Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Retire in Valdese, North Carolina?
Overview: Valdese was settled by Italian Waldensian (Christian) immigrants in 1893, and it is proud of its unique Old World heritage. Nestled in western North Carolina, it has a scenic setting and for years had an economy based in textile manufacturing.
The economy began to change in the early-2000s as manufacturing declined. Local leaders realized that they needed to diversify the town's economic underpinnings and began positioning Valdese as a tourist and retirement destination. Today, attractions include a winery, the Trail of Faith and an arts center. Valdese's Old Rock School is a cultural hub, housing the Piedmont and Western Railroad Museum as well as the Rock School Arts Foundation Galleries. Bluegrass at the Rock is a local music series with a national reputation, and the Waldensian Festival has been a major celebration since 1976. The Old Colony Players produce an outdoor drama honoring town founders every year.
The downtown is simple but well kept and the site of Friday night gospel, bluegrass and country music concerts. The farmers' market, held every summer Wednesday and Friday, is here, too. The community center has bowling lanes and a year-round swimming pool. McGalliard Falls Park boasts a nature trail, a historic grist mill and holds a fishing tournament every spring. The Catawba River and Lake Rodhiss sit on Valdese's northern fringe and have public access areas. Valdese homes are primarily brick bungalows and ranch ramblers.
Population: 4,500 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 43%
Cost of Living: 15% below the national average
Median Home Price: $130,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the 30s and 40s. On average, the area receives 49 inches of rain and seven inches of snow each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited By Joint Commission? No, but Morganton, about five miles away, has an accredited hospital.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Very conservative
College Educated: 19%
Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Valdese has lost 2% of its population in the last decade.
Notes: Racial diversity is minimal. A significant portion of residents consider themselves religious.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the population loss is a concern.
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.
Stats:
Population - 10,147,788
Persons 65 years old and over - 16%
High school graduates, age 25+ - 86%
Bachelor's degree or higher, age 25+ - 25%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin - 10%
White persons, not Hispanic - 63%
Median household income - $46,868
Median home value - $162,500
Social Security taxed? No
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Webwerxx, Inc. Copyright (c) 2006-2020. 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 responsible for inaccurate information contained in its articles and/or reports.