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
The most popular style house for retirees is the rancher or rambler. The entire house is situated on one floor built close to the ground. Minimal 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 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.
5308 W Captains Way, Nags Head 
Asking: $675,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1784
Price Reduction!! Classic Nags Head Style home in the very desirable community of the Village at Nags Head. This West side neighborhood is centrally located in Nags Head and close to s MORE
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300 Suffolk Street, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $455,900
Beds-3 Baths-1 SqFt: 1122
This lovely 3 bedroom 1.5 bath beach box not far from the beach access is charming and cozy with an open concept living area, perfect for relaxing or entertaining after a day at the bea MORE
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2053 Bay Drive, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $529,000
Beds-3 Baths-1 SqFt: 1128
This sweet bungalow in the heart of Kill Devil Hills is out to woo you with not only its gorgeous sound views and ideal location, but its charms so reminiscent of years gone by - the re MORE
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1302 Water Oak Drive, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $1,179,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 2179
The Renfred plan features contemporary elegance that is centered around nature with an intimate courtyard. The private courtyard opens to the bright and coastal dining room with impress MORE
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807 W Fox Street, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $459,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1444
A quaint three bedroom two bath cottage, nestled under live oak trees in the heart of the Outer Banks, within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, gift, shops, etc. Some of the g MORE
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4004 Martins Point Road, Kitty Hawk 
Asking: $1,299,000
Beds-3 Baths-3 SqFt: 2900
Stunning Soundfront Oasis with Spectacular Sunset Views! Located in the prestigious gated community of Martins Point on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this soundfront home offers a MORE
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33 Fairway Drive, Southern Shores 
Asking: $889,000
Beds-4 Baths-4 SqFt: 3553
Adjacent to the Duck Woods Country Club golf course in Southern Shores, this classic cape cod style home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Here’s a rare opportunity to MORE
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291 N Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores 
Asking: $998,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 2284
This 1990s-built, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers spacious living with a two-car garage and a prime waterfront location on North Dogwood Trail. As you step inside, the layout offers MORE
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Beach Box
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.
202 W Lost Colony Drive, Nags Head 
Asking: $449,900
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1040
TO SHOW, See Additional Instructions in SHOWING TIME - TENANT OCCUPIED w/Lease up July 2025 on this Super cute home, well cared for with plenty of room to enjoy this Nags Head West Side MORE
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4607 S Cobia Way, Nags Head 
Asking: $465,000
Beds-3 Baths-1 SqFt: 1043
This adorable cottage is located in Old Nags Head Cove. This delightful beach home with 3 bedrooms, and 1 and a half baths is single floor living at its best. Upon entry, you are gree MORE
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201 W Lakeside Street, Nags Head 
Asking: $475,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1077
Here’s a charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath renovated cottage located in the soundside subdivision of Roanoke Shore in Nags Head. Easy proximity to the Nags Head beach accesses, Nags Head Go MORE
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113 W Windjammer Road, Nags Head 
Asking: $515,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1260
This very well maintained home boast new flooring in 2015 in kitchen and baths. Also in 2015, new outdoor decks and stairs, solid doors, painted cabinets in 2015. The vanities have al MORE
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9023 E Gerhard Street, Nags Head 
Asking: $2,600,000
Beds-15 Baths-8 SqFt: 7100
Rare South Nags Head opportunity! Owner-operated and meticulously maintained, this multiple-dwelling listing offers a remarkable location, 15 bedrooms across 5 units, ocean views and ac MORE
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322 S Sandpiper Court, Nags Head 
Asking: $490,000
Beds-3 Baths-1 SqFt: 776
This stylish Nags Head Cove home offers a fresh feel with a super cute design. Mixed simply with a dash of Beach Modern and a little Cottage Chic, this charming Beach Box sits in a neig MORE
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106 Prince Charles Court, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $649,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 2614
Well maintained contemporary home built by architect/owner- this house is designed for maximum comfort with very low maintenance. Perfect for primary, second home or vacation rental. Ki MORE
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300 Suffolk Street, Kill Devil Hills
Asking: $455,900
Beds-3 Baths-1 SqFt: 1122
This lovely 3 bedroom 1.5 bath beach box not far from the beach access is charming and cozy with an open concept living area, perfect for relaxing or entertaining after a day at the bea MORE
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316 Harbour View Drive, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $449,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1440
Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque community of Colington Harbour. This beautifully maintained canalfront property offers breathtaking west-facing views, perfect for enjoying MORE
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1237 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $840,000
Beds-4 Baths-2 SqFt: 1132
Oceanside with deeded access! Until it was purchased in the fall of 2018 it had been a one owner home. When it was purchased, it had just been updated including new pilings, new central MORE
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604 Clam Shell Drive, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $499,900
Beds-3 Baths-3 SqFt: 960
PRICE REDUCED TO SELL!!! Gorgeously Remodeled Home with the Following Updates: Driveway Widened and Graded so WATER DOES NOT ENTER THE APARTMENT, Permitted Efficiency Apartment Added w MORE
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1704 S Memorial Boulevard, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $648,900
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1040
Just like a pearl, this home is classic, unique, and rare. It has been meticulously maintained, loved, and cherished by its owner. This charming cottage is a mere leisurely stroll to t MORE
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1613 N Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $599,900
Beds-4 Baths-3 SqFt: 1590
This home is better than a beachbox! Centrally located between two beach accesses, its perfect for all the action. The fully finished and elevated first level offers extra space with a MORE
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510 Loblolly Court, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $620,000
Beds-4 Baths-3 SqFt: 2070
Centrally located in Kill Devil Hill, on the Outer Banks of NC. Mile post 7, Near the beach, parks, multi use paths, shopping, and restaurants. This well maintained 4 bedroom , 3 bath, MORE
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319 Jean Court, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $667,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1820
Nestled on an expansive homesite in an X Flood (7,500 sq. ft) in a tranquil cul-de-sac setting, this coveted property features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing abundant living spac MORE
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365 Sir Chandler Drive, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $369,000
Beds-3 Baths-1 SqFt: 1104
Recent home inspection completed and many repairs have been made. Call today to set up your appointment to show. Nestled in the serene community of Colington Harbour, 365 Sir Chandler MORE
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218 W Archdale Street, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $649,900
Beds-3 Baths-3 SqFt: 2099
Experience coastal living at its finest in this stunning 2099 sqft. 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home, never before rented and meticulously maintained. This custom built home combines though MORE
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1006 Alexander Lane, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $640,000
Beds-4 Baths-2 SqFt: 1525
Brand new home located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills! This 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home features a modern color pallet with sage green cabinets in the kitchen and wet bar and soft gold MORE
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132 Baum Bay Drive, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $549,500
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1440
Canal Front Home with 100 FEET OF CANAL FRONTAGE! Fantastic Water Front Location in The Baum Bay Harbor Subdivision of Kill Devil Hills CLOSE TO THE BEACH! Great VIEWS of the WATER! MORE
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304 Live Oak Court, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $510,000
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1787
Charming Coastal Retreat – Your Dream Home Awaits! Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, ideally located close to everyt MORE
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2027 Hampton Street, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $449,500
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 1022
Avalon on Hampton Street, 3 BR 2BA, fresh and clean! Easy to see. New carpet, fresh paint, new fridge with ice maker. Great location. Short walk to Bay Drive. Dry entry, laundry hook u MORE
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315 W Hayman Boulevard, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $629,000
Beds-4 Baths-3 SqFt: 1708
This turn key, fully furnished, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home features beach and sound access at each end of the street! No flood zone and no HOA! Updated in 2023 with new roof, HVAC compr MORE
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319 St. Louis Street, Kill Devil Hills 
Asking: $640,000
Beds-4 Baths-3 SqFt: 1976
Come take a look at the immaculate home for sale - upstairs looks brand new and so does the mother-in-law suite on the ground level. This home is being sold furnished with very little MORE
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3721 Hallett Street, Kitty Hawk 
Asking: $674,900
Beds-3 Baths-2 SqFt: 969
Just 2 Lots Away from the Oceanfront, with an Ocean View and a Short Walk to the Beach, this home offers an Unbeatable Setting for anyone who Loves the Coast. The 3 bedrooms and two bat MORE
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4236 Seascape Drive, Kitty Hawk 
Asking: $649,500
Beds-4 Baths-2 SqFt: 1676
Classic Seascape beach house with picture perfect rear porch and pool area. H floor plan with 2 bedrooms and full bath on either side of the house. Both bathrooms have been updated. Kit MORE
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