Washington is among the top 10 best places to retire in North Carolina, according to SmartAsset, a finance technology company.

Washington ranks eighth in the state, according to SmartAsset’s third-annual study on the best places to retire in the Old North State. The study rates cities and towns by their tax friendliness, availability of medical care and recreational and social opportunities for seniors.

The tax-burden element is ranked based on the average percentage paid in income and sales taxes. The medical-care component is based on the number of doctors’ offices per 1,000 people. The recreational/social component is based on the availability of recreational and social centers for retirees.

“The more opportunity we have to promote Washington and Beaufort County as a destination for retirement, the better off we’re all going to be. All of our communities in Beaufort County have seen an increase in retirees moving to our area. This is certainly good for our local economy,” said Lynn Wingate, Washington’s tourism-development director. “It also helps us grow and improve our quality of life for people who have been here, who have enjoyed their working career and then will continue into retirement here. So, I think it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Wingate is not surprised Washington made the top-ten list. “This list just confirms what we’ve been saying for some time, and I think you will continue to see Washington’s name appear on lists of communities that are geared for retirement and ready for that market.”

The other places on the list are (in descending order from No. 1) Hendersonville, Brevard, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Whiteville, Marion, Williamston, Hickory and Morehead City.

The study results come several months after the City Council voted 4-1 to participate in the Retire NC certification program. Retire NC is designed to attract retirees to the state. Under the program, retirees looking at moving to that state may identify communities that offer certain amenities retirees look for — easy access to health care and quality-of-life issues such recreational and cultural opportunities.

The expected project budget is $25,000, with $10,000 of that amount earmarked for the five-year certification by Retire NC, which is operated by the state. The remaining money is earmarked for marketing, printing, advertising and related expenses.

The city is contributing $2,000 to the project. The Washington Tourism Development Authority, Washington Harbor District Alliance, Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Beaufort County have each contributed $2,000 to the project, according to Catherine Glover, executive director of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the local Retire NC committee. Vidant Health and Tideland Electric Membership Corp. also have made commitments to the project.

 

For additional information about the list, visit https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-calculator#northcarolina