocce. Social activities and clubs are organized for every hobby!
Another popular 55+ North Carolina community located just outside of Charlotte...this one offering lakefront living on the shores of the Mountain Island Lake peninsula. The aptly-named “Imagery” delivers an artistic take on the active adult lifestyle by offering adored activities and new passions yet to be explored. A clubhouse with fitness center, art studios, boating, fishing, sunbathing, and miles of manicured walking and biking trails are just the beginning. All set against the stunning backdrop of a scenic island peninsula.
Trilogy Lake Norman®- Denver, NC
This North Carolina master planned retirement community was conceived with 55+ active adults in mind. The gorgeous 30,000 square foot club boasts a signature restaurant serving up fresh healthy fare with a southern twist, along with a sports and media escape complete with TVs, billiards, shuffleboard, an interactive demonstration kitchen and studio, event center, and even an amphitheater for live music and performances! Combining resort-like social and recreational amenities make this popular North Carolina community a dream come true for many retirees.
Del Webb at Traditions- Wake Forest, NC
Looking for 55+ communities in Wake Forest, NC? You just found the best. This low-maintenance community is located within the master-planned community of Traditions—a mere five minutes from downtown Wake Forest. Anchored by an 18,000-square-foot amenity center with countless fitness and recreational activities, residents stay active on 50+ miles of trails that wind throughout the community.
While those are the 55+ North Carolina communities that generated the most interest from your peers when searching for their dream homes this year, rest assured it’s just the beginning. Visit PCR for a full listing of The Tar Heel State’s most desirable communities.