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Holden Beach, North Carolina
Idyllic Holden Beach is Tucked on an Island on the Southern North Carolina Coast and is Known for its Beautiful Oceanfront Beaches and Dramatic Bridge That Rises Over the Intracoastal Waterway
This nice little South Brunswick island town is sandwiched between Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island on the southern North Carolina coast. It is known for its beautiful oceanfront beaches and dramatic bridge that rises over the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the island with the mainland.
Although Holden Beach boasts that it "is proud of what we do not have," the community actually has quite a bit to offer. Fishing piers, a full service marina, and charters cater to the nautical-minded. Kayak rentals and surfing lessons are readily available. The town has a driving range and golf school, and the nearby Lockwood Folly Country Club's golf course makes its way through salt marshes, forests and creeks. Holden Beach's newest waterway park, Bridgeview, includes a transient dock and bocce ball courts. Residents enjoy turtle talks, yoga classes, pickleball tournaments, and beach walks. The town pavilion is the home of Tide Dye Tuesdays and a summer concert series. Popular festivals include Days at the Docks and the North Carolina Festival by the Sea.
Holden Beach is only four to six blocks wide, so many homes face either the Atlantic or the Intracoastal Waterway. Nearly all properties sit atop stilts and most have a garage underneath the main living area. Residents can shop or dine at causeway galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. For those who need or want big box retail, Shallotte is only 10 minutes away.
Population: 1,000 (city proper)
Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 65%
Cost of Living: 77% above the national average
Median Home Price: $850,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in 80s and 90s and winter temperatures are in 30s, 40s and 50s. On average, the area receives 55 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Brunswick Community Hospital, 10 miles away in Supply, accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Brunswick Community Hospital, 10 miles away in Supply, is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Hurricanes can happen. In fact, Hurricane Florence came ashore in 2018 but caused little damage. Hurricane Ian in 2022 brought some flooding and beach erosion.
Notes: Holden Beach's population has nearly during the last decade and the town is popular with vacationing families. Many businesses close during the winter. Locals complain that growth is lessening the area's charm. Home prices have increased 1% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although this is a quiet place in winter.
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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