Located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, Ballantyne is a growing suburban community. It offers plenty of local shopping, restaurants and golf, but it's also within easy driving distance (approximately 20 miles) of Charlotte's downtown area. Retirement housing opportunities are available in nearby Fort Mill and South Charlotte.
This adult retirement community is built around the Carolina Lakes Golf Course. Although less than nine miles from Ballantyne, this subdivision is situated across the state line in South Carolina. Two-bedroom homes are just under 1,300 square feet; three-bedroom homes are just under 2,600 square feet. The surrounding area is dotted with lakes, ponds and groves of pine, maple and plum trees. Outdoor activities include bocce ball, pickle ball, horseshoes, badminton and community gardening. The Lake House, functioning as a clubhouse and activity center, includes a pool, fitness center, walking track, pottery studio, craft rooms and a demonstration kitchen.
Sun City Carolina Lakes
5074 Grandview Dr.
Fort Mill/Indian Land, SC 29707
803-396-9800
DelWebb.com/
For those who need assisted retirement living, Elmcroft of Little Avenue offers a 24-hour support staff. The community is located nine miles south of downtown Charlotte, near the suburb of Pineville. Organized community activities and trips keep residents involved, but there are also plenty of things to explore on your own, from the library to the billiards room and bistro. Activities include Wii games, tai chi sessions, pet therapy, bingo and trivia. The cost is all-inclusive, covering apartment rental, utilities and meals.
Elmcroft of Little Avenue
7745 Little Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-541-9333
Elmcroftal.com
This retirement community is just over the border in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The community offers amenities such as an arts-and-crafts studio, billiards room, computer room, fitness center, library and driving range. Homes are available with two- and three-bedroom floorplans, with square footage ranging from approximately 1,600 to 2,400 and features such as hardwood floors, luxury master suites, walk-in closets and vaulted ceilings. Organized community activities include happy hours, poker games, book clubs, singles dinners, golf leagues for men and women and a genealogy club.
Four Seasons at Gold Hill
509 Turquoise Way
Fort Mill, SC 29708
803-548-6700
FourSeasonsGoldHill.org/
Administered by Holiday Retirement, this community offers both active and assisted living, including meals. If you need in-home care, the staff provides as much or as little as you need. The leases are all month-to-month, so if you're transitioning out of a home, Carmel Place makes a sensible stop. Staff drivers take you to appointments and errands, while community events include bingo, crafts, golf and Wii games. Residents can vacation at any of the other 300 Holiday Retirement communities throughout the country for up to seven days, without cost.
Carmel Place
5512 Carmel Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-930-0760
HolidayTouch.com/