Explore low-maintenance active adult retirement communities in North Carolina

North Carolina Active Adult Communities

With a mild climate that allows for outdoor recreation in all seasons, more and more people are heading to North Carolina active adult communities to live out their retirement. Whether it’s near the state’s pristine coastal beaches, the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, or the popular Sandhills-Piedmont area, living in NC means you can spend springtime on the golf course, summer at the beach, fall hiking in the mountains, and winter on the ski slopes. The cultural and historical attractions of Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington make the active adult communities of North Carolina an even more attractive option for many retirees and empty nesters.

You don't have to be over 55 to enjoy low-maintenance living in North Carolina, but you can choose to live in an age-restricted community. Either way, all of the NC communities featured here provide an array of organized activities, clubs, and events ensuring there are always opportunities for socializing and making new friends. They also feature top-notch amenities including championship golf courses fitness centers, walking and biking trails, and swimming pools—encouraging routines centered around health and wellness.

Additionally, North Carolina communities often take care of services such as lawn maintenance and exterior home upkeep, allowing residents to spend more time enjoying their hobbies and the company of neighbors rather than dealing with the burdens of home maintenance. With diverse housing options and strategic locations, often close to cultural attractions, healthcare facilities, and natural wonders, North Carolina's active adult communities provide a well-rounded and enjoyable retirement experience.

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Albemarle Plantation

Hertford, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Hertford, North Carolina

A scenic Dan Maples signature golf course and a 166-slip deepwater marina highlight this gated waterfront community in the Albemarle Sound region of northeastern North Carolina. Choose from a selection of homes, townhomes and condos priced from $225,000 to $850,000; Lots from $30,000 to $200,000. Read More...

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Carolina Colours

New Bern, North Carolina Active Adult Community
New Bern, North Carolina

This eastern North Carolina master-planned community is designed to accommodate a broad range of budgets and lifestyles, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods and housing options surrounding an established 18-hole golf course and other amenities. Homesites from $75,000 and homes from about $400,000. Read More...

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Carolina Gardens by Del Webb

Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

This Wake County, North Carolina 55 plus community offers an active adult lifestyle with a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, outdoor recreation, and quick access to the attractions of the Triangle region. Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pools, tennis & pickleball courts, bocce ball, walking trails, community gardens, and a dog park. Homes priced from the upper $300,000s. Read More...

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Compass Pointe

Leland, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Leland, North Carolina

Awarded the 2016 Bliss Award for “Best North Carolina Community of the Year,” Compass Pointe offers new homes, townhomes and lots for sale in a gated resort and retirement community near North Carolina's Cape Fear coast, with golf, tennis and other club amenities under development. Lots from $90,000 to $200,000; Homes priced from the mid $500,000s to $1 million. Read More...


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Cresswind Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Charlotte, North Carolina

This Charlotte, NC 55+ community is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still within easy reach of Uptown attractions. Resort-style amenities include an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and walking & biking trails. Clubs and programs are offered for every hobby. NASCAR, golf, and mountains are easily accessible. Homes priced from the $400,000s to the $700,000s. Read More...


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Flowers Plantation

Clayton, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Clayton, North Carolina

This 3,000-acre gated community is located just 20 minutes outside of North Carolina's Research Triangle. Along with quick access to the Triangle's renowned healthcare, shops, dining, and entertainment venues, this master-planned community offers a diverse selection of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, walking trails, and more. Homes and townhomes from the $300,000s to $1 million. Apartment rentals starting at $1,450/month.. Read More...


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GlenLaurel Preserve

Brevard, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Brevard, North Carolina

GlenLaurel Preserve is a North Carolina mountain community in Brevard designed to foster an active lifestyle in a pristine unspoiled environment. Carved into the Blue Ridge Mountains, bordered by the Pisgah National Forest, and overlooking the French Broad River Valley, residents enjoy an array of outdoor recreation within the community and surrounding area. Fishing, hiking, and an expansive clubhouse highlight the community amenities with NC mountain villas and green certified homes ranging from the low $500,000s to $1.75 million. Lots from $65,000 to $245,000. Read More...


