Livable Communities

According to the 2020 American Community Survey (conducted by the Census Bureau), North Carolina’s population grew by 12 percent from 2010 to 2020, 75 percent of which came from a rise in the number of residents age 50-plus.

North Carolina will soon have fewer younger residents than old. Click here to take a survey to help our state and communities better prepare.

An AARP study finds that 77 percent of Americans 50 and older want to age in place, and home became central to people’s lives during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the average age of the population is rising and affordable housing can be hard to find.

KINSTON -- Housing needs change as we age. But it's possible for our homes and communities to be livable for people of all ages and life stages.

Applications are currently being accepted through March 22, 2022, 5:00 p.m. ET.

DURHAM, NC – AARP is working with home design expert Richard Duncan of the RL Mace Universal Home Design Institute, on multiple strategies such as universal design and missing middle housing in order for people to age in place and also provide various housing options/alternatives such as ADUs, tiny homes, and manufactured housing. The concept of “Universal Home Design” is just one being used to tackle what has become a housing crisis for older North Carolinians.

On December 7, at 11:00 am you can hear from experts in the field of housing options for older adults in our community (including the Ronald L. Mace Universal Design Institute and Better Living Design Institute), to see real life stories of residents and owners of ADUs, and to ask your questions to our panel. REGISTER NOW.

North Carolina's trails attract visitors, new residents and help build local economies. AARP is working to expand access so that even rural portions of the state can be livable for all.

Come get inspired! Find out from local and national leaders how to make communities more livable for people of all ages.

RALEIGH, NC— AARP North Carolina announced seven organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.