The N.C. Department of Commerce announced today that Eden has been designated as a N.C. Certified Retirement Community. The N.C. General Assembly established the program in 2008 to designate communities that offer unprecedented quality of living that is desirable to retirees.
“This designation will be a valuable economic development tool for the city of Eden and its residents,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker. “The people of Eden recognize the valuable contributions that retirees can make to the overall enhancement of their community.”
“North Carolina is experiencing a healthy in-migration of retirees to the state, and this program aims to attract retirees and persuade them to put down roots here,” said Wit Tuttell, Director of Tourism Marketing for the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development.
To gain certification, a local government must submit an application that includes a comprehensive community survey and assessment tool that spans numerous dimensions reflective of the city’s readiness for retiree attraction. Ratings criteria include:
• Demographics
• Housing/Technology
• Healthcare
• Local Economy
• Leisure/Cultural Opportunities
• Services for Retirees
• Community/Education/Military
“Eden’s rivers, small town friendliness, and proximity to the mountains and beaches make it an attractive community for retirees,” said Eden Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Tuggle. “There are places in this country that will simply not be affordable for retirees and we want to show them an alternative place to spend their golden years.”
Eden, which submitted its application in July 2013, was noted for its many local amenities that are attractive to retirees. Communities with this official designation receive marketing and promotion assistance from the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film, and Sports Development.
The N.C. Department of Commerce accepts applications for the Certified Retirement Community Program in January and July of each calendar year. More information on the program can be found at: http://www.nccommerce.com/tourism/programs-services/certified-retirement.
North Carolina previously named the following cities as Certified Retirement Communities: Lumberton, Asheboro, Marion, Sanford, Mount Airy, and Pittsboro.
The N.C. General Assembly, during the 2008 short session, recognized the inherent abundance of quality living that the state offers and established the N.C. Certified Retirement Community Program (S.B. 1627) as a vehicle to designate communities that offer this unprecedented, quality of living that is sought by the mature community.