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Outer Banks Retirement Homes

Choosing the Perfect OBX Retirement Lifestyle

Retiring to the Outer Banks is a bit different than moving to a traditional, age-restricted retirement community. That is exactly why people love it here. Instead of isolated senior compounds, the OBX offers vibrant, age-eclectic neighborhoods where active retirees live side-by-side with year-round locals.

Because of our unique coastal geography, finding the right home layout is the most critical decision you will make for your "Golden Years." Between navigating elevated stairs, exploring the convenience of single-level ranch homes on high-elevation lots, and evaluating the long-term utility of residential elevators, your property choice dictates your comfort. Use our specialized breakdown below to explore current OBX property listings tailored for low-maintenance, long-term senior living across Dare and Currituck counties.

The Outer Banks does not really have any purely retirement communities. There are areas, mostly on the westside of the big road, populated mostly with year round residents, affectionately referred to as locals. There are no communities composed of only seniors. A couple of communities tried starting out that way but they failed and then became homoginzed mix of old and young. The Outer Banks tends to attract the more active seniors who want to live in an age eclectic neighborhood. We humans tend to reflect our environment so living around younger people can have a positive effect.

Everybody has their own ideas and aspirations about how they will spend their retirement years. You have probably already spent a lot of time figuring out what you will be doing in your Golden Years. This is probably why you are here looking at retirement homes.

The Outer Banks has a lot to offer to retirees. Low taxes, low crime, great community senior centers and plenty of flat level nature for those who want to get outside and stay active.

I am not going to tell you how or what to do with your Golden Years, I am sure you already know, but I will share what years of experience have shown. The biggest commonality amongst people is the deteriorating condition of our knees. None of our knees are getting any better which brings up our first topic.

Stairs

The Outer Banks is full of stairs, and stairs, like my forehead and prostrate, seem to be getting bigger every year. Stairs are one of the major concerns shared by soon to be seniors when shopping for their retirement home. Having hospitals and such nearby is great, but having to navigate stairs during the course of your routine day can make life miserable.

Add in an extra set or 2 of stairs to get up to the kitchen and living area on the top floor, and it can become insurmountable. These types of houses are commonly referred to as 'Reverse Floor Plans' and are best suited to the more physically inclined unless they are equipped with an elevator.

One Level Living

One of the better options is to retire to a house with one level living. When the kitchen, living area and ensuite are all on the same floor.

One level living can be found on the ground floor or the 3rd floor. If the house has an elevator then every floor can be one level living. You see this a lot with the reverse floor plans which are usually located where there might possibly be a water view.

The most popular style house for retirees is the ranch style homes. The entire house is situated on one floor built close to the ground. Minimal or no stairs to get in and no stairs inside. The only downside is they tend to sprawl as the square footage starts to increase."

You won't find many homes on the Outer Banks that are built directly on the ground. Our low elevation puts most of the OBX in some type of flood zone which requires the homes to be elevated.

If the ground is 10 feet above sea level then a house can be built right on the ground. The houses below are ranchers, scroll down further for other style houses.

Elevated Ranchers

There are areas on the Outer Banks where the ground has some minor elevation. If the ground elevation is 7 feet, which is very common, then a 3 foot high masonry foundation will supply enough elevation to meet the flood insurance requirements and shorten the entrance stairs.

You can have a rambler or rancher where everything is spread out on one level except that it is built a couple of feet up off the ground. The houses below should be those on masonry foundations with minimal elevation. Scroll down further for different style homes.

OBX Beach Box Homes

The Outer Banks traditional "Beach Box" offers one level living up on pilings. You still have to climb a set of steps to get into your house but once you are inside all of your living area is on one level. If your one of the lucky ones without knee problems this could be a perfect match for you.

