- There’s plenty for seniors to do in New Bern, especially for older adults who enjoy the outdoors. The city’s riverfront setting is ideal for those who enjoy fishing and boating. It’s also home to numerous hiking trails, local parks and golf courses. In the city’s historic downtown, retirees can find an array of cultural attractions, galleries, boutiques and gourmet restaurants
- Seniors in New Bern can enjoy an affordable retirement. With a cost of living index of 81.9, living in New Bern is not only less expensive than in the average North Carolina city, but it’s also 18.1% lower than the U.S. national average.
- Crime rates in New Bern are a little above average. While local rates of violent crime are similar to the national average, property crime rates are quite high. On a scale of 100, the city receives a score of 55.9 for property-related offenses, which is more than 20 points higher than the national average of 35.4. Fortunately, most facilities are equipped with security features such as video surveillance and secure entrances.
- One of the biggest benefits of retiring to New Bern is its comfortable year-round climate. Winter temperatures don’t drop below the mid-30s, and the area receives minimal snowfall. Summers are also quite pleasant, though they can be humid. The region is known to experience some extreme weather and storms, especially during hurricane season, which is something seniors should be mindful of.
- North Carolina is moderately tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security income is not taxed by the state; however, withdrawals from retirement accounts and pension income are fully taxed.
- The Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) makes it easy for seniors to get around the city. CARTS operates a fixed route loop service as well as a complementary paratransit service for those with mobility issues. Adults aged 65 and older are eligible for half-priced fares.
- Seniors have access to a range of health services and emergency care at CarolinaEast Medical Center. The award-winning hospital specializes in numerous fields that may be helpful to seniors, including cardiac rehabilitation, neurology, orthopedics and podiatry,
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors pay an average of $3,645 per month for assisted living care in New Bern. Not only is this lower than the statewide median of $4,010, but it’s more than $850 lower than the U.S. national average of $4,500.
New Bern is also an affordable option compared to other cities in eastern North Carolina. While assisted living in Jacksonville is similarly priced at $3,600 per month, rates in Greenville are more than $1,000 higher. Wilmington and Raleigh are even more expensive, with average monthly rates of $5,254 and $5,388, respectively.
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There are some additional options to explore that may better suit an individual’s needs, living preferences and budget. While assisted living is the most affordable option, seniors who wish to age in place at home may opt for in-home care or home health care services. Both cost an average of $3,813 per month in New Bern. Those in need of more focused care and medical attention may be best suited in a nursing home facility, where rates average $7,574 per month for a semiprivate room.
In-Home Care
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Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
North Carolina offers the State/County Special Assistance Program, an SSI state supplement which provides elderly and low-income residents with enough financial aid to pay for the costs of adult care homes. This program is meant for seniors who need non-medical care on a regular basis but can no longer live at home on their own.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.