Opening your door
If you’re nearing retirement and looking to trade snow shovels for sandy beaches, Brunswick County, North Carolina might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. Tucked between Wilmington, NC and the South Carolina border, this coastal region is rapidly becoming a top choice for retirees—especially those from the Northeast.
Sunshine, Shorelines, and Serenity
Brunswick County offers a slower, more relaxed pace of life—without sacrificing beauty or charm. With its mild winters, long summers, and over 45 miles of pristine beaches, outdoor living becomes a way of life. Whether it’s walking along the shore, fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway, or enjoying a round of golf, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and connected with nature.
Lower Cost of Living & Tax Perks
Retiring in Brunswick County often means stretching your dollars further. Compared to the Northeast, housing is more affordable, property taxes are lower, and North Carolina doesn’t tax Social Security income. That combination adds up quickly—and for many, it means living more comfortably on a fixed income.
Health & Convenience
Access to quality healthcare is a top priority for retirees—and here, you’re well covered:
- Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport is the only independent critical access hospital in North Carolina, offering emergency care, inpatient/outpatient services, surgical and cardiology services, and rehabilitation, plus nine clinics across southern Brunswick County.
- Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia (opened in 2011) includes 74 all-private patient rooms, a 24-hour ER, surgical, imaging, lab, and rehab services.
- For serious emergencies or specialized care, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington provides a Level II Trauma Center with advanced surgical and medical services.
This comprehensive healthcare network—ranging from local clinics to a major trauma center—ensures peace of mind without sacrificing the peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Strong Sense of Community
You’ll find a warm welcome here. Whether you’re into golf, gardening, volunteer work, or just socializing with new friends, Brunswick County offers plenty of clubs, local events, and a culture that makes it easy to feel at home. Many retirees here mention how quickly they find “their people” in pursuit of peace, purpose, and connection.
It’s Closer Than You Think — Travel Made Easy
Brunswick County isn’t as remote as it might feel, especially for Northeastern retirees. Here are the key airports that make travel simple:
Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
- A mid‑sized airport just north of Wilmington serving over 1.46 million passengers in 2024, ILM boasts two runways and a modern terminal with eight gates FlightsFrom+6Wilmington & Beaches.
- With Airport expansions underway at ILM now making long-distance travel even more convenient. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) offers budget-friendly flights to 29 nonstop destinations and over 500 destinations worldwide through seven airlines. https://flyilm.com/
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- MYR offers nonstop service to around 58 U.S. destinations via 10 airlines, with up to 64 departures per day Visit Myrtle Beach+4FlightsFrom+4Direct Flights+4.
- Popular routes include flights to Boston, Hartford, Providence, Westchester County (NY), Tampa, Akron-Canton (OH), and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (PA) Myrtle Beach International Airport+1. In 2025 Avelo Airlines introduced 6 days a week nonstop service between Myrtle and New Haven, CT airports.
These airports offer direct or one-stop options to many Northeast cities, making travel for visiting family or winter getaways both easy and accessible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to trade icy driveways for palm trees and a tight-knit community, Brunswick County may be the perfect place to start your next chapter. It’s not just a move—it’s a lifestyle upgrade with sunshine, coastal calm, trusted healthcare, and hassle-free travel.
Ready to explore life in Brunswick County?
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or ready to make a move, I’m here to guide you.
👉 Contact me today to learn more about relocating, accessing reliable healthcare, and embracing the retirement lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.
Mary's Gone Coastal 