Between Raleigh And North Carolina's Coast Is An Affordable Gem With Small-Town Charm Perfect For Retirement

Choosing a retirement location might seem simple when it's literally ages away, but if you postpone that plan for too long, you might end up in the wrong place (like America's most expensive place to retire) with a drained bank account. Instead, look for budget-friendly destinations like Winterville, North Carolina. This quaint town allows you to relish in a rural atmosphere while having access to a range of services and facilities. Major urban centers are within driving distance, and getting to the coast is a piece of cake.

Offering the best of both worlds — safety and affordability — this Pitt County town is the ideal place for retirees to embrace their golden years. The median home value in Winterville is $226,600, compared to the national average of $303,400, and the majority of residents own rather than rent their homes. While peaceful enough for retirement, Winterville is anything but dull. You have a decent variety of cuisines to choose from, city parks for a fresh breath of air, and recreation areas for when your grandkids visit. On top of that, the community festivals here make every trip a memorable one, whether or not you end up retiring in the area. 

When you're officially retired, you need to spend that pension somehow. What better way to do so than browsing for hidden gems at one of Winterville's excellent antique stores? Then there's the food scene, which is surprisingly diverse for a town with under 11,000 inhabitants. And at just 90 minutes from Raleigh (and a bit farther from the lively seaside town of Wrightsville Beach), you're not too far from major urban centers, either. Here's why Winterville deserves a spot on your travel itinerary, whether you're looking for a spot to spend the rest of your post-career life or not. 

Despite what you may have heard, retirement isn't inherently boring. In fact, it can give you more time to explore your surroundings. As you walk around Winterville, you'll come across the Winterville Museum on Church Street. Explore the museum, situated in the beautifully restored Victorian-style A.W. Ange House, to discover its extensive collection of over 900 artifacts that detail the area's history.

Afterward, spend quality time with the little ones at Sawyer's Fun Park. This is the perfect place to get the heart pumping, and visitors can burn off energy on the trampoline, play laser tag, or visit the arcade. Children will love climbing the rock walls, riding the bumper cars, and tackling the ropes course. If that's all too much physical activity, you can grab a cup of coffee at the park café and opt for low-effort entertainment like a game of cornhole. Those visiting in August can plan their getaway around the family-friendly Winterville Watermelon Festival. Expect car shows, rides, concerts, games, contests, fair food, and lots of watermelon treats at the multi-day event. Don't miss the iconic Watermelon Parade, either.

For a calm afternoon, go for a leisurely stroll at Winterville Recreation Park. The 24-acre outdoor space has a lovely walking trail, along with playgrounds, picnic spots, batting cages, and baseball and softball fields. Hillcrest Park is a smaller option, but it doesn't lack amenities. There, you can play basketball or baseball while the kids run around the playground. Emerald Park also has a loop path for your morning jogs. The half-mile-long trail is flat and easy to complete on foot or by bike.

The Loose Goose is your one-stop shop for all things vintage, from home décor and knick-knacks to furniture like armchairs and nightstands. The Alley on Cooper is another spot that sells similar items, including porcelain tableware, seasonal decorations, and cute teapots. Looking to add a new jewel to your collection? Gemstone Forest has everything from ruby fuchsite pendants and colorful bracelets to quartz crystals and other carved gems.

Of course, good food is non-negotiable. Head to The Dixie Queen Seafood Restaurant for clam chowder, flounder, devil crabs, and oysters. Indulge in the fried sweet clams, frog legs, and scallops, too — senior citizens have a discounted menu. Asian cuisine lovers can make their way to Anchalee Thai Restaurant. Order the tom yum soup, panang curry, and pad Thai, but leave room for mango sticky rice. If you're in the mood for Mexican food, Taqueria Tere will satisfy your cravings. Its menu features all the essentials — tacos, tortas, quesadillas, burritos, and refreshing aguas frescas.

In the evening, treat yourself to a fancy meal at Main & Mill Oyster Bar and Tavern. Try the crab shack oysters and tuna tataki before getting the mahi risotto and Carolina pork chop. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail like the tangy Suntory Tea or smoky Mill Old Fashioned. Alternatively, enjoy a casual night at Local Oak Brewing Co. Here you'll find unique brews, including Coldplay and Chill IPA and Freedom of Peach wheat beer, along with hard seltzers and blood orange ciders. And if all that doesn't fill you up, consider taking a trip about 3 hours south to check out the world's "most famous seafood town."