Nestled within minutes of historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina is Hitchcock Crossing, a cozy, relaxed, 350 acre community, which is across from the Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the United States. The natural surroundings are incorporated into the community of Hitchcock Crossing, while boasting landscaped common areas and professionally kept yards.

There are also ornamental streetlights, intimate cul-de-sacs, quiescent streets, sidewalks and walking trails which will lead you through the cheery community. A variety of homes are available at Hitchcock Crossing. All are low-maintenance brick, one-story Energy Star certified manors which include attached two car garages.

The homes at Hitchcock Crossing reflect casual, Southern living with the capacity for many successful get-togethers. The homes have large open floor plans and standard features like hardwood floors, granite counter tops, tray ceilings, crown molding and screened porches for enjoying the mild South Carolina climate all year round.

Custom options are also available to personalize the home more, if desired. The homes range from two bedroom plus den which is approximately 1,720 square feet to three bedrooms which is approximately 2,185 square feet and prices range from $269,000-$331,000. The homes are within minutes of downtown Aiken which offers a diverse culture style and opportunity.

Aiken, South Carolina, is a city with sophisticated flair which boasts sidewalk cafes, restaurants, shopping and a wide variety of arts. The town of Aiken provides access to several world-class golf courses, along with a variety of equestrian clubs, tracks and polo fields.

There are no less than nine parks in the area and several recreation and tennis clubs as well. Hitchcock Woods is a 2,100 acre urban forest which has approximately 65 miles of trails providing access for joggers, hikers, dog walkers and equestrians and it’s open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. [Visit website]

Late last year Reynolds Signature Communities acquired the community previously known as Laurelmor and has renamed it Reynolds Blue Ridge. Here’s the press release provided to Carolinas for Boomers by the Reynolds Blue Ridge marketing staff:

(Blowing Rock, NC) Reynolds Signature Communities has announced the new name of its mountain community in Wilkes and Watauga Counties, N.C. – REYNOLDS BLUE RIDGE. The community, formerly known as Laurelmor, is located 1.5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only 6 miles from the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone.

“We searched the Western Carolina Mountains for a property that could become the next Reynolds Signature Community, and the views, natural features and great location of this property will provide the basis for the nationally-recognized Reynolds lifestyle,” states Mercer Reynolds, Chairman of Reynolds Signature Communities. “The Reynolds name has come to represent a trusted lifestyle brand in the southeast, and this first Reynolds-named community away from Reynolds Plantation will live up to the high standards we set for our communities and ourselves.”

Since taking over day-to-day operations of the property in December, 2008, Reynolds has fully committed to completing development of the 6,200-acre property. The Reynolds team is working diligently on infrastructure, and this fall will see the completion of nearly 20 miles of paved roads, as well as entry gates, central water and sewer systems, electricity, and telephone/technology systems.

The architectural vernacular of the community has also changed with the new ownership, with previous plans for a European theme giving way to a more rustic and relaxed mountain style, in a tradition of the finest mountain architecture in Western North Carolina. Reynolds is working with several local architects as well as Atlanta-based firm Wakefield Beasley & Associates to plan the new structures, starting with the permanent entrance which will begin construction this year.

Amenity venues on-site are also being worked on, including several miles of new nature and hiking trails. Reynolds previously announced that the new architect of the proposed golf course is Rees Jones, known for both his long list of award-winning designs and for his work in re-crafting some of the best courses in the country in advance of U.S. Opens. Jones’ team is near complete on his planned routing for the golf course.

“We expect our investment will result in tremendous economic impact to both Wilkes and Watauga counties,” says Reynolds Blue Ridge Project Manager Jason Wingfield. “We’re optimistic the market for a quality community in the Blue Ridge Mountains will continue to improve. We think there will be a flight to quality developed communities that are thoughtfully planned, executed with great care and expertise, and appropriately capitalized. All of this suggests we will enjoy great success in the future.”

The company hosted existing property owners earlier this summer at famed Reynolds Plantation. There, the company shared the new vision for the community, emphasizing the unique natural attributes of the property which include elevations exceeding 4,000 feet in areas, unobstructed long range views across the property, and an incredible location near Blowing Rock, Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Reynolds management also received great feedback from owners on a number of topics including desired amenity options as development continues.

