The experts at Home Snacks have released the 2019 rankings of Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina. Continuing their climb up the list, Rocky Mount is named number five out of nearly 60 municipalities in North Carolina.
How Does Rocky Mount make the Top 5 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina?
NC Wesleyan College (located next to BLP) offers educational programs specifically aimed at retirement aged Rocky Mount residents.
Much as we explained in our previous article, Home Snacks pointed to the location of Rocky Mount in discussing the inclusion to the Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina. Likewise, the growth of arts and culture in Rocky Mount i noted as well. Rich city history and overall comfort for retirees are other reasons for the high ranking.
Kolmar concluded, “You will be happy to make the transition because it seems that just about everyone in Rocky Mount is in a great mood all the time.”
Top Areas of Scoring that Placed Rocky Mount #5 among Best Cities to Retire in NC
Amenities
Location/Commute
Diversity
Affordability
Housing
Retiring in Rocky Mount is Retiring at Belmont Lake Preserve with Great Amenities, Location, and Affordability
The serenity and beautiful scenery at Rocky Mount’s Belmont Lake Preserve is exemplified by its peaceful 80-acre lake.
Similarly to our previous blog post, Home Snacks pointed first to the great Rocky Mount amenities. This is the top reason for it being among the top 5 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina.
“Despite the fact that many people haven’t considered it before, Rocky Mount is actually a great place to retire,” Home Snacks blogger, Chris Kolmar explained. “The numbers don’t lie, retirees are comfortable here,” Kolmar continued. “Rocky Mount is super close to Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh, so you will never get bored. The city itself has a lot of great museums, historic places, and multiple venues for its growing arts and culture programs.”
Belmont Lake Preserve’s spa-like amenities include an outdoor and indoor swimming pool (pictured)
Likewise, at Belmont Lake Preserve, the spa-like amenities are plentiful also. There is both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Likewise, the on-site Community Clubhouse also has a full training facility/gym. These are in addition to the spectacular 80-acre lake that sits serenely on the forested 1400-acres of Belmont Lake Preserve.
Similarly, Rocky Mount’s location and affordability are topics in our last blog post in the News & Events section at belmontlakepreserve.com.
The “Short List” Gets Shorter: Best Cities to Retire in NC and Best Master Planned Communities in the U.S.
Belmont Lake Preserve has been named by “Where to Retire” magazineas one of the 50 Best Master Planned Communities in the United States
The city of Rocky Mount has continuously climbed up the Home Snacks rankings. Their ranking improved in each of the four years they have ranked the Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina. However, it would seem that coupled with another award received by Belmont Lake Preserve would ironically put the city on a “short list” of retirement destinations.
In 2015, “Where to Retire” magazine named Belmont Lake Preserve among the Top 50 Best Master Planned Communities in the U.S. The irony was that they call the Top 50 communities as the “Short List.” Hence, given Rocky Mount’s increased desirability for retirees and Belmont Lake’s already lofty status as a retirement community, it seems this is your perfect landing spot for the retirement years.
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Retiring in North Carolina is a trend that consistently sees more parents and grandparents relocating to the Tar Heel State each year. An obvious reason would be location due to the influx of their children and younger families heading to NC first. However, upon further research, we think you’ll find a number of other reasons for Retiring in North Carolina. Similarly, and more specifically there are a number of reasons that once looking in NC, you’ll agree the perfect retirement fit is at the new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) golf community.
Belmont Lake Preserve features over acres of outdoor green space and likewise, the city of Rocky Mount has some of the most spectacular walking and hiking trails in the entire Southeast.
The Perfect Location for Retiring in North Carolina
As earlier stated, there is a great allure to Retiring in North Carolina, especially for those who have family that has made the move prior. In contrast, what many retirees don’t realize is the proximity of NC to almost any major city or area on the east coast.
Thus, if a retired couple has difficulty choosing a location as they have one grown child with a family in Georgia and another in Maryland, selecting one or the other puts them at a greater distance from the location not chosen. As a result, the perfect location would find them Retiring in North Carolina. Even more specifically, the perfect destination in North Carolina, “location-wise,” would be the Belmont Lake Preserve golf community.
