igh, N.C. —The N.C. Department of Commerce announced today that Mount Airy has been designated 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 Mount Airy and its residents, “said N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker. “The people of Mount Airy 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, executive director of the Commerce Department’s 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
“Beyond being the inspiration for the Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy offers amenities found in larger cities, “said Mayor Deborah Cochran. “Our people, location, climate, and health care providers make Mount Airy an ideal place to call home. For the person who enjoys small town charm and a quaint downtown with Wi-Fi, Mount Airy boasts many cultural and recreational opportunities. We are excited about this designation and hope it will attract even more people to our great city. “
Mount Airy 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, & 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 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, Pittsboro and Eden.
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.