Livable Communities

Imagine, a quaint, friendly and charming town where the warm ocean breezes and sparkling water and boats can be seen from downtown wherever you walk.

RALEIGH, NC—AARP North Carolina invites local eligible organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 15 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its seventh year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older. “AARP is committed to helping communities across the state become great places to live for people of all ages with an emphasis on people age 50 and older,” said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender. “The Community Challenge has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing North Carolinians’ quality of life.”

North Carolina’s population is aging, and AARP is working with state and local partners to make communities more livable for people of all ages.

CARY, NC -- To best prepare for a population that is both growing and aging, the Town of Cary, North Carolina, joined the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities. The announcement was made at the City Council Meeting on November 17. Through the Network, the Town of Cary will receive both technical assistance and shared expertise to help develop changes to support people of all ages.

NEW BERN, NC – Age My Way NC, a North Carolina collaboration to identify and prioritize changes needed to support older adults, will be hosting a public listening session in New Bern on December 1, from 5-6:30 pm, at Cullman Hall – North Carolina History Center – Tryon Palace, 529 South Street.

RALEIGH, NC – Older North Carolinians, who now outnumber younger ones, love where they live. But a primary concern when it comes to aging, is having the ability to live independently for as long as possible according to a new AARP survey of adults ages 45 and older.

Communities across North Carolina are working to become more livable for residents of all ages.

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

AARP North Carolina is pushing to end restrictions on accessory dwelling units in the state—educating policymakers, builders and the public about the benefits of ADUs for residents of all ages.

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.