Small Town Living and Romance of Bygone Era Bring Retirees to Edenton, North Carolina

Cost of Living:  Below the National Average

Anyone with an interest in Colonial American history will fall in love with Edenton, North Carolina (population 5,500) as it is indeed a storybook place.   Located on Albemarle Sound on the northern stretch of North Carolina's coastline, this gem of a town is know for its many pre-Revolutionary landmarks and beautiful, well-kept homes along elegant, tree-lined streets.   Today, Colonial, Federal and Victorian architectural styles blend into a picturesque mix of well-maintained grounds, waterfront parks and lovely year-round gardens.   20% of the population is age 45 to 64, and 20% is age 65 or better. 

Settled by sea captains and merchants who prospered when Edenton was a bustling commercial port, the town was bypassed in the early 1800's by the completion of a canal that drained the Dismal Swamp.  The focus of commercial trade shifted to Norfolk, Virginia, leaving Edenton relatively untouched by the excesses of modern life.  It also escaped the ravages of the Civil War, keeping many of its stately homes intact for generations.  Today, some say the town surpasses Williamsburg, Virginia because the homes here are the originals, not reconstructions.  Edenton is a genuine small southern town marked by neighborliness and southern hospitality.   Life here proceeds at a quiet, leisurely pace. 

Edenton ranks below the national average when it comes to cost-of-living, ranking 85 on a scale of 100.  The sales tax is 6%. State income tax is graduated from 6% to 7.75%, depending on income. Inheritance tax ranges from 1% to 17%, depending on relationship of beneficiary.  Property taxes are $11.50 per $1,000 valuation based on 100% of market value.

In addition to historic homes, Edenton has new single family homes and condominiums, and prices go up and down the scale.   Small two-bedroom, two bath homes can be found for $110,000.   Larger two bedroom, two bath single-family homes in town in a nice neighborhood start at around $135,000.  

It is also possible to find a few homes near the water that are under $80,000, although these are not luxurious by any means.   A beautiful, five bedroom home on an acre of land just outside of town is, as of this writing, selling for $216,000.  New three bedroom, two bath waterfront condos are currently being built and have a $390,000 price tag.   The average rent in Edenton for a two bedroom apartment is roughly $450, but apartments are not plentiful.

The town has one full-service hospital, two medical centers and one long-term nursing home.  There are also major medical centers in Norfolk, VA, sixty miles north, and in the Raleigh-Durham area, two hours west.  

Chowan County Senior Citizens Center is a renovated school with efficiency apartments.  Edenton Retirement Community is a residential rental community for older adults who want to remain as independent as possible, as well as those who may require some help with daily living.  Monthly costs range from $1,500 to $4,000 a month.  Britthaven of Edenton Retirement Homes offer assisted living and independent living apartments.  Edenton Prime Time Senior Village Retirement Home also offers assisted living with private and semi-private rooms.  Average monthly fees are $1,500 a month.

Edenton is characterized by mild winters and hot, muggy summers.  The average temperature in January is 52 degrees and the low is 34 degrees.  In July, the temperatures can reach into the low 90s but usually stay in the high 70s and low 80s.  

The average relative humidity is 57%, and on average, the area receives 48 inches of rain per year.  This is the North Carolina coast, so hurricanes can occur.

Edenton has a community theatre, a weekly newspaper, art galleries, a variety of civic and social clubs, seasonal festivals and historic preservation societies.  Golf, tennis, hiking are all available.  The waterfront is a favorite spot for pleasure boaters, and land travelers will find several quiet bed and breakfasts to lure them off the beaten path.   Traffic is minimal and although there is no local bus service, almost everything is within walking distance.  Nearby, the Outer Banks, with more of a tourist orientation, provide greater shopping and recreational opportunities.   The surrounding countryside boasts many plantations that once provided the economic backbone of the area. 

Some of the finest beaches in the world line the 300-mile curve of North Carolina's Atlantic Coast from Corolla to Sunset Beach. The most famous of them all are just over an hour from Edenton at the National Seashore on Hatteras Island.

Edenton is a picturesque small town in a beautiful setting.   Long hot summers may be a drawback for some, but if you are looking for low cost-of-living, tranquility, southern romance and historic charm, Edenton, North Carolina is hard to beat. 

For more Edenton information, click here.

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