It’s no secret that Asheville’s tourism industry is booming, but an article in TheTravel suggests that outsiders should limit their stay in the city to vacations.
TheTravel is a digital travel publication that was launched in 2018. Our writers cover popular destinations and hidden gems, but this time we looked at a particularly niche category.
The article, published on July 22, extolled Asheville’s charms, but the city’s top ranking was in the “best vacation, not best retirement” category.
Here’s why TheTravel ranked Asheville so highly:
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Retirement and Vacation in Asheville
Of the seven cities on the list, Asheville was ranked number one and was the most praised. The city was recognized for everything from its award-winning arts scene to its outdoor activities and diverse downtown. As for specific attractions, the list entry states:
But this accolade is only part of the reason Asheville placed so high on this particular list: Factors cited by TheTravel as making the city a bad choice for retirees also include the high cost of living, which the article states is 16.3% higher than the North Carolina average and 5.8% higher than the national average.
Aside from a lack of affordable housing and rising everyday expenses, the article also touches on “big city problems” such as rising crime and a busy tourist season that many retirees may not want.
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7 Places in North Carolina That Are Not Great for Retirement, But Great for Vacations
North Carolina is a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike. From majestic mountains and bustling cities to small-town charm, TheTravel’s list states the state has something for everyone. But just because it has so much to offer doesn’t mean every city is suitable for retirees.
“Regarding certain non-negotiable terms, not all conditions have necessarily been met,” the article states.
According to TheTravel, reasons why North Carolina is less than ideal for retirees include a busy tourist season that takes away the “country town charm” that many seniors look for in a retirement home. A lack of public transportation, hospitals, and other amenities important to retirees also plagues many of the cities on the list.
Blowing Rock: Vacationers will appreciate Blowing Rock’s charm, quaint downtown and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, but retirees may be put off by the town’s limited infrastructure and the distances they must travel to access specialized medical care.
Boom: Vacationers will love the High Country’s many outdoor recreational opportunities and the lively college town atmosphere of the home of Appalachian State University. Retirees, on the other hand, may not like the college town atmosphere and high housing costs.
Here’s a complete list of places in North Carolina that are worth visiting but not good for your retirement plans:
- Asheville
- Charlotte
- Wilmington
- Blowing Rock
- Emerald Isle
- Outer Banks
- Boom
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Iris Seaton is a featured news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