The new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve place you ideally within reasonable driving distance from major cities and areas in the state or the Eastern U.S. The statistics below show the actual distance you would be from major NC and U.S Cities once Retiring in North Carolina.=
The following map shows the ideal location of the new homes in Rocky Mount at BLP in accordance with other major cities along the East Coast of the United States.
Belmont Lake Preserve Distance From U.S. Cities
Richmond, VA- 120 miles
Norfolk, VA- 130 miles
Washington, DC- 225 miles
Baltimore, MD- 276 miles
Charleston, SC- 280 miles
Philadelphia, PA- 373 miles
New York, NY- 450 miles
Atlanta, GA- 470 miles
Belmont Lake Preserve Distance From N.C. Cities
Raleigh- 50 miles
Morehead City- 120 miles
Greensboro- 123 miles
Outer Banks- 136 miles
Wilmington- 161 miles
Charlotte- 199 miles
Asheville- 295 miles
The mild climate and gorgeous scenery in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve (pictured) are just a few reasons for Retiring in North Carolina.
Whether you are Retiring in North Carolina may depend on the Weather
Most noteworthy for those relocating from further North is the change in climate when Retiring in North Carolina. While NC still enjoys its four seasons, they receive significantly less snowfall than the states to the north.
Likewise, North Carolina’s average winter temperature ranges between 10-20 degrees warmer than those located in the Northeast and is the 11th highest winter temperature nationally. Sure, the NC summer’s can get warm, but comparatively the average temperature statewide is very livable in the mid-70’s.
Average Temperature in state of North Carolina
Summer- 75.7 degrees
Winter- 42.1 degrees
Annual- 59.0 degrees
The BLP Golf Clubhouse is host to a full golf pro shop and a fantastic restaurant, The Main Course at Belmont.
Average Temperature in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve
Summer- 82.3 degrees
Winter- 42.6 degress
Annual- 61.9 degrees
Why is Belmont Lake Preserve is the “perfect” retirement destination?
We’ve detailed location and climate and those numbers are undeniable. In the paragraph to follow we will discuss affordability. So, in looking at the introduction to this article there is one question for us yet to answer. Why is Belmont Lake Preserve is the “perfect” retirement destination?
For starters, we will preface our next paragraph and talk about the affordability of new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve. Starting in the upper $190,000’s, it is rare to find such an affordable, newly built home with a nationally-acclaimed home builder crafting your house. Well, not at Belmont Lake Preserve it isn’t. At BLP, “America’s Favorite Builder,” D.R. Horton has several affordable and beautiful floor plans for you to select from and if you have your own custom dream home in mind, BLP also has many home lots for sale in a variety of sizes in which you can find the right fit and your own custom builder to come in and makes those dreams a reality.
As if that was not enough, by choosing the new homes in Rocky Mount at BLP, you also get access to the community’s spa-like amenities. These include both an indoor and outdoor pool, a full gym/training facility, an 18-hole professional golf course, and so much more. Consequently, if you combine the BLP amenities, the affordable homes, location, and climate, I think you are starting see why this is the perfect retirement fit.
Amenities at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) Golf Community in Rocky Mount, NC
Named #11 Top Course in NC for 2019 (Golf Advisor)
Named #12 of 2019 Courses for Pace of Play in U.S. (Golf Advisor)
Given a 4.7 of 5 stars rating (Golf Advisor)
Is Retiring in North Carolina an Affordable Option?
Certainly, the cost of living is a big question anyone will ask when considering relocation. Above all, this may be a deal breaker or deal maker when thinking about Retiring in North Carolina.
From what you’ve seen already, the answer is an obvious, yes. North Carolina does have a low cost of living and is very affordable for those in the retirement years. However, don’t take our word for it…for further analysis on the cost of living and affordability, the following paragraph was quoted from the digital personal finance publication, moneywise.com. (In actuality, moneywise also backs us up on the location and climate too!)
