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Tarboro, North Carolina

What It Is Like to Retire in Tarboro

Tarboro is a small town of about 10,000 in east central North Carolina, about 15 miles from Rocky Mount. People who live here say it is a very friendly town. Thanks to its days as an important river port, Tarboro boasts a 45-block Historic District . The District has over 300 structures from residential dwellings to historic churches to original 19th century storefronts along Tarboro’s Main Street. It was created by the National Parks service in 1977. There is even an historic trail beginning at the Blount-Bridgers House that guides visitors through the scenic older neighborhoods of the town. The gateway to the Tarboro Historic District is the town’s Town Common, a 15-acre park canopied by tall oaks and war memorials. Photo of Main Street Downtown courtesy of Wikipedia and Indy beetle (public domain); photo of Cotton Press in the Tarboro Historic District courtesy of Wikipedia (public domain).

Where to Retire in Tarboro and Home Prices

Live in a historic home in the town or in an active community in the surrounding area. Zillow reports the median home value to be $89,456 in early 2020.

What Is Special about Tarboro

The Blount-Bridgers House is an 1808 Federal-style mansion that houses several important document collections and works by nationally recognized artist and Tarboro native Hobson Pittman. The Historic District is very special. So are the low cost of homes and easy access to the coast of North Carolina.

What Is Not Special about Tarboro

Tarboro is a very small town and it is not clear if it is going to be a popular town for retirees, given the weak real estate market and negative population trend. That being said, the town has its historical past, Carolina location, and a community that is working hard to promote itself.

Who Will Like Retirement in Tarboro

People who are attracted to a small town with a proud historical past and old houses will probably like Tarboro. Particularly if you like North Carolina and being fairly near the shore.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism is important in this fairly rural area.

Climate and Physical Environment

Tarboro is east of Raleigh and Rocky Mount, and north of Greenville in northeastern North Carolina. The average July high temperature is 88 and the average January low is 28. September is the wettest month (5").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The 45 block historical district and its beautiful period homes are part of the local culture. The Edgecombe County Cultural Arts Council and the Tarboro Artists Guild host events throughout the year. Some of the exhibits are in the Hobson Pittman Memorial Gallery, Blount-Bridgers House. There are concerts occasionally. Many restaurants in the downtown area to choose from.