Chapel Hill, North Carolina

You may write off Chapel Hill as a college town, but it’s much more than that. As part of the larger Research Triangle area, it allows retirees to pursue an engaging and nature-filled lifestyle with the nearby amenities of a metro area. 

Besides, the nearby University of North Carolina doesn’t just benefit students. It’s one of the many colleges that offer the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for retirees to further their education, and it’s home to the UNC Medical Center, which is ranked as the second-best hospital in the state.

And despite its being a smaller town, Chapel Hill is always bustling. Retirees can enjoy a concert at Carolina Performing Arts or an exhibit at the Ackland Art Museum. There are also plenty of festivals to attend, such as the Carrboro Music Festival and the Festifall Arts Market.

That’s not to mention all of Chapel Hill’s parks and recreational spaces. The North Carolina Botanical Garden is filled with beautiful trails to stroll and offers home gardening workshops, and Jordan Lake is great for fishing and bird-watching. Located two hours from the ocean and two hours from the mountains, Chapel Hill is also a prime spot for easy access to different landscapes.

With a true fall and spring plus short and mild winters, Chapel Hill offers ideal weather for those who want to experience all four seasons without extreme temperatures.