Forget North Carolina, Retire To This Virginia Border Oasis With Affordable Living, Parks, And River Fun

North Carolinians often joke about New Yorkers relocating to the state en masse for retirement, but there's a reason the state appeals to so many retirees. You can put down roots near the coast, spending each day taking long beach walks, settle down in a cozy cabin in the mountains, or select a place somewhere in the middle to spend your golden years. But there's another option just across the border that you might not have thought about: Mecklenburg County, Virginia. 

Not to be confused with Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, which includes Charlotte, Virginia's version is home to about 30,500 people — 27% of whom are 65 or older, according to Niche. Crowned one of the top counties for retirees in Virginia, newcomers won't have trouble fitting in in the overall region. One consideration retirees do need to make is which communities would be best for their lifestyle and budget. Mecklenburg County has several, including Clarksville, South Hill, Chase City, and Boydton.

Clarksville, Mecklenburg County's first incorporated town, is located along the Roanoke River and has a multitude of activities that outdoorsy residents gravitate toward. South Hill has a railroad history and a focus on the performing arts. Chase City offers relaxing gardens, while Boydton, the county seat, has a historic district with Victorian architecture and nearby spots for hiking and fishing.

If you're an active retired senior with an affinity for the outdoors, Mecklenburg County may just be the place for you — especially if you were already considering places like the outdoor lovers paradise of Gastonia, North Carolina. Occoneechee State Park, a peaceful lake state park located across the Roanoke River from Clarksville, for example, has over 2,600 acres of hardwood forest that butts up against the 48,000-acre John H. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake. Day-use parking costs $7 per vehicle, but if you're 62 or older and visiting frequently, it may be better to purchase the $40 Senior Naturally Yours Passport, which covers parking for up to four people for the year. At the park, retirees can explore on foot along one of eight marked trails considered either easy or moderate. Visitors can also boat on the reservoir. If buying a vessel isn't in your retirement budget, you can always check availability at Clarksville Water Sports, located near Boat Ramp 1. After securing a fishing boat, kayak, or pontoon, put in at one of three boat ramps around the lake. Those up for an overnight stay in Occoneechee can choose from dozens of campsites ranging from cabins and yurts to tents. 

Mecklenburg County is also home to Virginia Wild Blueways, which are made up of five rivers and two lakes spread across two other counties. The rivers are destinations where retirees can enjoy paddling, but it's important to choose an access point before setting out. Paddlers on Facebook describe using Whittle's Mill in South Hill as a starting point for trips down the Meherrin, with one estimating a two-to three-hour float to the Route 58 bridge. Water levels can affect the experience, though. Another commenter who paddled in the opposite direction from Wallace Bridge to Whittles Mill mentioned that the route was much more enjoyable when the water level was up. As for Roanoke River, which is sometimes compared to the Amazon, put in at Trailrace Park near Boydton. The park also has a picnic shelter and fishing opportunities if you'd rather spend the afternoon on shore.

If you're a retiree on a budget, affordability is another reason to consider moving to Mecklenburg County. Niche gives the county an A- for cost of living and ranks it 27th among Virginia's 91 counties for that category. For retirees looking to lower their housing expenses, the county's median home value at the time of writing is $192,600 — well below the national $332,700 average. The same goes for median monthly rent. Renters pay on average $823 per month, compared with $1,413 nationally, per Niche. 

And in terms of transportation, while it's best to own a vehicle, residents of South Hill, La Crosse, and Brodnax (located on the border of Mecklenburg and Brunswick counties) have access to the Lake Area Bus (LAB) through the Lake Country Area Agency on Aging (LCAAA). LAB offers door-to-door transportation within town limits for $1.50 per pickup. Transportation to medical appointments is also available through the agency, though seniors must complete a screening beforehand.

In South Hill, you'll also have access to the VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital for emergency and specialty care. If you need support beyond the hospital or doctor's office, the LCAAA can arrange home-delivered meals and assistance for seniors who need at-home meal preparation, bathing, and dressing. The agency also provides free Medicare counseling to help retirees compare insurance plans and understand their benefits.