Retiring in Edenton and Chowan County
See why so many people are choosing to move to and retire here.
Golden Years, Gorgeous Views.
People from all over the country are retiring in Edenton and Chowan County. Who would blame them? With mild winters, a vibrant community, and endless assortment of things to do, It’s easy to see why so many are making Edenton home.
Great Weather
Warm summers and mild winters are the perfect combination for an active lifestyle. The average summer temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit while the average winter temperature is about 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. The town also receives an average of 45 inches of rainfall a year, which keeps the area lush and green.
Dynamic Community
Edenton has a supportive community, convenient location for business or travel, and a reasonable cost of living. Don’t take our word for it – we invite you to come and explore all that the Edenton and Chowan County has to offer first hand!
Ideal location
In less than an hour’s drive east, you can find yourself at the Outer Banks (OBX), which is a 200-mile-long (320 km) string of narrow peninsulas and barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Or in a 75 minute drive north to Virginia, Norfolk is a historic international port city for over 400 years. Heading west, Raleigh is less than two hours away by car. Fly from our own regional airport - The Northeast Regional Airport or take a two-hour drive to fly out of two international airports, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Norfolk International Airport.
One of the Best Places to Retire in North Carolina
Retirees come from as far away as Vermont or Florida to find this idyllic place on the water in North Carolina and feature former top executives of international corporations, federal workers, military retirees, teachers, doctors, nurses, college professors, former staff from Congress and almost everything else. This provides a wonderful diversity to life in Edenton.
Why do people choose to retire to Edenton?
Certified
We are one of only 18 communities in NC to be a "certified retirement community." This designation is only given to the top retirement communities in the state.
Small
5,000 residents means that you'll never fight traffic, sit in long lines, or experience the congestion that characterizes big cities.
Active
There's always something to do, from fun restaurants to outdoor experiences, to festivals, parties, and more.
Waterfront
Life is dominated by the Albemarle Sound. Fishing, boating, water skiing, kayaking, and more are all available to residents with extensive waterfront property along the Sound and many tributaries.
Affordable
A wide variety of homes offers a wide array of living situations, all below comparable properties in other parts of the country and within or below national averages, make Edenton an affordable place to live.
Historic
400+ years of history give Edenton a unique historic flair that makes it a special place to live. One-of-a-kind architecture, experiences, and opportunities make this a special place to live.
What do retirees do in Edenton and Chowan County?

Volunteer
There are endless opportunities to volunteer and engage in the community in Edenton and Chowan County. Do you love history? Volunteer with the Barker House or Cupola House, helping tourists learn about our story. But, there are opportunities to work with young people, support and grow the business community, serve on committees designed to help our town and serve in government. There’s never a dull moment here.
There are extraordinary golf courses and resorts throughout the Albemarle Region, giving you time and opportunity to explore golf year round. But, that is only the beginning. Hiking, camping, biking, and laying on the beach are all available for you.

Enjoy nature
Visit Edenton and Chowan County to discover why we are the perfect community to settle down and enjoy life. For additional resources and information click on the link below.