“There were many compelling aspects to the previous vision for the community,” notes Mercer Reynolds. “We have been operating a highly amenitized, nationally recognized destination community at Reynolds Plantation for nearly a quarter century, so we have the ability to maximize the value for owners and to create a superior lifestyle that will stand the test of time.”

In addition to the 18-hole Rees Jones golf course, proposed plans include a clubhouse, tennis and wellness facilities, cultural and arts programming (drawing from similar programs at Reynolds Plantation) and an Adventure Center integrated into an extensive trail system.

“We want Reynolds Blue Ridge to exemplify the reasons why families choose a mountain retreat in the first place,” states Sales Manager Chris England. “The property affords owners a great climate and great views – we want to supplement that with amenities constructed at a Reynolds-level of quality, and provide opportunities for families to best enjoy the expansive natural beauty of the community.”

Currently, the community has a Discovery Center on Main Street in scenic Blowing Rock, headed by Sales Manager (and local resident) Chris England. Real estate sales operations are slated to commence this Fall with a “soft” release of homesites ranging from one to four acres. The homesites are centrally located near a proposed “mountain village” amenity area, priced from the mid $100Ks, and paired with a program of unique purchase incentives.

We liked the location and initial plans for Laurelmor but we are equally excited about what Reynolds Blue Ridge could turn out to be. Reynolds has a great reputation and has had great success with their other communities, most notably Reynolds Plantation in Georgia. Visit website.

Palmetto Creek is located near Wilmington and a short drive from the entertainment and shopping of Myrtle Beach. The brick homes and low maintenance features mean you will have the time to actually enjoy your active retirement in Wilmington.

Palmetto Creek is a gated community and has a wide array of amenities such as a community clubhouse and resort style pool, putting green, fully equipped fitness center, walking and biking trails, and is surrounding by some great golf courses. Plus Myrtle Beach has lots of golf courses too.

Homes in Palmetto Creek start at just over $200,000 and lots start at $75,000 so you are at just under $300,000 for a house/lot package. Buyers at Palmetto Creek have a choice of brick custom homes, patio homes and townhomes.

In addition to the shopping, entertainment and golf in the area, there are also several historic and cultural attractions near Palmetto Creek such as the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, Bald Head Island Lighthouse, and the Museum of Coastal Carolina.

All in all Palmetto Creek is a nice community to enjoy your retirement in a great part of North Carolina. <Visit website>

McLendon Hills is a 600-acre, gated equestrian community in the Sandhill region of central North Carolina. Here, a strip of ancient beach dunes decorates the landscape with rolling sand hills and long-leaf pines. Just west of Pinehurst (site of the 2005 US Open), McLendon Hills is close to golf, shopping and dining.

The community features custom homes, starting at around $275,000, plus cost of the lot. Residents can choose their own builder, but an architectural review committee must approve plans.

Homes can be built on one of three types of lots:

Lake Front Lots: $135,000 – $295,000
Vista Lots: $72,000 – $145,000
Mini Farm: $140,000 – $248,000

Lake Front tracts range in size from 1-2 acres and boast frontage on the 60 foot-deep, 80-acre Lake Troy Douglas. Vista lots are also 1-2 acres, with some having a lake views.

3-Acre Mini Farm

The Mini Farm tracts line the communities 6.5 miles of bridal trials and range in size from 2-5 acres. As well as a home, the mini farms can accommodate a small private stable.

Current McLendon amenities include a sandy beach with a pier and picnic tables, boat dock and volleyball court. As the community grows, more amenities, such a pool, tennis court and community center, are planned. Now, residents can plan golf or tennis at the nearby Seven Lakes Country Club, at a reduced rate.

25-acre state-of-the-art Equestrian Center

Hands-down though, McLendon Hills is an equestrian community, featuring bridal trails and a 25-acre, state-of-the-art equestrian facility. The Hilltop arena has all-weather footing and quality show jumps. There are also run-in sheds, a lighted arena and a round pen. Residents can board their horses at the facility, which is also open for public boarding.