“North Carolina is one of the few places where you can visit rugged mountains and sandy beaches in the same day,” the blog posting says. “With its hot and humid summers and mild-to-chilly winters, the Tar Heel State has the perfect climate for enjoying its charming towns and waterfronts.”
Moving along to cost of living, moneywise concludes, “…Social Security benefits are not taxed, and property taxes are comparatively low.”The cost of living in North Carolina is 5% below the national average and studies put the state in the top 20 for affordability.”
Affordability is a key I for Retiring in NC. Beautiful homes by “America’s Favorite Builder,” DR Horton at BLP like the one shown are available.
New Homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve
Finally, you have answered each of these important questions about Retiring in North Carolina. Yes, the location and climate are both exactly what you were seeking. Likewise, it is affordable and the fantastic new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve also give you incredible on-site amenities.
So, in answering these questions, ironically, it raises two more questions to be answered. First, would be, “How could Retiring in North Carolina be such a perfect fit?” Futhermore, question two will be, “What is taking you so long to get here ?!?
To view the new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, visit the “Available Homes” section of belmontlakepreserve.com.
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The name on the location of the 9thAnnual Rocky Mount Paws in the Park event says it all, as ‘Best Friend’s Dog Park’ at 400 East Duke Circle (just minutes from Belmont Lake Preserve) will host a day full of activities focused on you and your furry friends.
This years’ Rocky mount paws in the Park event is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 and will start at 11:00 am and run for three fun-filled hours until 2:00 pm. As it has in its previous 8 years of existence, Rocky Mount Paws in the Park promotes responsibility in pet ownership and the humane treatments of dogs, with a full day of contests and special events.
Once again, returning to the Rocky Mount Paws in the Park event will be a crowd favorite from previous years, the “Dare Devil Dogs.” This is a high energy, exciting stunt show where dogs will perform, catching frisbees and flying discs in acrobatic fashion in an awesome display that all are sure to enjoy. The “Dare Devil Dogs” will perform two entire shows throughout the day’s events.
As has become expected at Rocky Mount Paws in the Park, this year will see many unique events throughout the day. According to the official Facebook event page, each of the following will also take place on April 14 at Best Friend’s Dog Park:
Doggie Treasure/Egg Hunt
Pet Fashion Show
Art and Photo Booths
Vendors and Demonstrations
Live Music
Food Trucks
In addition to all of this, there will also be reduced price microchipping and rabies shots for your pet on site. For further information on this years’ Rocky Mount Paws in the Park 9thanniversary celebration, visit their Facebook Event page here.
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On Saturday, March 2, just a few minutes up the road from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community on the campus of Nash Community College, there will be a celebration of diversity with in the local community as a part of the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures.
Starting at 12:00 pm and running until 4:00 pm at the on campus, Brown Auditorium, the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures has become an annual favorite among local events. “This festival brings our community together and shows us how our diversity empowers us,” said city of Rocky Mount Director of Human Relations, Archie Jones.
There will be many tastes, sounds, and sights on hand at the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures for all to enjoy on March 2. These will include an array of exotic foods for sampling from across the globe, and vendors, who likewise will be selling and showcasing items representing a variety of ethnicities and cultures. In addition, there will be a fashion show and also multi-cultural live music and entertainment to enjoy at the Rocky mount International Festival of Cultures.
Slated to be represented and on display at the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures are communities and traditions to include Central American, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, African American, and the Hawaii-Saponi Indian Tribe.
Summing up the great community feel of this celebration of diversity, Jones concluded his statement on the official city website saying, “From the food to the fashion and the friendly atmosphere, this event showcases some of the best of our city-the many cultures that call Rocky Mount home.”
For more information on the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures, visit the City Of Rocky Mount website at rockymountnc.gov.
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In addition to the luxurious, spa-like amenities that helped introduce you and your family to “lifestyle redefined” at Belmont Lake Preserve, the vast array of outdoor living activities and scenery that you enjoy so much will be detailed in this the first of what will be an ongoing series to familiarize you with all of the incredible and beautiful Rocky Mount Parks, as well as other natural attractions across town.
