Charlotte, NC, provides the perfect “dream home” setting with its beautiful climate, affordable housing, low taxes, and quality medical care. It is also home to the Verdict Ridge Golf & Country Club, NFL’s Carolina Panthers, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame – making it a haven for sports enthusiasts. With all these perks, it is no wonder an increasing number of retirees prefer to live in this part of the Old North State.
The best 55+ communities in Charlotte include Imagery, Cresswind Charlotte, Troon at Ballantyne, and The Farm at Ingleside. Luxury homes, waterfront communities, and courtyard neighborhoods in Weddington, Matthews, and Lake Norman are also highly-preferred retirement communities near Charlotte.
For a more detailed rundown, here are the 14 best retirement communities Charlotte has to offer:
- Cresswind Charlotte
- Sun City Carolina Lakes
- Regency at Palisades
- Trilogy® Lake Norman
- The Vineyards on Lake Wylie
- 3 Cherry Way
- Imagery
- The Farm at Ingleside
- The Polo Club at Weddington
- The Cypress of Charlotte
- Troon at Ballantyne
- Southminster
- Carmel Place
- Brightmore of South Charlotte
There are currently over 55 active retirement communities within Charlotte, NC, with popular builders including Del Webb, Lennar, Kolter, Shea, and Epcon. While many of them are age-restricted (catering to 55+ residents), these properties are open for occupancy by younger residents per the 1995 Housing for Older Persons Act. This is fantastic news for families wanting to experience the magic of Queen City!
14 Best 55-and-over Communities in Charlotte
From resort-type residences to ranch homes to golf clubs and waterfront communities, here are 14 of the best 55+ communities in and around Charlotte, NC:
1. Cresswind Charlotte
Named one of the “Top 100 Places to Live” in 2021 by Ideal Living Magazine, this active adult community sits on 370 woodland acres in Silver Springs Court. It is a mere 25-to-30-minute drive from Uptown Charlotte and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
This highly-lauded retirement community boasts Craftsman-style homes with two bedrooms, two baths, a great room, and a 2-car garage. Floor areas range from 1,448 to 2,390 sq. ft., with pricing between $383,990 and $510,990 – sans customizable options. Click here for pricing.
This award-winning community also features a 17,000 sq. ft. clubhouse that houses an indoor pool with lap lanes, a full fitness center, an arts & crafts room, and a social ballroom where residents and guests can mingle.
Other amenities include an outdoor resort-style pool, Pickleball, Tennis, Bocce courts, walking trails, and a grilling courtyard. A full-time Lifestyle Director manages all social and wellness events within the community, ensuring that all the activities are patterned after Cresswind’s “Set Yourself Free” lifestyle program.
2. Sun City Carolina Lakes
Located south side of Charlotte, Sun City, is an adult community deemed the best 55+ resort-style community in the Charlotte area. This full-featured neighborhood sets the bar for senior living and is many a retiree’s dream.
It features two large community centers, an 18-hole golf course, premier amenities, and over 3,000 homes (to name a few). And with over 140 clubs and interest groups, residents are sure to be kept busy and active year-round.
Like many Charlotte, NC retirement communities, Sun City offers beautiful homes with either two or three bedrooms. Listing prices range from $375,000 to $629,000, depending on home layout and total floor area.
3. Regency at Palisades
A project of acclaimed home builder Toll Brothers, the Regency is an active 55+ community located in Mecklenburg County fronting the shores of Lake Wylie. It offers 413 single-family and loft-type residences with 2-to-5 bedroom capacity and three to five full baths starting at $520,995 (click here for updated pricing).
These luxurious homes range from 1,794 to 2,388 sq. ft. and divide into seven different collections – all with master suites and full baths. Some of the properties provide second-floor and basement options.
Amenities include an expansive 12,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a wet bar. Sports courts (bocce, tennis, and pickleball), billiards room, and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course also ensure homeowners maintain a social and active lifestyle.
The community’s proximity to nature and Lake Wylie makes for endless water sports and outdoor activities. But if a full calendar of events still does not suffice, the state’s breath-taking Blue Ridge Mountains and beaches are close.
