Best Communities for Retirees (Charlotte, Raleigh: gated, live, shop)

[janmarkel]

My husband and I are contemplating moving south to leave the cold, dreary winters behind. We are mid-fifties. Both of us would still be working. My husband loves to play golf. I am a tole painter and love to learn new arts. We have been checking into some 55+ active adult communities, mainly for the golf and planned activities. I'm not totally convinced on going this route. We both like vibrant small communities close to larger cities for shopping, cultural activities, airports, etc. Also, would prefer to be within two hours of the beach. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[havin fun]

Moore County. 42 golf courses and Artsy stuff all over. Plenty of galleries, pottery and the like. We came down in 1992, I retired at 55 two years ago, and my wife will work another 3 or 4 yrs. Peaceful and quiet area that has a growing child population. Never even considered a 55plus community, although there are some here. Southern Pines is a lively vibrant community.
60 miles south of Raleigh. 2.5 hours to the beach. None of the traffic of the "big cities", excellent healthcare, and a "laid back" feeling.
One golf course is offering a special-$99 onetime fee-play golf for the rest of the year (after 4PM). Your husband would be in heaven!

[poodlecamper]

Fairfield Harbour in New Bern, mostly retired, but not age restricted. Gated, 2 golf courses, 3 pools,2 marinas,many local arts groups. 45 minutes to the ocean, POA rules but reasonable. On the Neuse River, historical, good medical care nearby. Raleigh 90 minutes away.
What kind of jobs would you be looking for? I know the medical field is wide open. Lots of residential and commercial building going on.
Check out their website, just google Fairfield Harbour NC.
We're 56, just bought a lot there (visited in May of this year)
Good luck!

[azucarnegra]

Wilmington NC is a great place for golfing retirees.

[friendnc]

There is a Sun City retirement communty in suburban Charlotte (Indianland, SC).

I'd also recommend the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area. It's not too far from the Raleigh area.