One Of The Most Underrated Retirement Towns Is A Coastal Destination In North Carolina

Median U.S. home values hit $368,581 in 2025, according to the Zillow Home Value Index. That squeezes many retirees out of traditional markets. The National Association of Home Builders reported that 76.9% of U.S. households couldn't afford a median-priced new home in 2024. Coastal markets make it even worse. In San Diego, for example, median values soared to $998,184 in 2025 — nearly three times the U.S. median. Miami was at $581,222. Affordable waterfront retirement spots are becoming increasingly scarce.

GoBankingRates reported a 2024 median home listing price of $342,000 in Arapahoe, North Carolina. That's $26,581 below the national median of $368,581. This makes coastal living attainable for retirees with a modest savings.

Arapahoe has more than just low prices. The town's economy is tied to its waterfront access and small-town feel. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 Decennial Census puts Arapahoe at 416 residents and 196 housing units. It's small and tight-knit. It has earned a reputation as one of the most underrated retirement spots, but it also has recreational perks. The 18-hole, par-72 Minnesott Golf & Country Club sits on 253 acres fronting the Neuse River. Retirees enjoy rich seaside calm without running out of their retirement money.

Modest income stretches a lot farther in Arapahoe. BestPlaces listed the 2025 annual cost of living for a single adult — housing, groceries, and utilities — at about $29,200. The U.S. Census Bureau shows the 2023 median household income at $77,719, so Arapahoe's living cost benchmark sits roughly 62% below that figure. Retirees can enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle on a reasonable budget.

Daily expenses run below national averages, as well. According to AreaVibes, the town's overall cost-of-living index is 88 — 12% lower than the U.S. average of 100. Groceries cost roughly 2% less than the national average. For example, a gallon of milk is $4.57 compared with $4.67 nationwide. Some utilities, however, run 2% higher, with electricity averaging $201 monthly compared with $194 nationally.

Tax savings add to the appeal. According to the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Social Security income isn't taxed in North Carolina. Retirees keep more of their federal checks. According to SmartAsset, Pamlico County – where Arapahoe is located — homes faced an effective property-tax rate of just 0.61%. That's well below the 0.90% national average. The combination of lower income needs, modest daily costs, and light tax burdens helps make Arapahoe especially appealing.

Arapahoe brings more than just low costs to the table. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey shows 58 out of 384 residents in 2023 were 65 or older. That's exactly 15.1% of the population. A solid senior group like that builds peer networks and age-specific events. The town's location along Pamlico Sound provides retirees with abundant outdoor opportunities, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching — all backed by North Carolina's wildlife resources.

Support goes beyond leisure as well. The North Carolina Senior Community Services Program, funded by the state, provides home-delivered meals, wellness programs, caregiver help, and transportation for eligible low-income residents aged 60 and above. The program's goal is to support independence and improve the quality of life in Arapahoe.

Healthcare has also gotten a boost from technology. In 2024, the Pamlico County Health Department received a $250,000 Telehealth Infrastructure Grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. It expanded virtual care at the Hope Clinic rural health site. Combined with NCCARE360  — the state's digital referral network linking people to health, housing, and transportation services — retirees can better manage healthcare expenses in retirement by streamlining access to both medical and everyday assistance.