Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Nags Head, North Carolina
A Touristy Seaside Resort, Nags Head Boasts Colorful Eateries, Art Galleries, Stilt Homes and Beautiful Oceanfront Beach
Nags Head is a long-standing resort town on North Carolina's Outer Banks, touching both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. Legend says that it got its name from the days when pirates hung lanterns from mules' necks to direct passing ships toward rocky outcroppings where they ran aground and were looted.
Today, no pirates wreck ships in the surf, but tourists come by the carload to play in it, swelling the summer population every year. The beach is long and beautiful with three fishing piers, lively bars and colorful eateries. Vehicles, leashed dogs and fires in pits are all allowed on the sand. Jockey's Ridge State Park, in the middle of town, has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States and is a desert-like environment in constant motion. Hang gliding over the dunes is particularly popular. Merchants in town include a Food Lion, a country market, mini-marts, gas stations, bait and tackle shops, surf shops, cooking stores, banks and outstanding seafood restaurants. There are also a few art galleries.
Historic, weathered stilt cottages with double and triple decker balconies stand amid natural yards, dunes and wild sea oats, facing both the ocean and the Sound. Many homes are vacation properties.
Population: 3,200 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 45%
Cost of Living: 65% above the national average
Median Home Price: $775,000
Climate: This area has hot, humid summers with temperatures in 80s and 90s and mild winters with temperatures in 30s, 40s and 50s. On average, it receives 56 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Meets the national average, although the property crime rate is above the national average.
Public Library: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 39%
Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: The area is completely exposed if/when a hurricane strikes. In recent years, it has been in the path of Hurricanes Isabel (2003), Irene (2011), Sandy (2012), Hermine (2016) and Matthew (2016).
Notes: Nags Head is very quiet in the winter. The population has increased 10% during the last decade, and home price have gone up 18% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the hurricane threat is real.
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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