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Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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What's It
Really Like to Retire in Raleigh?
Jennifer McClennan
Retirement looks different in every city, but there’s something about Raleigh
that keeps drawing in folks over 60. Maybe it’s the warmth—not just the weather,
but the way neighbors still wave from their porches. Or maybe it’s the way time
seems to slow down a bit here, like you’re finally allowed to breathe. The truth
is, while Raleigh is growing fast, it still manages to keep its small-town ease,
and for seniors, that can make all the difference. Whether you're downsizing,
settling closer to family, or just done with winters up north, Raleigh has a way
of making you feel right at home. But it’s not all sunshine and rocking chairs.
Like any city, it comes with its quirks.
The Cost of Slowing Down: What Retirement Really Costs in Raleigh
One
thing you notice quickly when you settle into retirement in Raleigh is how much
it helps to plan ahead financially. While North Carolina doesn’t tax Social
Security income, retirees here still need to keep an eye on property taxes,
healthcare expenses, and housing costs. Compared to big metro areas like New
York or Los Angeles, Raleigh is easier on the wallet, but it’s not exactly cheap
either—especially if you’re looking to live in newer, amenity-packed
communities.
That said, you can find charming older homes in walkable neighborhoods, and many
seniors are choosing to rent to keep things flexible. Grocery prices are
reasonable, and there are farmer’s markets almost every weekend, where you can
grab local produce without breaking the bank. For those living on a fixed
income, learning how to make money go further becomes a valuable skill—and
thankfully, Raleigh has enough resources and senior-friendly programs to help
stretch those retirement dollars.
Staying Active Without Feeling Rushed
There’s this idea that retirement means slowing down completely, but in Raleigh,
it feels more like shifting into a different gear. Seniors here don’t stop—they
just stop doing things they don’t enjoy. It’s not uncommon to see people in
their seventies leading yoga classes at the park or biking along the greenways
that weave through the city. The pace is comfortable, but it’s definitely not
sleepy.
Raleigh’s Parks and Recreation Department offers affordable programs that range
from pottery to pickleball, and the city’s many libraries host everything from
book clubs to computer literacy workshops for seniors who want to stay sharp.
Even on rainy days, you’ll find folks heading to the community center, grabbing
a coffee, and chatting like they’ve got all the time in the world—which, in a
way, they finally do. And because the Triangle area is known for its top-tier
universities, retirees who miss the structure of learning can audit college
courses or attend free lectures. The beauty is, no one expects perfection—just
curiosity and a little willingness to try something new.
Caring for the Mind, Not Just the Body
As
people get older, they don’t just need safe sidewalks and blood pressure
screenings. They need places that understand what it feels like when your memory
starts to slip, or when a partner or parent begins to fade in ways you can’t
quite describe. That’s where
memory care in Raleigh really shines. It’s more
than a service—it’s a lifeline for families navigating some of the hardest parts
of aging.
These specialized communities blend science-backed care with genuine compassion.
It’s not about keeping people locked into routines; it’s about helping them feel
secure, seen, and respected. Music therapy, pet visits, outdoor gardens—these
aren’t luxuries in Raleigh’s care spaces. They’re part of daily life. And for
caregivers—sons, daughters, spouses—knowing their loved one is surrounded by
thoughtful professionals gives them a reason to breathe a little easier. It’s
that blend of warmth and professionalism that has made Raleigh a quiet leader in
this space, even if not everyone’s talking about it yet.
Community Ties That Actually Matter
It’s easy to assume that after 65, people just want peace and quiet. But the
seniors who thrive here are the ones who stay connected—to neighbors, to old
friends, to whatever still lights them up inside. What’s special about Raleigh
is how it encourages those connections. Churches often double as social hubs,
and it’s not unusual for coffee shops to have regulars who remember when
Hillsborough Street still had a five-and-dime.
Volunteer work is a big part of life here, too. Many retirees jump into helping
with school reading programs, hospital greeter shifts, or local food banks. It’s
not about filling time. It’s about still feeling useful, and being part of
something bigger than just your own day. That sense of community doesn’t fade
with age in Raleigh—it seems to deepen.
Why Some Seniors Say They’d Never Leave
For
all its growth, Raleigh still offers quiet corners, friendly nods at the grocery
store, and a rhythm that doesn’t feel frantic. There are walking trails that
wrap around ponds, lunch spots where the server knows your order by the third
visit, and a climate that lets you sit on the porch almost year-round. But maybe
what sets Raleigh apart most is how it treats its seniors—not like people
winding down, but like people still living fully. Retirement here doesn’t mean
disappearing. It means showing up differently, with time to notice the good
stuff.
It’s not perfect. The traffic’s getting worse, and housing isn’t as affordable
as it used to be. But ask most retirees around here if they’d move, and they’ll
tell you no. They’ve found their spot, their people, their rhythm.
And
when you find that in retirement, what more could you really ask for?
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About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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