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Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation

Leland, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Leland, North Carolina

This North Carolina gated golf community offers an active lifestyle just five minutes from historic downtown Wilmington. Amenities include 27 holes of championship golf, indoor and outdoor pools, a pro shop & restaurant, a brand-new fitness & wellness center, walking trails, and tennis courts. Lots priced from $80000 to $200,000; Homes from $250,000 to $850,000; Condos/Villas from $200,000 and up. Read More...


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Ocean Ridge Plantation Presented by ASAP Realty

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

90 holes of championship golf, coastal living, and protected woodlands are defining features of this community located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. Amenities include three clubhouses, a private beach club, tennis, racquetball, swimming, fitness, a nature park, and a community garden. Lots from the $14,000 to $250,000; Homes from $325,000 to over $800,000. Read More...

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Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation

Shallotte, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Shallotte, North Carolina

Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation is conveniently located close to three of the most pristine beaches on the east coast. Rivers Edge is known for its all-inclusive amenities and active lifestyle which includes an award-winning 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, River Hall Residence Club, 27-acre freshwater Palmer Lake, oceanfront beach club, walking & biking trails, and views of the Shallotte River and its tributaries. Water, golf, and nature view homesites, homes, and townhomes are available. Lots from $20,000 to $200,000; homes & townhomes from the $300,000s to $1 million+. Read More...


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Ryan Homes at Lakes at Riverbend

Navassa, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Navassa, North Carolina

Ryan Homes at Lakes at Riverbend is a North Carolina community near Wilmington and the Cape Fear River in Navassa, NC. Its convenient location, low-maintenance homes, and resort-style amenities make the community perfect for families, active adults, and retirees. Amenities include a 5,000 square foot clubhouse with a fitness center and adjacent beach entry swimming pool, gathering area with fire pit, three pickleball courts, bocce court, play lawn, and walking trails. Townhomes priced from the high $200,000s. Homes priced from the mid $300,000s. Read More...


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Sea Trail Plantation

Sunset Beach, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Sunset Beach, North Carolina

This golf and resort community offers the best in coastal living, along with championship golf courses, resort-style amenities, and a wide variety of homes. Recreational offerings include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, walking & biking trails, tennis & pickleball courts, fishing ponds, and weekly activities for all interests. Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand is just 30 minutes away. Lots priced from $30,000 to $150,000; condos from $99,000 to $249,000; townhomes from $129,000 to $299,000; homes from $209,000 to $649,000. Read More...

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The Coves Mountain River Club

Lenoir, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Lenoir, North Carolina

Breathe in the mountain air, and savor the wildflowers; you’ve found your new home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Welcome to The Coves Mountain River Club, a 3,200-acre gated community on the Johns River. Private trails wind past sparkling streams and mountain overlooks. Gardens, picnic pavilions, kayak access points, equestrian facilities, and more await. End the day with a glorious sunset at the ridgetop clubhouse. Home sites from $39,900 - $139,900. Cabins, Cottages, and Traditional Homes are available. Read More...


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Trilogy® Lake Norman

Denver, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Denver, North Carolina

Trilogy® Lake Norman is a new gated and master-planned 55+ retirement community about half an hour northwest of downtown Charlotte. The community will combine resort-like social and recreational amenities with a selection of new homes for sale near Lake Norman and Interstate 77. Homes are priced from the $400,000s to the $600,000s. Read More...


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Waterford of the Carolinas

Wilmington, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Wilmington, North Carolina

Located along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, Waterford of the Carolinas offers the best of coastal and city living. Resort-style amenities coupled with immediate access to downtown Historic Wilmington and Atlantic beaches give residents ample room to relax and explore. Most of the homes and lots are lakefront or offer water views. Lots priced from $59,900 to $269,900; Homes from $239,900 to $499,900. Read More...

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Winding River Plantation

Bolivia, North Carolina Active Adult Community
Bolivia, North Carolina

This award winning master-planned community offers a waterfront club lifestyle with a 27-hole Fred Couples Signature Golf Course, tennis, swimming, deep water marina for boating and fishing, and more. The community is just 30 minutes from Wilmington, NC and one hour from Myrtle Beach, SC. Lots priced from $12,000 to $300,000; Homes, Townhomes, Villas & Condos priced from $100,000 to $1 million. Read More...


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