When some people dream of retirement, they might picture themselves strolling along stretches of deserted beaches on a mild winter afternoon. Perhaps later, they would enjoy a round of golf with friends on an award-winning course to be followed by a good meal at one of many area restaurants. Sound too good to be true? It's possible right here on the Outer Banks. But beware, this isn't your normal retirement community! The retirees here eagerly pursue an active lifestyle, participating in the many activities the beach has to offer. Many seniors also enjoy working with the public, filling a spot in the workplace through retail sales or other tourist-oriented jobs. As for fun activities, the senior centers offer all kinds of group trips and classes. And with the hospital that opened in 2002 (see our Health Care and Wellness chapter), the Outer Banks now offers all the benefits of places on the mainland.

If you're thinking of retiring to the Outer Banks, you're in good company. Each year, it seems that more retirees are lured to these barrier islands by some sort of siren call. Moderate winters (remarkably quiet due to the small year-round population) provide for a tranquil environment, and 90-plus miles of broad, soft-sand beaches might figure into the equation as well. North Carolina is now the third most attractive state to retirees, after Florida and Arizona.

In 1998 the Wall Street Journal published an article called "Your Next Address," in which five atypical retirement communities were highlighted. "This ain't your father's Florida," the introduction reads. No, these are retirement locations that tend to attract early-retiring baby boomers who are seeking out relatively remote areas on the water where outdoor recreation is an integral part of life. Not surprising to anyone who has retired to the Outer Banks, Corolla was one of the five communities showcased in the article. Corolla tends to draw the retirees and second-home owners who are looking for upscale housing, although options for any type of dwelling abound all along the Outer Banks. If you're looking for a seaside mansion in a gated community, you'll find it. And if your tastes lean more toward a bungalow in the woods or to a traditional three-bedroom home with a yard, you'll find those, too.

If you're looking for property, check out our Real Estate and Area Overview chapters before you start shopping. For information on our community's senior services, read on.

Seniors are encouraged to participate in the Outer Banks Senior Games sponsored by Dare County Older Adult Services. But be warned, these senior athletes are a dedicated and talented bunch, capable of putting much younger athletes to shame. This is a year-round program to promote health and fitness for Dare County residents age 55 and older. Competition events include track and field, bicycle racing, swimming, tennis, bowling, golf, softball and football throwing, basketball shooting, archery, shuffleboard, billiards, horseshoes, and croquet. Medal winners automatically qualify to compete at the North Carolina Senior Games in September. Besides athletics, there is a Silver Competition for the visual and performing arts. See our listings in the Annual Events chapter under April, or call the Thomas A. Baum Center, (252) 441-1811, for more information.