Outer Banks Retirement Homes
OBX Ground Level Homes OBX Ranch Style Floor Plan
OBX Homes W/Inlaw Apartment
OBX Homes With Dry/Covered Entry OBX Homes With Elevator

Dare County Senior Services

Manteo Senior Center

Hatteras Island Senior Center

Dare County Senior Games

Kill Devil Hills Senior Center

Currituck County Senior Services

3 bd
3 ba
200 sq ft
Located in the waterfront community of Bell's Island, this beautifully maintained custom built one owner home has over 2600sq ft of living space with the potential of expanding to a second story. This home has been well cared for, and it is obvious. A true ensuite master bedroom features walk in closets, large bathroom, sitting area/office that leads to a covered porch overlooking the pool. Home has a large saltwater pool and an abundance of outdoor living space as well as a detached two car garage. This property sits on 1.7 acres of a well landscaped yard with no HOA. This home has an abundance of outdoor living space to enjoy the cool breezes coming off of the water. Second story of this home has the potential of expansion and has been framed for another ensuite and another bedroom.
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Move right in to the stunning Applewood model in Keeter Barn Landing, one of South Mills' premier new home communities just minutes from the Virginia line. This beautifully crafted ranch-style home offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience in highly desirable Camden County, known for its top-rated schools, lower taxes, and easy commute to Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Hampton Roads military bases.Designed for modern living, this open-concept home features upscale finishes throughout, including granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, a spacious center island with breakfast bar, wall oven, built-in microwave, electric cooktop with vent hood, under-mount sink, and a large walk-in pantry. The inviting family room showcases an elegant electric fireplace and flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an ideal space for entertaining and everyday living. The first-floor primary suite is a private retreat featuring dual vanities with granite countertops, a soaking tub, and a tiled walk-in shower with dual shower heads. Two additional bedrooms share a convenient dual-entry bath, while the Finished Room Over Garage (FROG) 4th bedtoom with full bath, provides flexible space for a guest suite, home office, media room, or playroom. Enjoy relaxing evenings on the covered rear porch overlooking your spacious homesite and appreciate the convenience of an oversized two-car garage. Located just a short drive from shopping, dining, Elizabeth City, the Outer Banks, and the VA/NC border, this move-in-ready home offers the peaceful lifestyle of Northeast North Carolina while remaining close to everything Hampton Roads has to offer. Don't miss this opportunity to own a beautiful new construction home in one of Camden County's most sought-after communities!
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MOVE IN READY!- BACKYARD OASIS • CUSTOM BRICK RANCH • $15,000 SELLER CONCESSION AVAILABLE • NO HOA • MINUTES TO THE VA LINE Why wait months for new construction when you can move into a home that already has what so many buyers are searching for—but rarely find? Just minutes from the Virginia line, this custom-built brick ranch offers something that's becoming increasingly difficult to find in Moyock: a private backyard retreat featuring a 21,000-gallon saltwater pool, expansive concrete patio, custom pergola, mature landscaping, and no HOA. Skip the expense, time, and hassle of building a pool after closing—it's already here and ready to enjoy. Seller is offering up to $15,000 in seller concessions with an acceptable offer, plus a one-year home warranty (up to $650), giving buyers added peace of mind and flexibility. Welcome to 147 N Point Blvd, where quality craftsmanship meets comfortable one-level living. This beautifully maintained custom brick ranch features three bedrooms on the main level plus a finished room over the garage (FROG)—ideal for a home office, media room, playroom, fitness space, or guest suite. Inside, you'll find an inviting living room centered around a cozy propane gas fireplace, creating the perfect gathering space. The kitchen features a Jenn-Air smooth-top range, abundant cabinetry, and convenient access to the backyard through brand-new exterior stairs, making entertaining effortless. The spacious primary suite offers a relaxing escape with a jetted soaking tub and dual closets. Need storage? You'll appreciate the fully floored walk-in attic, providing exceptional space rarely found in homes today. Outside is where this property truly shines. Spend your summers enjoying the saltwater in-ground pool, complete with a new chlorinator cell, entertain beneath the custom pergola, or relax on the expansive patio designed for outdoor living. The charming front porch pergola swing creates an equally inviting welcome home. Additional upgrades and features include: Custom brick construction No HOA Two-car attached garage Tankless water heater Water softener system Propane recently filled Fully floored walk-in attic for outstanding storage Located in the sought-after North Point community, this home offers an exceptional commute to Virginia while providing the space and privacy many buyers desire. Approximate drive times: 20–25 minutes to Chesapeake shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences 30 minutes to Norfolk International Airport Convenient access to major military installations, including Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex, and US Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City. Schedule your private showing today and discover why this home offers far more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle.
