Retirees Find Peace in North Carolina's Coastal Charm

For many retirees from the Northeast, moving towards warmer climates is a common practice. Traditionally, Florida has been a favored destination. However, a growing number of retirees are setting their sights on Calabash, North Carolina, as a serene alternative.

Diana Cawood, a New Jersey native, decided against Florida and relocated to Calabash by the close of 2019. The choice was partially due to her desire to remain within a reasonable driving distance from her family back in New Jersey. "A nine-hour drive home means we can make the journey in a single day," she mentioned.

A Thoughtful Search for Retirement Bliss

Cawood spent five years prior to her retirement in search of a new place to call home. Her criteria included a milder climate than New Jersey's, favorable tax conditions, and a quieter pace compared to urban life. While places like Wilmington in North Carolina and Hilton Head in South Carolina did not meet her expectations, Calabash struck the right balance with its less crowded environment and proximity to the beach.

Located near the South Carolina border, just over two dozen miles from Myrtle Beach, Calabash offers a tranquil coastal lifestyle. Cawood and her spouse chose to settle in the Kingfish Bay development, located a mere four miles from the nearest beach, while still managing to stay closer to family compared to any location within Florida.

Not Every Retiree Prefers Florida's Heat

Kathie Yllanes, originally from Long Island, moved to Calabash in 2017 from Raleigh, North Carolina. She continues to visit the Northeast approximately six times per year. Yllanes finds the journey to Long Island more manageable from Calabash than it would be from Florida.

While North Carolina doesn’t boast the perennial warmth of Florida, its climate remains significantly milder than that of the Northeast. "We appreciate having all four seasons without the harshness of winter," Cawood explained. "Summers are warm, but not unbearably so, unlike Florida's constant heat, which we wanted to avoid."

A Shift in Retirement Destinations

Despite Florida's longstanding appeal as a retirement haven, factors like rising living costs and increased population density are turning some retirees away. Real estate agent Darren Bouley notes that the allure of Calabash is growing, especially for those moving southward who then reconsider and head back up to North Carolina, a phenomenon known as "half-backing."

Yllanes' family serves as an example, having previously moved from Florida to Calabash after experiencing similar issues with Florida's changing lifestyle dynamics.

Benefits of North Carolina's Calabash

During the pandemic, Florida saw a surge in newcomers due to its sunny climate and comparatively affordable living costs. Yet the increase in home insurance rates among other factors is prompting some to rethink staying in Florida. As a result, states like North Carolina are witnessing an influx of new residents. In 2023, tens of thousands made the move from Florida to North Carolina, leading state-to-state migration statistics.

According to Samuel Miller from Kingfish Bay, Calabash's cost of living is comparable to Florida's and may even provide more value. "Many see significant value here, both in terms of real estate prices and overall living expenses," Miller said. State taxes also tend to be more favorable in North Carolina compared to the Northeast.

In regions like Miami, the cost of living is notably higher, despite some of Florida's less expensive areas. Overall, Calabash offers an economical lifestyle without sacrificing quality.