Discover the Top Retirement Communities In The Carolinas 

Retirement. After years of hard work, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor –– and what better way than living in a place where you are able to take part in all of the activities? 

North and South Carolina are two states that simply have it all. From soaring mountain peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains to beautiful Atlantic beaches, and sandy lakeshores, there is something for everyone in the Carolinas –– making it the perfect place to retire.

In this post, we take a look at six of the top luxury retirement communities in the Carolinas that will keep you active, both physically and socially as you enter this exciting phase in your life. 

1. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove –– Asheville, North Carolina 

Given its temperate climate, breathtaking views, and artistic spirit, it’s no surprise that Asheville is not only one of the best places to travel to, it is also recognized as one of the best places to retire. 

Located a short distance from downtown Asheville is The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a private luxury community that is nestled right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are a variety of properties to choose from, including comfortable townhomes, ideal if you are looking to downsize. Within the community is a new neighborhood called Meadowview. It consists of twelve built-for-sale homes and gracious homesites, making it perfect for those looking to build their custom luxury mountain home. 

At The Cliffs, staying active is fundamental to the lifestyle. Within the community gates, members have access to the signature Jack Nicklaus golf course, known to make players feel as though they are playing through a national forest. In addition to golf, the community has an impressive wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and fitness programs. But, what truly stands out about club membership at The Cliffs is that it is comprised of seven different communities, opening the door to not one but seven world-class golf courses, clubhouses, and wellness centers throughout the Carolinas.

Creekside Farm is also found on the grounds of the community. This 60-acre working farm provides members with heirloom vegetables, fresh fruits, herbs, and eggs from free-roaming chickens, all used by the talented culinary team in the Walnut Cove Tavern and clubhouse restaurant to create an exceptional private dining experience.

2. The Cliffs at Mountain Park –– Marietta, South Carolina

Another community at The Cliffs to consider is The Cliffs at Mountain Park. Located 25 minutes from Greenville, and recognized as one of the best places to live in the US, this private luxury community exudes the mountain spirit. There are cozy homes tucked away in the forest, mountain top estates, and expansive homesites to build your luxury mountain home to your exact expectations. 

To stay active, the links-style golf course designed by Gary Player offers avid golfers a rustic, yet modern experience. With waves of native grasses, a flowing river, and dramatic mounding, the course is authentic to the landscape of the area. Additionally, members of the community have access to the state-of-the-art wellness center located in The Village at Mountain Park.

Discover the other two communities in The Mountain Region at The Cliffs –– The Cliffs at Glassy and The Cliffs Valley.

3. The Retreat at Ocean Isle Beach –– Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

If you prefer the sound of crashing waves, consider The Retreat at Ocean Isle Beach, one of the retirement communities in the Carolinas along the Atlantic. Located just a mile from the beach, the community has a walkable design. Architecturally, the homes are a combination of custom-built cottages and Craftsman-style homes. 

Here, residents have easy access to dining, banking, several upscale supermarkets, a nail salon, and a coffee shop. In addition, there is a private pool and outdoor cabana for members of the community to enjoy. Within Ocean Isle Beach there are five championship golf courses, all that accentuate the coastal Carolina landscape. In addition, there are 40 other award-winning courses within a 20-minute drive of the community –– a golf enthusiast’s dream.

4. Landfall –– Wilmington, North Carolina

Located in the heart of the historic coastal town of Wilmington is Landfall –– a premier gated community in the Southeast. With more than 2,200 acres, the community showcases the beauty and serenity of coastal living. 

This gated community has opportunities for any lifestyle. The Landfall Country Club has two clubhouses, 45 holes of championship golf designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, and practice facilities to improve your golf game. There are also 11 tennis courts, an Olympic sized swimming pool, and fitness facilities, all promoting the active way of life at Landfall.  

5. Kiawah Island Club and Real Estate –– Kiawah Island, South Carolina 

Home to one of the most exclusive communities in the state, Kiawah Island Club and Real Estate is an elegant, luxury coastal community in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Located just 21 miles north of Charleston, the Kiawah Island community affords a retirement lifestyle you simply can not find anywhere else. From golf to racquet sports, fine dining and spa and wellness amenities, this island has it all.  

The golf experience on the Island is characterized by five public courses and two private golf courses. The first private course is known as River Course. Designed by Tom Fazio, six of the holes run along the river’s edge, making for an exciting challenge for players of all skill levels. The second course, Cassique, is a links-style course with a strong Celtic influence. Designed by Hall-of-Famer Tom Watson, players make their way through maritime forest and along marshes where the Kiawah River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Both offer players a natural golfing experience that makes it one of the best places to golf on the East Coast.

To start planning your retirement on Kiawah Island, take a look at the beach cottages, villas and homesites to build upon. 

6. The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards –– Lake Keowee, South Carolina 

Vineyards and lakefront properties –– sounds like the perfect pairing to us. At The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards community, members have the very best of everything that retirement lake-living entails. With a personalized wine experience, a premier golf course designed along the shores of Lake Keowee and state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities, retiring at Keowee Vineyards is a luxury in and of itself. 

Here, members have access to a full-service marina to ensure proper maintenance of their boat and for fueling up before a day out on the water. One distinguishing perk of this community is the Equestrian center which grants access to hundreds of riding trails in the area.

Take a closer look at the other two regions in The Lake Region –– The Cliffs at Keowee Falls and The Cliffs at Keowee Springs.  

Retire at The Cliffs

Retirement communities in the Carolinas come in all shapes and sizes, but why settle for anything less than perfect? At The Cliffs, you don’t have to. 

With seven premier luxury communities throughout Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, you’ll find something special in each of the communities at The Cliffs.  

If you are interested in calling The Cliffs your new home, we invite you to take a look at all of our available properties, along with the perfect homesites you can break ground on. Then, simply start enjoying the best years of your life with your new community. 

As always, you can contact us directly and our team will answer any questions you may have. Simply click the button below to request additional information.