Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
On One End of a Long Barrier Island, Picturesque Emerald Isle Boasts White Sand beaches, Nesting Sea Turtles, Blue Green Waters and Fun Festivals
Bogue Banks is a 21-mile-long barrier island off the mid-coast of North Carolina. Tranquil Emerald Isle sits at the western end of the island and is a vacation destination, thanks to its 12 miles of beautiful white beaches and blue green waters. The beaches are also popular with nesting sea turtles.
The island and Emerald Isle are about a half mile wide, with large homes scattered across the town's interior and lining both the oceanfront on the east and Bogue Sound on the west. There really is no centralized downtown, but Emerald Plantation, Bell Cove Village and Veranda Square are shopping centers with groceries, ice cream shops, clothing stores, surf shops and more. The beaches are crowded in the summer but quiet otherwise, with driving on the sand and camping allowed from mid-September through April. Emeraldfest is a free summer concert series, and the Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival brings everyone out for food and music every fall. The Cameron Langston Bridge connects Emerald Isle to the mainland.
Population: 4,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 65%
Cost of Living: 63% above the national average
Median Home Price: $775,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures in the 40s, 50s and 60s. On average, the area receives 54 inches of rain and a dusting of snow each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Carteret General Hospital is 15 miles away in Morehead City and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Carteret General Hospital is 15 miles away in Morehead City and is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Slightly above the national average
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 45%
Is North Carolian Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Hurricanes are always a possibility. Access to the mainland is limited.
Notes: Emerald Isle has grown 4% within the last decade. The population swells to 50,000 in the summer (and is why the crime rate is higher than average). Many residences are vacation rentals built on stilts. Homes prices have increased 18% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, if looking for a touristy beach town with very quiet winters.
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.
Webwerxx, Inc. Copyright (c) 2006-2024. All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Reproducing any original part of this publication without written permission from Webwerxx, Inc. is plagiarism. Numerous attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this website, but some information may have changed since each article and/or report went online, and Webwerxx, Inc. is not liable for inaccurate information contained in its articles and/or reports.