N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program
The N.C. Department of Commerce operates a community development program for communities that are positioning for retiree attraction as an economic and community development strategy. North Carolina currently enjoys a robust in-migration of retirees to the state who desire to have it all.
The North Carolina General Assembly, during the 2008 short session, recognized the inherent panoply of quality living that the state offers and established the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program (S.B. 1627) as a vehicle to designate communities that offer this unprecedented, quality of living that is sought by the mature community. Once certified, communities will be highlighted and promoted by RetireNC.
Evaluation
To gain certification, a local government must submit an application for consideration. Initial evaluation of the community and technical assistance is provided by Commerce's Division of Community Assistance. The designation has a five year life, after which communities will need to consider recertification at the sunset of the five year period.
Download the 2012-2013 program application (MS Word Format)
For further information regarding the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program, please contact:
Charlie Thompson
cthompson@nccommerce.com
(919) 571-4900 ext. 268
Information Session Announcement
On December 7, 2011 an information session was held for interested applicants. Representatives from Commerce's Community Assistance and Tourism, Film, and Sports Development Divisions were on hand to present information and answer questions about the program.
Presentation from the Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development
Presentation from the N.C. Department of Commerce
Marketing
Once a community has completed the certification process, the Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development will help market and promote the community. For information on marketing, contact Andre Nabors at (919) 733-7502.
Communities
Asheboro, located in the heart of North Carolina, Asheboro is home to rich economic, natural and cultural resources. Asheboro's "come as you are" attitude invites you to jump in and become part of the community - whether you're here for an afternoon or a lifetime. With a population of approximately 25,000, Asheboro is the largest city in Randolph County and is part of the Piedmont Triad, an area that includes Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem.
Lumberton, located halfway between New York and Florida on Interstate 95, is within an hour's drive of a vast assortment of cultural activities in the areas of arts, music, theatres and more. Historic properties and museums are located in all directions, and festivals and events are held in nearly every nearby community. Whether you like boating or fishing, playing golf or tennis, swimming or walking, recreational sites and facilities abound.
Marion is located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a unique combination of the comfort of a small city while also offering a location convenient to large metropolitan areas. Since its incorporation in 1844, Marion has grown in an orderly and efficient manner due in part to the efforts of private citizens and city leaders working together to build an ideal community that is conducive to business, the entrepreneurial spirit, and a high quality of life for residents.
Mount Airy, nestled in Yadkin Valley wine region and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, offers breathtaking views, hiking and canoeing while a stroll down Main St. reminds you of simpler times with historic sites and jam sessions for traditional music lovers. Actor Andy Griffith grew up in Mount Airy, and it's no coincidence that a stroll down Main Street reminds people of the town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show. Bluegrass and traditional music lovers can take in a jam session or live radio show every Saturday morning in Downtown Mount Airy. History buffs can delve in to the area's colorful past at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and by visiting the county's myriad of historic sites. Mount Airy is also located in the Yadkin Valley Wine Region home to over 24 Wineries.
Pittsboro is located in the heart of North Carolina, with small town charm yet close to more than a dozen universities and the Research Triangle Park. With an illustrious past, it is Pittsboro's current charm and bright future that generate the enthusiasm and optimism that is pervasive throughout the community. The Town has all of the appealing qualities of small town North Carolina, such as friendly, caring people; a low crime rate; relatively low cost of living; and a slower, gentler pace of life. These qualities, coupled with its close proximity to the employment centers, cultural activities and retail conveniences of the adjacent cities of the triangle make it a particularly appealing place to call home.
Sanford is located equidistant from the Triad, Raleigh-Durham and Fayetteville metro areas and just north of the golf courses of the Sandhills, blending the charm of a small Southern railway town with a modern and diverse economic base.