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Beautiful Home & Yard! You will love this 3 bedroom with 2 masters and a 4th room used as an office/bedroom. Another great feature is the 2.5 bathrooms, hall bath has a large shower with a shower door, the 1st master has a jetted tub/ shower with tiled walls, double sinks and the 2nd master has a half bath. The living room has plenty of room with laminate floors. The galley kitchen has been updated and freshly painted with the all the appliances and a pantry closet. The dining area is just off the living room and kitchen. On each side of the home is a 1 car garage. The back yard is fenced with fenced areas on each side of the home for your pets. There is a green house, shed, garden boxes and trees. The 16 x 20 deck will allow you to enjoy views of the back yard. Other features: laundry room, gutters, garage door opener in garage on the left, pull down attic door, cul-de-sac lot, 1st master has an exit door and could be in law suite, work bench in right side garage and the appliances convey. Graveyard to right of the property. Flood Zone AE.
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This thoughtfully designed new construction ranch-style home offers modern comfort and functional living with an open-concept layout perfect for today's lifestyle. The spacious kitchen features level 2 quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast island, and ample cabinetry, flowing seamlessly into the dining and living areas, making it ideal for entertaining or everyday living. Durable LVP flooring will extend throughout the main living areas, while carpet adds comfort to the bedrooms and finished room over the garage (FROG). The home will feature plaster walls, adding a classic, quality finish throughout. The private primary suite includes a well-appointed bath with a walk-in shower and dual-sink vanity, along with generous closet space. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath provide flexibility for guests or a home office. The FROG offers valuable bonus space for a media room, office, playroom, or additional living area. Enjoy outdoor living on the patio, plus the convenience of a 1-car oversized garage. Quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and modern finishes make this home a must-see.
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4 bd
4 ba
Classic Southern Shores gem. Waterfront on wide, deep Ginguite Creek. Walk out and hop on your boat...kayak, stand-up-paddle, ski, fish, crab right from your dock! Rare single-story convenience with direct water access both creekfront and canalfront. Home naturally aligns with surrounding maritime waters. Life creek-side is soothing: birdwatcher's canvas with continuous scenes of waterfowl. Ospreys fish, great blue herons glide, eagles soar and ducks & geese take flight overhead. Hummingbirds, chickadees, blue birds and more hover and nest. INSIDE...Designed to maximize your waterfront lifestyle in comfort. Heavy duty insulated, UV treated Anderson windows inspire you with awesome, panoramic views. Home is truly unique with eye-catching features from hardwood floors to stone fireplaces (Living Room fireplace stones handpicked from Narragansett Bay) to bead-board ceiling in den. Kitchen with dining area and large island makes entertaining easy; Dining room invites guests to be seated. Layout enlarges as you move to library/den where reading or curling up to watch a movie is easy. Sun/Florida room looks out on vast expanse of privacy canal-side. Four bedrooms and four full baths; two bedrooms have ensuites. Each bedroom/ensuite has ample closets. Spacious laundry room with washer, dryer, built in ironing-board, utility sink, large counter space and storage. OUTSIDE...Boaters' dream location. Front yard has private dock and boat lift on deep canal. Boat, paddleboard, kayak or walk wrap-around deck from canalfront to creekfront. Longest private dock on creek (150') provides depth for larger boat with tie-up pilings and ample room for recreational boats. Ski, fish or crab right from back yard! Extensive decking length of home gives breath-taking views: Bask in nature's beauty from upper deck as Ginguite Creek flows directly into the Currituck Sound. Outdoor shower with direct access door to laundry room. "Boat house" to store skis, fishing equipment and garden tools...easy living! Outside closet with water faucet on creek-side deck gives room for gardening supplies. Landscape lighting both canal and creek-side. WHAT TO DO?...Experience the look and feel of being on a cruise with unlimited excursions! Cast a line and drop crab pots from dock or catch a game of croquet on front lawn, golf at Duck Woods Country Club nearby. Easy and direct access to the Currituck Sound. Water ski, kayak, paddleboard; boat out to fish, crab, dock, shop, eat and be entertained in nearby Duck or across the sounds in Manteo. From