Here are 10 Reasons to Chose the Triangle for Your Retirement Plans

When I first moved to the Triangle in 1991 I was just out of college and didn't even think about retirement.  I've been here for sometime and married an Ausie that is 10 years my senior.  I still don't think about retirement but my husband has taught me a thing or two about how retirees think.  Mauro is very conservative and doesn't like a lot of maintenance.  That said, I always dreamed of retiring in Hilton Head, SC.  However, the Triangle area has really matured since I moved here and, quite frankly, I can't imagine living anywhere else.  In addition, thousands are relocating to the area and North Carolina is now the #1 State for retirees.  If you're looking for affordable with plenty to do you may just want to Chose the Triangle for your Retirement Plans.  Here's Why: 

1.      Weather - North Carolina has a very nice temperate climate, with four seasons.  Rarely, if ever, do we have extreme weather of the Northeast nor the hurricanes and severe heat associated with the deep South year round.  A lot more sunshine than the Northeast, even in wintertime.

2.      Healthcare - UNC Hospital is one of the top teaching hospitals in the world with more than 750 physicians. Duke University hospital and others are available in nearby Durham.  Rex Hospital and Wake Med are also fabulous hospitals around the Triangle with world class Physicians and facilities. 

3.      Low Property Taxes & Insurance In the Triangle we have tax assessments every eight years.  We, unfortunately had one this year, so a lot of folks are in shock.  The good news - we won't have another one until 2016.  The tax rate is a bit over 1% but varies year to year.  On a $200k home you can expect to pay around $2300 in property taxes.  Insurance for a $300k home around $600. 

4.      Maintenance costs - Utility costs are very reasonable in this area.  And, if you're downsizing then it leads one to believe that less space means less electricity, low maintenance yard means less watering, etc. 

5.      Convenient to the beach and mountains but not as costly.  You can actually get down to the beach and back in a day if you try. The good news - you don't pay beach prices or beach insurance! I also love the North Carolina Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway are about 5 hours away!

6. Cultural activities - Within 15 minutes of just about anywhere in Raleigh-Cary there area a variety of cultural experiences--the N.C. Symphony, the N.C. Art Museum, the Ackland Museum of Art and the American Dance Festival in Durham. . Additional activities include art shows, symphony orchestra concerts, ballet, amphitheatre, and many performing arts events. Sports fans no doubt will enjoy being so close to the athletic teams of N.C. State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina.  The Triangle is even home to the Durham Bulls.   

7.  Enjoy the Great Outdoors - There are a number of outdoor destinations including golf courses and parks such as Umstead Park, Lake Lynn, Lake Johnson, Apex Park, Eno River State Park, and Duke Gardens.  In addition, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, skiing, camping, and hiking. The park is also a favorite destination for picnickers and bird watchers. Each summer it boasts the largest population of Bald Eagles in the eastern United States.

8.  Following the family - I've had several parents of friends contact me about their relocation to the Triangle.  The Triangle area has seen consistent job growth and many families relocating to the area.  For many families, the parents follow their children and grandchildren to the area.  My family lives in Texas and I would have enjoyed having them closeby, especially when my daughter was growing up.

9. Education -Some of the finest in the country - UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NC State are a few of the top universities in the area.  In addition, Duke University offers a unique program called  the The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) which was formerly called the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement.  The program is a joint venture of Duke Continuing Education and the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development.  OLLI at Duke offers a wide array of courses - in literature, history, religion, philosophy, natural sciences, social sciences, performing arts, art and architecture, economics, finance, computers and lifestyle issues. 

10. Excellent Transportation - Some of the 55+ communities offer door-to-door service to Doctors, grocery shopping, and more(for a fee).  Our airport, RDU International airport, is expanding the number of flights in and out of the airport and the parking garage has just been completed which offers easy access in and out of the airport.

If you are thinking of moving to the area and are on the market for a Buyers Agent I am a SRES(Senior Real Estate Specialist) and focus only on the Triangle area market.