7 NC towns great for vacation, bad for retirement: See where 3 Western NC towns rank
It's no secret that Asheville's tourist industry is booming, but an article from TheTravel suggested that outsiders limit their time in the city to vacationing.
TheTravel, a digital travel publication, was founded in 2018. Writers cover trending destinations and hidden gems - and this time, they considered a particularly niche category.
The article, published July 22, has plenty of praise for Asheville's offerings. However, the category in which the city earned first place was places that were "bad for retirement but perfect for a vacation."
Here's why TheTravel placed Asheville high on its list.
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Retirement vs. vacation in Asheville
Praise came first in Asheville's entry in first place of the seven locations chosen for the list. The city's award-winning arts scene, outdoor activities and eclectic downtown all received mentions. As for specific attractions, the list entry suggested:
However, this praise was only part of what landed Asheville so high on this particular list. Factors TheTravel mentioned that made the city potentially unfit for retirees included a high cost of living - 16.3% higher than the N.C. average and 5.8% higher than the national average, according to the article.
Apart from the lack of budget housing and high cost of everyday expenses, the article also mentioned "big-city problems" like increased crime, and the bustling tourist season that may not be what many retirees are looking for.
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7 places in NC bad for retirement but great for a vacation
N.C. is a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike. From majestic mountains and bustling cities to small-town charm, TheTravel's list described the state as a place with something for everyone. However, its many attractions don't mean that every city is suitable for retirement.
"Some don't quite tick all the right boxes when it comes to certain non-negotiables," the article said.
According to TheTravel, factors that can make N.C. less-than-ideal for retirees include busy tourist seasons that can take away from the "small-town charm" many seniors search for in retirement locations. Lack of public transportation, hospitals and other crucial offerings for retirees also plagues many of the cities on the list.
Blowing Rock: Vacationers would appreciate the Blowing Rock attraction, its old-fashioned downtown and its access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. But retirees may be put off by the town's limited infrastructure and the distance one might have to travel for specialized health care.
Boone: Vacationers likely will appreciate the many outdoor recreational opportunities in the High Country as well as the bustling nature of a college town, with Appalachian State established there. Retirees, on the other hand, may not want the college town atmosphere, and expensive housing is a drawback.
The full list of N.C. locations worth a visit but not a retirement plan includes:
- Asheville
- Charlotte
- Wilmington
- Blowing Rock
- Emerald Isle
- The Outer Banks
- Boone
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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
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