Sunset Park
The first in our series on Rocky Mount Parks should come as no surprise to residents as any long time resident of the city can attest that at some point in their youth and their travels among the parks in Rocky Mount, they have waited on line to take their turn on the hand painted, wooden, carousel horses that are synonomous with Sunset Park. Referred to at the official Rocky Mount website as the “city’s main park,” the 25-acre, Sunset Park is located on Taylor Drive and River Drive beside the Tar River just off of Sunset Avenue.
The carousel itself, which for sure sets Sunset Park apart from the other Rocky Mount Parks, actually has quite a history of its own, as detailed at the city’s website. “The circa 1920 Herschell-Spillman “County Fair” style carousel was bought for the City of Rocky Mount in 1952 by the Rocky Mount Civitan Club.” It is then further explained that, “The Carousel was severely damaged in the flood of 1999 and required extensive restoration which was completed by Carousel Magic of Mansfield, Ohio. Renovated rounding boards were added to include paintings of images found on 1920’s postcards depicting Rocky Mount landmarks and activities of that time.”
In addition to the iconic carousel, Sunset is unique among the Rocky Mount Parks for a few other reasons as well. The obvious here would be the train, a miniature Model G-16 Train which was originally purchased for use at the park in 1952. It holds 36 passengers and travels at a speed of 8 miles an hour.
On top of these two rides, there is also a Spray Ground that was opened to help keep the kids cool on hot, summer days as well as on site consessions, offering popcorn, ivce cream, snow cones, and many other favorites of childhood that is sure to bring visitors down memory lane. The “main park” among the Rocky Mount Parks also boasts another “kiddie-go-round” type ride that all the youngsters enjoy and in addition has a disc golf course, two lighted basketball courts, a boat ramp, four picnic shelters, eleven lighted tennis courts with a backboard, and a little league baseball field.
Sunset Park is just one of the many Rocky Mount Parks that can help you to expand your “lifestyle redefined,” at Belmont Lake Preserve, and you’ll be pleased to know that this is just one of many outdoor living options that we will “walk through,” in this ongoing series.
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As the hot summer continues, one of the favorite Rocky Mount Family Events of the season, “Summer Night Lights,” will host four more of its fun filled Friday night events at a variety of locations between July 20 and August 10.
Created five years ago in an attempt to offer more Rocky Mount Family Events that teenagers and their parents could both attend and enjoy, “Summer Night Lights” has done just that, giving kids an alternative to taking the chance of winding up in less than satisfactory situations while still being able to interact socially with their peers.
Since the initial launch of these Rocky Mount Family Events, “Summer Night Lights” has grown in popularity, giving teens and adults an outlet for fun like no other throughout the summer months. A free, block party style program that takes place most weekends throughout the summer, “Summer Night Lights” was described by Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor, Heather White, who said, “While the program is designed to attract area teens, over the past few years, it has grown into an outreach for families as well.”
The remaining schedule for
July 20th: Stith-Talbert Park, Rocky Mount, NC
July 27th: Aycock Park, Rocky Mount, NC
August 3rd: Lancaster Park, Rocky Mount, NC
August 10th: South Rocky Mount Community Center, Rocky Mount, NC
For more information on these and all other Rocky Mount Family Events, visit the city’s website at rockymountnc.gov.
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After a long, cold winter faded into the warmer months of Spring, it was just a matter of time before the warmth of the summer sun came around. To many local residents, this means their favorite of all Downtown Rocky Mount Events, the Downtown Live concert series returns. This is just minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve in the heart of downtown Rocky Mount.
The schedule for the 2018 Downtown Live series has been released and it will feature no less than nine weeks of Downtown Rocky Mount Events. Beginning the week of May 24, and running through the week of September 18 these weekly concerts feature some great local talent.
These Downtown Rocky Mount Events take place every other Thursday during that time frame and as start at 6:00 pm. The Downtown Live concert series is held outside of the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences building, at 270 Gay Street in Downtown Rocky Mount. There will be local food and beverage vendors on site at each of these Downtown Rocky Mount and you can bring your own lawn chairs to set up, as admission as always is free.