ocean sunrise to sound sunset: more to do than can be imagined. EASY ACCESS...From Ocean to Sound. Sidewalks and roads in Southern Shores connect to treasures of the Outer Banks. Dare County has excellent elementary, middle and high schools and hosts a community college and trade school offerings. Known for the location of the First Flight with the iconic Wright Memorial and Visitor's Center, the Outer Banks offers creative recreation...Jockey's Ridge State Park with hang gliding and kite flying, Parks & Rec with indoor and outdoor facilities, Library and Senior Center (Baum Center), bike paths and walkways. Everything for daily needs nearby. Most shops locally sourced; familiar names of larger stores dot the area giving it a spirit of the thriving, seasoned community it is. LOCATION...Skip the traffic. Easy ingress and egress when coming across Wright Memorial Bridge or heading to the mainland! Beautiful clean beaches and the surf of the Atlantic Ocean on the East—restaurants, shops, places of worship, activities in-between—and an amazing waterside home and dock on the West...93 Osprey Lane marks the spot: a treasure you will be glad you discovered on the Outer Banks!
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Discover 173 Laurel Woods Way, Currituck, NC 27929 | One-Level Living | Pond View | Laurel Woods Estates. Looking for one-level living with convenient access to both Chesapeake, Virginia and the Outer Banks?Welcome to a move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home in the established Laurel Woods Estates community. Step inside to a bright, open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and entertaining. New LVP flooring gives the home a fresh, updated feel, while the open living, dining, and kitchen areas create an easy flow throughout the main living space. With all three bedrooms and both bathrooms conveniently located on one level, the floor plan offers the simplicity and flexibility many buyers are searching for. Outside, enjoy a covered rear porch and fenced backyard overlooking the community pond--a peaceful setting for morning coffee, outdoor dining, grilling, or simply unwinding at the end of the day. Laurel Woods Estates adds even more to the lifestyle with neighborhood walking trails, ponds, playgrounds, basketball and RV parking**, giving residents plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home. And the location is hard to beat. Situated just off the Caratoke Highway corridor, Laurel Woods Estates provides convenient access north toward Chesapeake and Hampton Roads and south toward the **Outer Banks beaches of Corolla, Kitty Hawk, and beyond. Enjoy the best of Northeast North Carolina living while staying connected to nearby shopping, dining, recreation and coastal destinations. Just minutes away, Morris Farm Market and Back 40 Live which offers fresh local produce, baked goods, food trucks and live music featuring local, regional and national artists. Nearby dining options along the Currituck corridor add even more convenience. Whether you're searching for a Currituck NC ranch home, one-story home near Chesapeake VA, home near the Outer Banks, pond-view property, or a home in Laurel Woods Estates deserves a closer look. One level. Open living. Pond views. Fenced backyard. Covered porch. Convenient to Virginia and the OBX. Come see what the good life at Laurel Woods Estates is all about!
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Located in the desirable Millbrooke subdivision, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home sits on a generous one-third-acre lot. With thoughtful updates, ample storage, and inviting outdoor spaces, this property is designed for comfortable everyday living. Inside, you'll find newer flooring throughout much of the home, a surround sound system, and a functional floor plan that provides space to gather and unwind. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with a soaker tub. A large walk-in attic offers exceptional storage space and future possibilities. The 2nd story was converted to an additional bedroom with a 1/2 bath and flex space. The private backyard is fully enclosed with a vinyl privacy fence, has a newer concrete patio, and raised garden beds, creating the perfect space for outdoor entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying time at home. Recent improvements include an HVAC system replaced approximately 3 years ago, a newer mini-split serving the top floor, a reverse osmosis water filtration system, and a dehumidifier and moisture barrier in the crawlspace. Conveniently located just minutes from the Coast Guard Base, Elizabeth City State University, shopping, schools, and restaurants, this home combines a desirable location with the space and updates you are looking for.
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3 bd
2 ba