4. Trilogy® Lake Norman
A development of Shea Homes located in tranquil Lincoln County, Trilogy is among the highly-acclaimed 55+ communities in Charlotte, NC – mainly due to its famed Twin Mills Club. This 30,000-sq. ft. structure boasts resort-like amenities and a hospitality-trained team. As the main social hub of the community, Twin Mills Club is the residents’ go-to venue for socialization, fitness, good food, and fun.
But that is not all the Trilogy has to offer. More than its colossal gathering spot and exclusive Freedom Boat Club, the gated community is better known for its gorgeous residences. The Freedom 30 & 40 Collections are a perfect example of these refined dwellings, with floor plans ranging from 1,450 to 2,553 (single-level or loft-type) and prices within the $379,000–$528,000 range. You can view the rest of Trilogy’s offerings and their related costs by clicking here.
5. The Vineyards on Lake Wylie
The Vineyards on Lake Wylie is a premier residential community that serves 55+ and younger families. Less than 10 minutes away from the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, this active adult community features resort-like amenities and lakefront homes in a quiet, nature-rich setting.
The ranch-style residences are energy efficient and come with open floor plans, beautiful exteriors, and lawn maintenance. The same goes for attached townhomes designed for growing families with active lifestyles. While a majority of the homes are valued in the mid $200,000s, larger estates are handsomely priced. Newly-constructed 3-to-5-bedroom homes can range from $430,000 to over $1,200,000.
Walking trails, pickleball, tennis courts, a covered pavilion, and water sports are but a few of the offerings of this lakefront community. Outside, residents enjoy local attractions like the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, the Town of Belmont, and the U.S. National White-Water Park – just minutes away from The Vineyards.
6. 3 Cherry Way
Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, 3 Cherry Way is ideal for adults searching for a well-balanced community with many recreational opportunities. This adult neighborhood is among the most reasonably priced 55+ communities in the Charlotte area and features over 200 attached brick homes and a slew of amenities. Listing prices range from $300,000s to mid $400,000s.
Residents of this welcoming adult community are drawn by the beautiful Lake Norman sunsets and the relaxing yet active lifestyle. Additionally, new and prospective homeowners will love the custom furniture, carpeted flooring, airy sunrooms and porches, and tasteful interiors of their luxurious quad residences.
Recreation-wise, beaches, nature, local attractions, and other favorite destinations are only a short drive away.
7. Imagery
Formerly owned by the founders of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, this 300-acre luxurious community befittingly advocates “artful living on the lake.” Its 430 homes are ranch-style, complementing Imagery’s overall active yet laid-back vibe.
Being the only 55+ waterfront neighborhood in the Charlotte area, this rustic retirement community already has one of its three collections sold out. The remaining 3-to-4-bedroom dwellings range from $503,900 to $621,400. Click here for pricing inquiries, including limited lakeside lots.
Unique art installations such as welded steel cows and tandems and hiking trails requiring various skill levels are scattered throughout the 300-acre greenery. A community swimming pool and clubhouse sit in the center and serve as everyone’s gathering spot.
Fishing and kayaking are favorite pastimes of residents closer to the lake. Sports courts, a patio, and spaces for sewing, reading, and pottery are also nearby for those who want to unwind.
8. The Farm at Ingleside
Situated in the historic Iron Station in Lincoln County (formerly an iron mining station), The Farm at Ingleside features single-story and optional two-story residences. These ranch-style homes offer six distinct floor plans ranging from 1,588 to 4,455 sq. ft., with prices falling within the $381,000–$416,000 range (updated pricing here).
Unlike many retirement communities secluded from the city, this active adult community is near Uptown Charlotte (considered by many outgoing seniors to be a perk). Residents can conveniently visit their favorite shops, restaurants, and the renowned Lake Norman via Highway 16. Afterward, they can retreat to the comforts of their masterfully crafted homes.
