These 7 NC towns are great for vacations, but not retirement

As one of the most visited states in the country, North Carolina is a popular locale for tourists and retirees alike — but how do you go about figuring out which spots are best suited for which demographic? The folks at digital travel publication, The Travel, have done the heavy lifting and ranked seven spots in the Tar Heel State that are great for vacations, but not for retiring in NC

7. Boone

This beautiful college town in the High Country offers incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation and beautiful vistas, but its housing market is both highly competitive and extremely expensive. Similarly, as home to Appalachian State University, the town sees a huge influx of students each year, which is at odds with its once-small town charm and may not be ideal for folks who are looking to relax in their golden years.

6. The Outer Banks

This popular tourist attraction boasts pristine beaches whose salt air can be damaging and cause frequent, costly maintenance. Likewise, many houses here are on stilts, which can be troublesome for folks with mobility issues. People requiring specialized healthcare may have to travel to larger cities, which could also be a deterrent.

5. Emerald Isle

As a tourist destination, an estimated 50,000 visitors descend on Emerald Isle each week during the summer. As a result, most of the area’s homes are vacation rentals, which means there are not a lot of long-term housing options available to potential retirees. Another important factor? Its limited access to the mainland means immediate medical attention is sparse (the nearest hospital is a half hour away).

4. Blowing Rock

This adorable mountain town is home to one of the state’s oldest attractions, The Blowing Rock. As such, it sees an influx of tourists year round. But because it’s home to only about 1,500 residents, its infrastructure is limited. Its healthcare offerings are also limited, meaning folks with major underlying conditions will need to drive to major cities for care.

3. Wilmington

Home to major attractions like Battleship North Carolina, beautiful beaches, and a bustling university, Wilmington’s growth has exceeded its infrastructure, making it a less than ideal place to retire. It is also subject to issues like evacuations due to hurricane risks and heavy traffic during the tourism season.

2. Charlotte

Despite its wealth of recreational opportunities, excellent healthcare options, and relatively mild weather, budget-conscious retirees will struggle with the cost of living here, which is 12.6 percent higher than North Carolina’s.

1. Asheville

An undeniably popular tourist attraction, especially during the fall, Asheville’s high cost of living — which is 16.3 percent higher than North Carolina and 5.8 percent higher than the national average — makes it difficult to afford a decent lifestyle.

READ MORE: New report reveals best and worst spots to retire in North Carolina