Nestled along beautiful Lake Lure in western North Carolina, the town of Lake Lure is small, population just 1,200 people, very safe and attractive to tourists and vacationers. Thanks to the scenic setting, numerous movies, including 1987’s Dirty Dancing and 1992’swonderful Last of the Mohicans, have been filmed here. The cost of living is 5% above the national average, and the median home price is $225,000 or so. Of the population, a whopping 72% is age 45 or better.
Peaceful and very low key, Lake Lure provides a wonderful setting for retirement. Not a lot goes on in this pretty waterfront hamlet, but that is what many people like about it. The lake is the center of life, and people from a hundred miles around come to enjoy all that it has to offer, including year round fishing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing and much more. Surrounding mountains provide a lovely backdrop, and they, too, offer venues for outdoor activities, everything from hiking and camping to fishing and mountain bicycling.
Chimney Rock Park is a terrific mountain park. Green River Plantation is an 1804 plantation that is open for tours. The Lake Lure Adventure Company takes people on waterskiing trips, fishing trips and horseback riding trips. In short, there is always something fun to do.
The good citizens of Lake Lure do not have their own hospital, but fifteen miles away in Hendersonville, Margaret Pardee Hospital has 195 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission. It is also a teaching hospital with a residency program approved by the American Medical Association. It meets or exceeds national averages in nearly all areas. Mission Hospital, which is award-winning, is located just 25 miles away in retirement-favorite Asheville. It is accredited by the Joint Commission, is a designated stroke center, is a Level II adult trauma center and accepts Medicaid and Medicare patients.
There is practically no crime in Lake Lure. There is also no public transportation.
Based on its location amid truly spectacular natural beauty, Lake Lure beckons at retirement time. It’s lake of public transportation should be considered, but its nearby very good medical facility and abundant recreation make it a place to consider for retirement.