Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Caswell Beach, North Carolina
Tucked on a Barrier Island, Idyllic Caswell Beach Has a Long Oceanfront Beach, Sea Turtles and a Very Laid Back Vibe
Off the beaten path, Caswell Beach sits on the eastern edge of Oak Island, a barrier island on North Carolina's southern shore where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a quiet place with a mellow seaside vibe and is just four square miles in area.
The four mile long strip of shimmering white oceanfront sand is not as crowded as other North Carolina beaches. It is, though, a popular Loggerhead turtle nesting ground, and locals work to protect the little hatchlings each summer. With six creeks and two rivers surrounding the western and northern edges of the town, fishing, paddling, and sailing are all recreational possibilities. So is golfing at the beautiful Oak Island Golf Club, which covers a quarter of Caswell Beach. It, and Fort Caswell, a Civil War-era fort now owned by and operated as a retreat by the North Carolina Baptist Assembly, are the only commercial endeavors in town. The historic Oak Island Lighthouse is a tourist draw (no fee).
Amenities and services are not here, but shops, veterinarians, accountants and the like are only minutes away in Southport or in the town of Oak Island. Some attractions, such as Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher, are only reachable by ferry or by traveling through nearby Wilmington.
Homes, and there are not many of them, are either situated facing the Atlantic, on a wooded lot overlooking the river or in one of a couple of master-planned communities. The Arboretum has Lowcountry style, single family homes, and Caswell Dunes has condominiums and some single family homes.
Population: 400 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 75%
Cost of Living: 33% above the national average
Median Home Price: $600,000
Climate: This area has hot, humid summers with temperatures in 80s and 90s and mild winters with temperatures in 40s, 50s and 60s. On average, it receives 56 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but J. Arthur Dosher Hospital is three miles away in Southport and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but J. Arthur Dosher Hospital is three miles away in Southport and is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 53%
Is North Carolian Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Hurricanes are always a possibility, and 2016's Matthew caused damage.
Notes: Caswell Beach is a remote place. Its population goes up and down but generally stays in the 400 person range since 2010. There is not much to do except play golf and enjoy the beach (and that seems to be just fine with residents). Homes prices have increased 3% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
North Carolina:
"Esse quam videri" is the motto of North Carolina, also known as the Tar Heel State. It was the 12th state to be admitted to the Union, joining the other states on November 21, 1789. North Carolina was also one of the Thirteen Colonies and was originally named the Province of Carolina. It was the second to the last state to declare its secession from the Union during the Civil War.
The state is situated in the Southeastern region of the United States and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. The capital is Raleigh, but the largest city is Charlotte.
The historical people of North Carolina include the Chowanoke, Roanoke, Pamlico, Coree and Cape Fear Indians. The Revolutionary War impoverished the state of North Carolina for several years.
Charlotte is on a rapid growth streak thanks to its banking industry. North Carolina is also home to several universities, including the University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State University.
The state hosts more than 80% of the NASCAR racing teams and is the site of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Carolina Panthers represents North Carolina in the National Football League, and the Charlotte Bobcats play in the National Basketball Association.
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