9. The Polo Club at Weddington
Among Charlotte’s most desirable 55+ communities, this low-maintenance adult community offers 85 single-level homes and ten townhomes. These beautiful residences surround the community’s 5,000-sq. ft. clubhouse, which is the focal point for socializing, exercising, and other activities. All residents (and their guests) are sure to enjoy the softball field, tennis courts, picnic areas, and walking and biking trails.
10. The Cypress of Charlotte
Aside from being a 55-and-over adult community, The Cypress is also a life plan community that enables residents to buy their homes apart from just renting them out. Homeowners can take their pick from Cottages and Villas ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 sq. ft. that feature a variety of floor plans.
Condominium-type Villas range from $450,000 to $1,300,000+, while Cottages range from $1,100,000 to $$1,450,000+. As of this writing, prices are true and subject to change based on increasing market value and other factors (prices here).
11. Troon at Ballantyne
Situated southside of Charlotte (alongside the South Carolina border), this adult neighborhood features low-maintenance single-family and attached homes with floor plans ranging from 1,325 to 1,508 sq. ft.
The community’s main amenities include a swimming pool and clubhouse.
Plus, its lockable gate connects to the nearby Bi-Lo grocery store – making for an excellent arrangement for senior residents who no longer drive.
Properties are said to be within the $300,000+ range. However, there is currently no home for sale in Troon.
12. Southminster
Located in Park Road, Southminster is not only a dedicated 55+ adult community but also a retirement community covering independent living up to memory care. There are four different residence types: Top of East, terraces, cottages, and apartments. However, active adults would be better off opting for cottage floor plans.
These homes are designed to support active living, but they also have cozy fireplaces, landscaped yards, and private carports to boot.
Contact Southminster directly if you are interested in becoming a future resident, as home prices are not posted on their website.
13. Carmel Place
Near Quail Hollow Club and Duis Pottery, Carmel Place is a 55+ neighborhood that ranks high among active retirement communities. Although not a continuing care community, it is highly preferred by current and future residents due to its slew of activities and amenities.
The latter includes a beauty salon, bistro area, barbershop, billiard lounge, relaxing gardens, and a fitness center (to name a few). Best of all, rent is already inclusive of meals, linen service, Wi-Fi (in the common area), and scheduled transportation. Monthly rates start at $2,485 (click here for updated pricing).
14. Brightmore of South Charlotte
Just a stone’s throw away from Ballantyne District Park, Brightmore offers spacious apartment homes sporting elegant interiors and floor areas ranging from 660 to 1,230 sq. ft. There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and 22 variations in floor plans that residents and prospective homeowners can choose from.
The Robinson Collection offers the largest apartment homes, with two bedrooms, two full baths, and a den. Similar to Southminster, interested parties will need to Contact Brightmore directly for pricing inquiries and other concerns.
Special Mentions
The Polo Club at Mountain Island Lake
This inclusive, gated community is exceptionally popular among retirees – so much so that all 98 single-family and attached homes are already sold out as of this writing.
The Courtyards of Huntersville
Another 55+ community in central North Carolina, The Courtyards, features 51 resale homes (single-family type) that cost between low $300,000s and low $500,000s. Because of its proximity to Uptown Charlotte – only 24 minutes away via I-77 S – properties in this neighborhood are already sold out.
Conclusion – Retirement Communities in Charlotte
Let’s go over the 14 Best 55+ Communities in Charlotte, NC, once again:
- Cresswind Charlotte
- Sun City Carolina Lakes
- Regency at Palisades
- Trilogy® Lake Norman
- The Vineyards on Lake Wylie
- 3 Cherry Way
- Imagery
- The Farm at Ingleside
- The Polo Club at Weddington
- The Cypress of Charlotte
- Troon at Ballantyne
- Southminster
- Carmel Place
- Brightmore of South Charlotte
With the multitude of 55+ adult communities in the greater Charlotte metro (and more being developed), narrowing them down to the top 14 proves difficult. That said, consider the list in this guide as my best attempt.
While my suggested list may be incomplete, I hope that at least one of the above communities can capture an urban dwelling, a functional apartment, a cozy single-level home, or a luxurious estate that mirrors your fancy and retirement needs.