Lots of boomers hope to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle in a North Carolina active community. McLendon Hills just might be the ideal location for just that. [Visit website]

If you are looking for a North Carolina retirement community with a lot of variety, Heritage Wake Forest may be an option. Developers have created a community with more than 20 different neighborhoods.

Heritage Wake Forest is designed to appeal to singles, families and retirees, with industry and technology, top-rated schools, outdoor recreation and entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities – some even located within the community.

Developer Andy Ammons, along with his father, planted more than a million trees on the former dairy farm to help augment and restore the natural beauty of the area. Now, as a result, Heritage Wake Forest has more than 120-acreas of open space and greenways. As well as trails and parks with picnic areas, there is a pond, a pier and an observation deck.

Heritage Wake Forest residents can also take advantage of the swim and tennis facilities, a soccer complex and the Factory Sports Complex, featuring an ice rink and fitness center.

Golf, however, may be the top recreational draw. The Heritage Wake Forest golf course, designed by architect Bob Moore of JMP Golf Design Group, has received a four and a half star rating in the 2008-2009 edition of Golf Digest’s Best Places To Play magazine.

Prices in Heritage range from the $150s to more than a $1 million, with many options (single and multi-family) in between.

Major community distinctions are:
•    Estate Homes –from $600 and $700K
•    Single-family-homes – from $275 (most hover around mid- $300 to mid $400).
•    Multi-family  – $150 to $440

A Sample a multi-family property is “The Beaufort” in Heritage View Townes.
The home has 2 bedrooms/ 2.5 baths with 1,264 heated sq. feet. Priced near $149,900.

The Grace, by Scott Daves Construction, typifies a mid-range single family home.
It’s a 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with 2,961 heated sq. feet.   Priced near $439,900.

The official Heritage Wake Forest web site features a Relocation Guide to help potential residents select the best neighborhood for them. Just keep in mind that the smaller square footages will apply only to multi-family.

More than two dozen builders associated with the community, from Centex (building homes from $199 to $300-thousand) to high-end, custom builders, building homes with a price tag of more than 1 million.

Wake Forest is a suburb of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Research Triangle, in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. The area is halfway between the Smokey Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, roughly three-and-a-half hours from each. The town has roughly 25,000 residents and is home of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Southeastern College at Wake Forest. 2009 will mark the official Centennial of Wake Forest. [Visit website]

“Discover Your Coastal Retreat” is the motto for the Dolphin Shores gated condominium community in the small town of Holden Beach.

Located in the fast-growing southeastern section of North Carolina, Holden Beach is part of the Brunswick Island chain, and has been touted as one of the top “family Beaches” in the U.S.

The town has its own business community that supports its residents and tourist population, but “big city” life is close at hand, with Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, both, about 40 minutes away.

Dolphin Shores is on the Intracoastal Waterway, on the mainland side of the town. Community developer, Jim Lea, who grew up on the Carolina coast, chose to build in this location because of its beauty.

“The first time I drove over the bridge to Holden Beach, there was no doubt in my mind that it was one of the premier beaches in North Carolina,” said Lea.

Lea has planned approximately 160 condo units for Dolphin Shores. So each resident can experience the natural marsh beauty of the setting, the condos will be arranged in 10 smaller buildings, instead of one high-rise.

Residences will range from 1,728 to 1,736 heated square feet. Pre-construction pricing for the three-bedroom, three-bath condos started just under $400,000.

Homes will feature top-of-the-line details such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and hardwood floors. Units will have nine and ten-foot ceilings, large covered porches with views, and will be wired for internet.

Aside from being located in an area known for its beaches and world-class golf, Dolphin Shores plans to provide residents with a community pier on the Intracoastal Waterway, a pool complex, a fitness center and dog park. [Visit website]

Cummings Cove Golf and Country Club is located in the mountains of Western North Carolina in Hendersonville. Cummings Cove is a gated community surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community is an ideal setting to plot out your North Carolina retirement.

Cummings Cove has an 18-hole golf course with clubhouse, restaurant, grill and bar. In addition there is a sports complex complete with fitness center and a Jr. Olympic sized pool. If you need something a little faster paced there are also tennis courts in the community. Current HOA dues are $75 per month but like most communities you can expect that to go up over time.

