Retirement's Economic Impact
Oct 14, 2024 03:07PM ● By Randee Brown
As the number of retirees in WNC continues to rise, so do challenges and opportunities related to support of the aging population.
Overview
Primary sectors employing individuals serving the retiree population in WNC include Nursing Care Facilities, Home Health Care Services, Assisted Living Facilities for the elderly, Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Combined employment in these industries made up approximately 4% of total employment in the 18-county region in 2023, whereas it comprised an estimated 2.9% in the state.
Primary sectors employing individuals serving the retiree population in WNC include Nursing Care Facilities, Home Health Care Services, Assisted Living Facilities for the elderly, Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Combined employment in these industries made up approximately 4% of total employment in the 18-county region in 2023, whereas it comprised an estimated 2.9% in the state.
Several WNC counties landed on NICHE.com's 2024 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina list, including Tryon at #5, Flat Rock at #8, Lake Junaluska at #22, Weaverville at #23, Laurel Park at #24, and Biltmore Forest at #25.
Why WNC Towns Are Ideal for Retirees
For both those staying in their hometowns and those on the hunt for the ideal relocation spot, towns in Western North Carolina provide many of the qualities retirees desire for a fulfilling lifestyle. These attractive features have contributed to the increasing number of retirees choosing to settle in WNC towns.
For both those staying in their hometowns and those on the hunt for the ideal relocation spot, towns in Western North Carolina provide many of the qualities retirees desire for a fulfilling lifestyle. These attractive features have contributed to the increasing number of retirees choosing to settle in WNC towns.
Healthcare
Healthcare options that are easily accessible allow retirees to feel comfortable and safe knowing their doctors and specialists are nearby. The majority of WNC counties offer hospitals and healthcare systems, and many rural areas are serviced by emergency transportation like Mountain Area Medical Airlift.
Healthcare options that are easily accessible allow retirees to feel comfortable and safe knowing their doctors and specialists are nearby. The majority of WNC counties offer hospitals and healthcare systems, and many rural areas are serviced by emergency transportation like Mountain Area Medical Airlift.
Amenities
A variety of small towns with close-knit communities are scattered around WNC’s mountains. With each one offering unique shops, restaurants, festivals, and community events, the lifestyle found in WNC is ideal for many retirees. Community colleges and universities offer lifelong learning classes, and the abundance of area nonprofit organizations offers volunteer opportunities.
A variety of small towns with close-knit communities are scattered around WNC’s mountains. With each one offering unique shops, restaurants, festivals, and community events, the lifestyle found in WNC is ideal for many retirees. Community colleges and universities offer lifelong learning classes, and the abundance of area nonprofit organizations offers volunteer opportunities.
Lifestyle
Many residents are drawn here by the beauty of the area, as well as the proximity to nature and the outdoor recreation opportunities mountain life provides. Hiking and walking trails, bike paths, fishing streams, pickleball courts, and more are easily found in most communities.
Many residents are drawn here by the beauty of the area, as well as the proximity to nature and the outdoor recreation opportunities mountain life provides. Hiking and walking trails, bike paths, fishing streams, pickleball courts, and more are easily found in most communities.
Climate
Western North Carolina boasts four distinct yet relatively mild seasons. It’s not uncommon for those who once enjoyed retirement in Florida to tire of the summer heat and move to the mountains, and for those who once enjoyed life in northern states to seek retirements without shoveling snow. With lower possibilities of extreme weather or natural disasters than other US regions, WNC’s climate is appealing to many.
Western North Carolina boasts four distinct yet relatively mild seasons. It’s not uncommon for those who once enjoyed retirement in Florida to tire of the summer heat and move to the mountains, and for those who once enjoyed life in northern states to seek retirements without shoveling snow. With lower possibilities of extreme weather or natural disasters than other US regions, WNC’s climate is appealing to many.
Cost of Living
Inflation is nationwide, and WNC residents have said the cost of living in the area is high. That may be relative for some; retirees moving from major metropolitan areas like New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco to smaller mountain towns may see a significant decrease in their cost of living.
Inflation is nationwide, and WNC residents have said the cost of living in the area is high. That may be relative for some; retirees moving from major metropolitan areas like New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco to smaller mountain towns may see a significant decrease in their cost of living.