NC Retirement Communities - Retirement Articles

NC Retirement Communities
From LoveToKnow Seniors

If you are considering retiring in North Carolina, you are in luck: NC retirement communities offer scenery unmatched in any other part of the country. Even more importantly, North Carolina offers something for everyone. Whether you need a full-fledged nursing home, an assisted living facility, or an independent living community, you're sure to find something here that fits your needs.

About North Carolina

When it comes to NC retirememt communities, your toughest decision might be which part of the state to call home. North Carolina is known for its picturesque views, and settling on just one can be difficult.
smoky mountains

Here is an overview of the state:

* Mountains: The western section of North Carolina includes the Appalachian Mountains. This area boasts such attractions as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Black Mountains, and the South Mountains. This area has become a tourist attraction and entertainment opportunites abound. Retirement communities in this area often offer mountain or lake views, and some are actually hillside.
* Foothills: Next to the mountains, you'll find the foothills of North Carolina. The foothills encompass such popular destinations as Charlotte and Winston-Salem. This area features several resort-style 55+ communities.
* Piedmont: Nestled between the mountains and the coast, the Piedmont is the largest section of North Carolina. The Piedmont is home to major cities Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Fayetteville. Also located in the Piedmont region is the international industrial and business complex Research Triangle Park, and the state's largest universities - the University of North Carolina, Duke University, Wake Forest University, and North Carolina State University. Although the area is not mountainous, it is far from flat.
* Coastal plain: North Carolina is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Although the area is predominantly marsh and swampland, there are several notable attractions, such as Cape Hatteras, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Fear, and the popular beach community Wilmington/Wrightsville.

Popular NC Retirement Communities

Clearly, the landscape of North Carolina is diverse, and so are the retirement communities available. The one you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your geographic preferences, your lifestyle, your needs, and any nearby family or friends. Choices in North Carolina are abundant, but here are a few of our favories.
The Cypress

For the ultimate in resort living, consider the Cypress, a Hilton Head continuing care community managed by Life Care Services Corporation. This upscale neighborhood offers private villas or cottages, available for purchase, in a golf course community. Designed for the active senior, this community offers entertainment year-round, including:

* Dancing
* Biking
* Swimming
* Tennis
* Festivals
* Theater
* Beach
* Tours
* Classes

Available services include housekeeping, meal preparation, security, fitness classes, emergency care, wellness programs, transportation, and home health care.

A sister community is located in Charlotte.
Plantation Estates

Plantation Estates, in Matthews, offers a slower pace. This 62+ ACTS Retirement-Life Community features apartments and assisted living suites. Because the facility is an ACTS community, residents receive the following added benefits:

* Monthly fees will not increase due to an increase in the level of care needed, although the fees may increase slightly for other reasons
* If needed, skilled care is available
* Tax deductions are possible (speak with your financial advisor for details)

Plantation Estates activities and amenities include shuffleboard, indoor swimming, a workshop, video library, art room, fishing, and massage therapy.
Galloway Ridge

Galloway Ridge is a Lifecare community in Pittsboro, NC. Residences purchase a home in one of five neighborhoods spanning over 1,400 acres. Billing itself as "maintenance-free living", Galloway Ridge offers a variety of services, including:

* Utilities
* Dining options
* Transportation
* Emergency response
* Security
* Assisted living
* Dementia care
* Skilled nursing
* Membership at Duke Center for Living

Activities are also abundant and include book readings, cooking classes, birdwatching, wine tastings, and shopping.
Other North Carolina Retirement Options

If addition to the communities we've highlighted, consider:

* Belle Meade
* The Village of Carolina Place
* Brighton Gardens of Greensboro
* The Courtyards at Berne Village
* Well-Spring