The remaining 2018 Downtown Live concert schedule is:
July 19: Jim Quick & the Coastline
August 2: The Main Event Band
August 16: The Entertainers
August 30: The Band of Oz
September 13: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
For more information on the Downtown Live concert series and all the great upcoming Downtown Rocky Mount Events, visit downtownrockymount.com.
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In what would add to the already plentiful active lifestyle options and picturesque scenery of the city, the proposed Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail would be a project adding trails and potentially another beautiful city park, linking downtown Rocky Mount to the Rocky Mount Mills site.
The potential addition to the city is detailed at the official City of Rocky Mount website, where it describes the Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail, stating, “The Monk to Mill Trail is a conceptual greenway and urban trail project that will serve as a location of experience for cyclists and pedestrians between Downtown Rocky Mount and the Rocky Mount Mills. The Monk to Mill Trail provides a “linear commons” that will weave the fabric of central city living in Rocky Mount. “
Continuing on about the exciting prospect of a greenway and trail linking downtown to the mill site, it reads, “This dynamic platform designed for creativity and active living will be the point of assembly for locals and visitors alike to observe and experience the vibrancy happening along this linear park and throughout downtown. Monk to Mill Trail will be the place for recreation, relaxation, and fellowship.”
The name for the Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail would come from a salute of sorts to the city’s rich history in two different areas, with one obviously being the cotton mills and the mill site and the other being its ties to jazz music and legendary musician, Thelonious Monk, who was born in Rocky Mount.
An editorial/opinion piece which ran recently in The Rocky Mount Telegram, spoke of these ties and recognizing the city’s history in offering a vote of support for the Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail and its tip of the cap to its storied past. “Other cities with more resources would love to be known as Monk’s hometown.” The Telegram opinion piece went on to voice its support, saying, “Monk’s pioneering music is still celebrated and loved by jazz scholars and aficionados all over the world. The idea to tie Monk Park to the Rocky Mount Brewmill is a creative means of linking past and future in entertainment and recreation. A trail would beckon to music fans, fitness buffs, craft beer enthusiasts and many more tourists.”
Further details of the proposed Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail including renderings of the proposed trail and greenway and the park among other information can be seen at rockymountnc.gov.
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For all of the dog lovers and those who just would like to lend a hand to a great cause under the roof of your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve can head out to the Rocky Mount Dog Park on Saturday, November 5 and take part in Bark for Life of Nash County, and event organized by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Much like their successful, Relay for Life program has raised millions of dollars across the United States to help save lives and for research on those who have been unfortunately stricken with cancer, Bark for Life of Nash County is a noncompetitive walk event to help with this great cause. Bring your favorite “furry friend” out to Rocky Mount Dog Park, located 480 North Lee Street in Rocky Mount at and start the day with the walk and enjoy the rest of the day with contests, games, and other demonstrations you and your dog can partake in together.
Welcoming those who are unfamiliar with the Relay for Life program or Bark for Life, the American Cancer Society explains the goal of this incredible program on their website, saying, “By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”
There is still time to help out with Bark for Life of Nash County as a sponsor if interested, as the generosity of the surrounding communities at these events is truly what helps to save live as the ACS also explains, “The success of the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life depends on individuals, teams, and, of course, the generous support of our sponsors. Our lifesaving work in the fight against cancer would not be possible without the generosity of sponsoring businesses and community organizations.”
The opening ceremony for Bark for Life of Nash County begins at 9:00 a.m. and the day’s activities will run until 1:00 p.m. For further details on Bark for Life of Nash County, visit the American Cancer Society events page at acsevents.org. For specific questions or more information on the event you can also contact Bennita Dunham by phone at 252-314-5740 or via email at [email protected].
https://www.belmontlakepreserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Bark-for-Life-of-Nash-County-Belmont-Lake-Preserve.jpg636800bwstandardhttps://www.belmontlakepreserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/belmont-logo-1-300x242.pngbwstandard2016-10-22 06:00:492020-05-15 13:10:02“Walk, Wag, Hope : Bark for Life of Nash County at the Rocky Mount Dog Park