Homes and Home Prices

Home styles and sizes vary from golf villas up to large custom homes and estate homes. Among the available lots to choose from are mountain view, wooded, and golf course lots, each offering their own bit of beauty and privacy. Prices for lots range from the $70’s to over $300,000. A quick check of available homes in Cummings Cove shows homes available from the $300,000 range to over $700,000.

Local Area

Cummings Cove is surrounded by a couple decent sized cities; Hendersonville, Asheville, and Brevard. Asheville is of course the most popular, and is about 30 minutes away from Cummings Cove. You’ll find plenty to do in the area with a great climate and year round activities. If you hope to make your North Carolina retirement home in the mountains, check out this area and Cummings Cove. [Visit website]

Crow Creek is a golf course community located in Calabash North Carolina, conveniently between Wilmington NC and Myrtle Beach SC. Crow Creek is just minutes from the beach and there is quick access to the intracoastal waterway and rivers in the area. If you’re looking for a leisurely community for retirement in North Carolina be sure to check out Crow Creek.

Amenities at Crow Creek include amenity centers, swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, exercise facilities, game rooms with pool tables and card tables, and more. This is in addition to the Crow Creek Golf Club, where a brand new clubhouse is scheduled to be completed soon.

Homes and Home Prices

Crow Creek offers single family homes, condos, and attached homes. Some of these are available with golf course or private views. Prices range from the $160,000’s for condos to over $500,000 for custom built single family homes.

Local Area

The Calabash area is becoming more and more popular with retirees because of its great location and proximity to the coast, as well as Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Crow Creek is close to three airports as well so if you do any traveling, you won’t have to go far to catch your flight. [Visit website]

Chinquapin is a North Carolina community located in Cashiers, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chinquapin is a sister property to, and built by the same development company, as Trillium which we reviewed here before. Either property provides the perfect setting for a North Carolina retirement community lifestyle.

Amenities

The amenities at Chinquapin are in line with what you’d find at other active adult or 55-plus North Carolina communities. You’ve got mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and of course golf.

One feature that is worthy of attention at Chinquapin is the golf course. It is not your typical 18 hole track. Designed by Morris Hatalsky, “Nature Walk” as it is called, is a 9 hole walking course. This is the only course of its kind at this altitude. In addition to this unique golf course there is a golf learning center on site.

Also, as a member of Chinquapin, you also get membership privileges at nearby Trillium which has a long list of amenities.

Homes and Home Prices

Though the Chinquapin property is more than 2,000 acres, there will only 200 home site available. The developers have gone to great lengths to leave the natural beauty of the area undisturbed. You’ll find home design of Appalachian architecture that blend in nicely with the surroundings.

Local Area

Though there is plenty to do in Chinquapin and Trillium, the charming town of Cashiers is just minutes away with shopping and restaurants. If you take the time to explore this area, you’ll easily see why many boomers are making it their destination for North Carolina retirement. [Visit website]

Chincoteague is located in the Northwest corner of North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains bordering Tennessee and Virginia. Once completed this gated community will offer the kind of lifestyle that retiring boomers are looking for in a North Carolina retirement community.

Amenities

Chincoteague is slated to have an Equestrian facility including a horse barn with multiple pastures, box stalls, wash bay, tack room, riding arena and paddock. There will also be a park with a picnic pavilion. The area surrounding Chincoteague is full of rivers and streams, so there’s always lots of fishing to do. There is also white water rafting, hiking, camping, and skiing opportunities nearby.

Homes and Home Prices

Chincoteague is going to be a failry small community with just over 50 homesites. Most have great views and lots of privacy. At the time of this writing there was no information available on home sizes and prices in Chincoteague. However, you should expect the homes that end up in Chincoteague to be on par with other North Carolina active lifestyle communities in the area.

Local Area

Ashe County is a popular place for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and become one with nature. If the outdoors don’t excite you, you might want to pass on this area. Chincoteague is just 2 and a half hours from Charlotte. The largest lake in the area is Watauga Lake. There are also several parks in the area including Grandfather Mountain, Pisgah National Forest, and Cherokeee National Forest. [Visit website]