Welcome to 4726 S. Cobia Way, a charming canal-front home in the popular Old Nags Head Cove community! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath ranch offers the ease and convenience of single-level living, along with wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces designed for enjoying the Outer Banks lifestyle. Step inside to a bright, comfortable living area featuring a gas fireplace, large glass sliders, and beautiful canal views. The updated kitchen is equipped with newer GE appliances, including a gas range with air-fryer feature, and beautiful countertops featuring recycled glass. Just off the kitchen is a spacious laundry room with convenient access to the garage. The primary bedroom features a private ensuite bath, while two additional bedrooms share a full bath. A versatile bonus room, currently used as an office, offers plenty of possibilities as a sunroom, playroom, TV room, or additional gathering space. Outside is where this home truly shines! The updated back deck wraps around the side of the home and offers plenty of room to relax, entertain, and enjoy the waterfront setting. A pergola provides welcome shade, while the backyard fire pit is the perfect gathering spot for cool fall evenings. Boaters and anglers will love having the canal right in the backyard. Keep your boat just steps from the house at the private dock, complete with a fish-cleaning station and water hookup. Spend the day on the water and come home to your own waterfront retreat. Much of the work has already been done—just bring your beach gear and start enjoying life in Nags Head! Old Nags Head Cove also offers community amenities, including a swimming pool and boat ramp, available for an additional fee. Whether you're relaxing under the pergola, gathering around the fire pit, fishing from the dock, or heading out by boat, 4726 S. Cobia Way is all about enjoying the Outer Banks lifestyle right from home.
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4 bd
2 ba
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 2018 situated on 1.38 acres with no HOA and a HUGE workshop! Inside, you'll find stunning upgraded granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, durable luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, and a spacious, functional layout perfect for everyday living. Step outside to your own backyard retreat featuring an above-ground pool surrounded by expansive decking, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Need extra space? The impressive 30x50 detached metal building offers endless possibilities with plumbing already roughed in, a mini-split system, and a generator plug that is perfect for a workshop, hobby space, home business, or future mother-in-law additional dwelling. Enjoy the privacy and freedom of country living while remaining just minutes from the Virginia line and local conveniences.
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3 bd
1 ba
WATERFRONT! Enjoy direct canal access to the Pamlico Sound and endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, fishing, and more—all from your private backyard 2-level dock! Recent updates include new flooring, fresh interior paint, a new dock, and new decking, making this charming coastal cottage truly move-in ready. Step into a bright, open concept kitchen designed for both style and high utility, featuring crisp white cabinetry beautifully paired with durable granite countertops and a built-in breakfast bar that seats four—ideal for casual dining or entertaining. The comfortable single-level floor plan offers easy, relaxed coastal living. New luxury vinyl plank flooring flows throughout, tying the all of the living areas together beautifully. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises and unwind each evening with spectacular sunsets from the spacious wraparound porch. Sip your morning coffee overlooking the water or enjoy a refreshing evening beverage as the gentle Hatteras breeze melts your cares away. Bonus - fig trees are producing fruit! Whether you're searching for a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment property, Dream Catcher offers the perfect waterfront lifestyle. Come experience the best of Hatteras Island and start making your beach home dreams a reality!
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2 bd
2 ba
Enjoy the best of both worlds at 106 Hidden View Loop in Moyock, NC. Located just minutes from the Virginia/North Carolina border, this beautifully maintained home offers an easy commute to Chesapeake, Virginia, while placing you only 55 minutes from the beautiful beaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Offering over 2,000 square feet of expanded one-level living, this move-in-ready home features a handicap-friendly layout designed for comfort and convenience. The modern kitchen is the heart of the home, showcasing a large center island, abundant cabinetry with additional storage, and an open-concept design that flows seamlessly into the spacious living room--perfect for everyday living and entertaining. A dedicated theater room, complete with the couch, projector, and screen that all convey, creates the ultimate movie-night experience. The sellerbis willing to put barn doors on this room incase you need a 3rd bedroom. Home is on county waater ane sewer. The spacious two-car garage offers built-in shelving for exceptional storage and organization. HOA amenities include lawn maintenance and trash pickup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home and less time on yard work. Whether you're searching for a ranch home, one-level living, first-floor living, handicap-accessible home, or a home with an easy commute to Virginia, this exceptional , Moyock property offers comfort, convenience, and an unbeatable location close to shopping, dining, military bases, and the Outer Banks. Thus is a home that you need to see in person.
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