Best Boomer Towns Selects Pinehurst, North Carolina
One of their 21 best places to retire
By Nancy Padberg and James Tepatti
Pinehurst has more than 41 golf courses, all playable virtually year-round in this mild climate, and an overabundance of golfing communities, gated and otherwise. Yet, unlike faster-growing golf neighbors, such as Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Pinehurst retains a true small-town atmosphere. The local newspaper is published only three times a week, and the airport has an honor system for its parking.
Pinehurst is located in southern Moore County, about 68 miles (92 minutes), by car, southwest of Raleigh. With other towns in the area, including Southern Pines and Aberdeen, Pinehurst is part of the Sandhills region of North Carolina. The Sandhills take their name from the region’s sandy soil, which results from a prehistoric seashore.
About 35 miles northwest of Pinehurst is Seagrove, renowned for its pottery. In Colonial times, potters from England were attracted to this area because of its deposits of fine potting clay. Now, nearly 95 pottery studios are scattered along U.S. Highway 220, and the North Carolina Pottery Center has exhibits of pottery from around the state.
At an elevation of around 500 feet, Pinehurst has some low, rolling hills, but the nearest mountains are three to four hours away, in the western part of the state. Pinehurst normally gets little snow, and it usually disappears by the next day, residents say.
Golf is undeniably big here, but if you like equestrian and dogs, you’ll also feel at home. Each fall, owners from the north and Midwest bring their jumpers, hunters, and dressage horses to the area to take advantage of the mild climate and soft sand footing.
From Pinehurst blogger James Tepatti: Pinehurst immediately conjures thoughts of world-class golf courses and championship competitions. The famed Pinehurst Resort hosted the U.S. Men’s Open Championship in 1999 and again in 2005. The Pine Needles Resort hosted the Ladies' U.S. Open Championship in 1996, 2004, and 2007. Further, it was recently announced that the Pinehurst Resort is scheduled to hold the 2014 Men’s U.S. Championship and the Ladies' U.S. Championship in back-to-back weeks on the same course venue, something that's never been accomplished before. The Pinehurst #2 course is the chosen course.
Read more about Pinehurst. . . .
Published October 16, 2009
