Forbes named this NC city among best places to retire. What makes it special?
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- Forbes placed Pinehurst among 25 best retirement spots, citing golf focus.
- Village offers 40 courses, medical access, good air quality and low crime.
- Cost of living runs about 3% above U.S.; median home near $531,000.
“Goodbye tension, hello pension.” Those four magic words mark the end of work stress and the start of a cozy, enjoyable retirement.
Where you choose to spend your next chapter is important, and a North Carolina city was named a top place for retirees to explore their passions and hobbies, according to Forbes.
The Village of Pinehurst earned a spot on the magazine’s list of the 25 Best Places to Enjoy Retirement in 2025. The village, home to 19,000 residents, was one of more than two dozen U.S. locales recognized for its leisurely offerings.
Forbes’ top picks, published on Wednesday, Oct. 24, were largely based on the ability to pursue “passions” like the arts, fine dining and outdoor water sports. Pinehurst stood out in a single category: golf.
“Golf is the big retirement passion around this picturesque village, 90 miles east of Charlotte,” Forbes editors wrote. “About 40 courses lace the area, led by the century-old Pinehurst Resort.”
The village also earned high marks for its availability of primary doctors per capita, air quality and low rates of violent crime, according to the outlet. It was among one of the more expensive locales, however, with a cost of living 3% above the national average and median home prices hovering around $531,000.
What makes Pinehurst special?
Looking for a golf getaway? Pinehurst is the place to go.
Dubbed the “Home of American Golf,” North Carolina’s Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen region made USA Today’s 10Best list of the best golfing destinations in the U.S., The Charlotte Observer previously reported. One course in particular, Pinehurst No. 2, is famous for its difficultly — even for the most proficient golfers.
“This golf course is going to test every single aspect of your game, especially mentally, and just the mental discipline that it takes to play this particular golf course,” Tiger Woods said ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open. “It’s going to take a lot.”
Beyond golfing, visitors can enjoy dining and spa experiences in the area.
The village also boasts tons of recreational offerings such as public parks and playgrounds, scenic trails, horseback riding and a “200-acre Lake Pinehurst for boating, fishing, and swimming,” its website says.
How Forbes came up with its list
For the list, Forbes said it reviewed nearly 1,000 places in the U.S with populations over 10,000. Each was rated using “metrics that affect the chances for a healthy and happy retirement.”
Other quality-of-life factors, including whether a locale was walkable or bikeable, were also considered. Areas with a high natural hazard or climate change risk index were excluded, Forbes said.
The report largely focused on retirees’ ability to enjoy themselves rather than retirement costs.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Forbes named this NC city among best places to retire. What makes it special?."