Retire Here

The gold standard for an active lifestyle.

New Bern isn’t just a great place to visit. It’s a great place to call home, too. This beautiful riverfront community has been named one of the “Top 10 Coastal Towns Where You Can Afford to Retire”—and for good reason.

In its 300-year history, everything from historic neighborhoods with Georgian and Federal architecture, to peaceful streets lined with cozy bungalows, to downtown condos, to master planned golf communities have been a distinct part of its character. Whether you’re looking for a historic turn-of-the-century home to make your own, something maintenance-free or the benefits of a master planned community, there are options for any budget and lifestyle. Just a short drive to the coast, New Bern offers direct access to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean—all without the high costs associated with beachfront living. And without question, you’ll quickly get to know your neighbors here. New Bern blends old-fashioned Southern charm with the friendly warmth of a small town.

Why retire to New Bern?

Explore the Outdoors

Explore the outdoors where riverfronts provide the perfect setting for boating, fishing and kayaking, and where biking and hiking are part of everyday adventures.

Avid Golfer?

New Bern boasts a variety of golf courses, clubs, and communities—both public and private—offering enjoyable and challenging rounds for players of all skill levels.

Experience Culture

Experience culture in New Bern, whether it’s enjoying the North Carolina Symphony, the theater, a lecture at the NC History Center or a trip to a downtown art gallery.

Shopping & Dining

Enjoy unique shopping and dining with historic downtown offering boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

Living Benefits

Benefit from a low cost of living and high quality of health care services.

Waterfront Community

Retire to a waterfront community that welcomes you like family.

water activities

tryon palace

family time

foodie paradise

east coast greenway

breweries

art walk

wedding wishes

waterfront

art walk

pepsi cola

bear town market

summer camp

girls trips

live music

shopping galore

tryon palace

breweries

shopping galore

wedding wishes

happening downtown

business meetings

waterfront

family time

pepsi cola

The official Retirement Guide

See why visitors decide to relocate to New Bern with our Retirement Guide, filled with everything you need to start your next chapter in a vibrant, welcoming community. From riverfront views to cultural charm, New Bern offers the lifestyle and pace of life that make it easy to feel at home.

View Our
Retirement Guide

View Activities

Hear from the experts

Certified Community

New Bern is proud to meet the requirements to be designated as a Certified Retirement Community by the State of North Carolina!

10 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina by Travel & Leisure
Top 10 Coastal Towns Where You Can Afford to Retire
One of the nation’s top retirement destinations and by Where To Retire
One of its best small retirement towns by Where To Retire

New Bern is the perfect family-friendly destination—we can't wait to visit again!

Flying in from Orlando on the Breeze flight was incredibly convenient.

Huge fan of The Notebook, so visiting the novel's backdrops was a dream come true.

Helpful Links

Bengel Hospitality

233 Middle St, New Bern
(252) 229-3213 | Visit Website

Carolina Colours Golf Club

3300 Waterscape Way, New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 772-7022 | Visit Website

CarolinaEast Health System

2000 Neuse Blvd., New Bern
(252) 633-8111 | Visit Website

Carpet One

2804 Trent Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 672-8912 | Visit Website

Century 21 Zaytoun-Raines

312 S. Front St., New Bern
(252) 633-3069 | Visit Website

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

200 Terminal Drive, New Bern
(252) 638-8591 | Visit Website

Coastal Craftsmen, LLC

2216 Trent Blvd, New Bern
(252) 672-9225 | Visit Website

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage

115 Middle St., New Bern
(252) 638-3500 | Visit Website

Donna & Team New Bern

119 Middle St., New Bern, NC
(252) 636-6595 | Visit Website

Drake Farms Construction & Development

325 Middle St. Suite 6, New Bern
(910) 631-1377 | Visit Website

First Citizens Bank – Marie Phillips

305 Broad St, New Bern
(252) 637-8222 | Visit Website

McClay Custom Homes

315 Metcalf St., New Bern
(252) 675-3323 | Visit Website

Robinson and Stith Insurance

513 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 633-1174 | Visit Website

Solas Lighting & Design

588 McCarthy Blvd., New Bern
(252) 631-2381 | Visit Website

Tab Premium Built Homes

2851 Trent Rd., New Bern
(910) 638-8310 | Visit Website

The Insurance Center

1320 Commerce Dr., New Bern
(252) 637-4173 | Visit Website

Tidewater Appliance

4140 Dr. MLK Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562
(252) 636-5930 | Visit Website

Tryon Palace

529 South Front St., New Bern
(800) 767-1560 | Visit Website

West New Bern

Clock Drive, New Bern
Visit Website

Whitford Melson Homes

Serving Eastern North Carolina
(910) 229-3138 | Visit Website