Each year, Forbes comes out with a list of Best Places to retire in the U.S. This year, two North Carolina cities made the Forbes list, Asheville and Raleigh.
Asheville
Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina, and continues to grow steadily. It is a popular destination for baby boomers who have spent years dreaming of having a home in the mountains.
Here’s why Forbes likes it:
Strong economy amid scenic terrain and good weather, cost of living 3% below national norm, average home price $206,000. Abundant doctors. High volunteering culture.
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, and just inside the Top 50 biggest cities in America. Raleigh is part of what’s referred to as the “Research Triangle” (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill).
The Pro’s of Raleigh according to Forbes:
Hot diversified economy from state capital, tech and colleges (North Carolina State University, Shaw University). Cost of living at national average, median home price $213,000. Moderate climate.
My Beef With “Best Places” Lists
I’ve never been a big fan of best places to retire type lists. As you know, there’s just so much personal preference that factors in to this kind of decision. That’s why I don’t publish a “best places” list here.
I’ve yet to hear one person tell me they chose to retire somewhere because the cost of living was 5% below the national average. But this type of data weighs pretty heavily into how these lists are compiled.
The reality is, these lists seem to get a lot of page views and social shares, and that’s why some publications like them.
That said, here’s the rest of the Forbes list, if you’re interested:
Forbes 2015 Best Places to Retire
*Indicates city was also on the 2014 Best Places List
Alabama
Huntsville
Arizona
Mesa
Tucson *
Colorado
Colorado Springs
Florida
Cape Coral
Port Charlotte
Georgia
Athens
Idaho
Boise*
Kentucky
Bowling Green*
Lexington
Minnesota
Rochester
Missouri
Columbia
Montana
Great Falls
Nebraska
Lincoln
North Dakota
Fargo*
Oregon
Oak Grove
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh*
Texas
Abilene, TX *
San Angelo, TX*
San Marcos, TX
Utah
Logan, UT
Virginia
Blacksburg, VA*
Wyoming
Casper, WY
You can check out the full Forbes Best Places to Retire 2015 story here.