Florida may be famous for retirement, but this year it didn’t make the list of the safest and wealthiest places for retirees. Instead, Pinehurst in North Carolina has taken the top spot. Known as the “Home of American Golf”, Pinehurst is loved for its peaceful life, beautiful golf courses, and strong community.
Why Pinehurst Is No. 1
Pinehurst moved from second place last year to first this year. Here’s why it stands out:
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About 40% of its population is above 65
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Average retirement income (before Social Security): $51,767
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78.5% of residents spend less than one-third of income on living costs
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Very low crime rates (2.78 property crime, 0.59 violent crime per 1,000 people)
It’s a calm, safe, and financially stable place — perfect for retirees.
Where Is Pinehurst?
Pinehurst is in Moore County, North Carolina, about 100 miles from Charlotte. It’s known for:
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Pinehurst No. 2 golf course
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Pinehurst Resort
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Charming historic village streets and shops
However, it’s not cheap — the average home price is about $531,820 and still rising.
Who Followed Pinehurst?
Top retirement towns after Pinehurst include:
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Hot Springs Village, Arkansas (2nd)
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Oro Valley, Arizona (3rd)
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Rancho Palos Verdes, California (4th)
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Beavercreek, Ohio (5th)
California did very well with 10 towns in the top 50. Arizona had eight, and Ohio had seven. Surprisingly, no Florida town made the list this time.
How They Chose the Towns
The ranking used U.S. Census data and only included towns where 20% or more residents are 65 and older. Safety, living costs, and retirement income also played a key role.
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