Business Insider Highlight: Retirees Choose Calabash Over Florida
Quiet beaches. A relaxed coastal lifestyle. Four seasons. Easy access to family in the Northeast. These are just a few reasons Business Insider recently spotlighted Calabash, North Carolina, and Kingfish Bay as one of the top destinations retirees are choosing, and forgoing Florida and the Northeast in the process.
In its December 6, 2025, front page feature, Business Insider highlighted a growing trend: retirees seeking a warm, coastal lifestyle without the extreme heat, crowds, and rising costs that are driving many away from Florida. Increasingly, they’re discovering exactly what our residents already know — Calabash offers the perfect balance of comfort, community, and convenience.
A Migration Trend: “Half-Backs” and Northeastern Retirees Are Heading to Calabash
Business Insider highlights a major shift: not only are Northeasterners moving directly to North Carolina, but many Florida residents — known as “half-backs” — are relocating halfway back up the coast in search of a more livable lifestyle.
Local real estate professionals interviewed in the article confirmed what we see every day at Kingfish Bay: Calabash is attracting retirees who want coastal living without the congestion and high costs of Florida’s metro areas like Naples, Fort Lauderdale, or Tampa.
According to U.S. Census migration data cited in the story, nearly 40,000 Floridians moved to North Carolina in 2023 — more than from any other state.
What Business Insider Said About Kingfish Bay
The Business Insider feature included comments from Kingfish Bay’s own team, as well as photos of our community amenities, highlighting:
- Our value compared to Florida coastal markets
- Our resort-style amenities, including our pool, green spaces, and proximity to the beach
- The lifestyle appeal of a private coastal community near Myrtle Beach, but quieter and more relaxed
Residents interviewed in the story shared why they chose Kingfish Bay over Florida communities:
– A Milder, More Comfortable Climate
North Carolina offers a temperate climate without the extreme year-round heat and humidity of Florida, or the frigid winters of the Northeast, like New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.
– A Better Cost of Living
Many retirees find that their housing dollar simply goes further in the Coastal Carolinas, particularly Brunswick County, North Carolina, where Calabash and Kingfish Bay Development are conveniently located: right on the Calabash River and just five miles from Sunset Beach, where Kingfish Bay Development has an exclusive beach house. An ideal location for a new home in the Coastal Carolinas.
– Easy Access Back to the Northeast
For grandparents and families, being able to drive to New Jersey, Long Island, or Boston in just a single day becomes a major advantage. ( Not to mention the close proximity to two airports, Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, that have a plethora of direct flights to the northeast and other regions. )
– A Close-Knit, Laid-Back Coastal Town
Calabash isn’t crowded, oversized, or overstimulated — it’s peaceful, walkable, and friendly.
Why Calabash Is Becoming One of the East Coast’s Most Desirable Retirement Towns
Business Insider’s article captured what makes Calabash special, but here is what our residents tell us every day:
Real beaches. Real community. Real relaxation.
Calabash sits just minutes from the sand, but without the high-traffic, high-density feel of major tourist destinations.
Close to everything — yet quietly tucked away.
We’re just 10 Miles from North Myrtle Beach, 27 miles from Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and under an hour from Historic Wilmington.
Four seasons without harsh winters.
You’ll enjoy sunshine and warmth, but still experience seasonal change — something many retirees miss in Florida.
A cost-effective coastal lifestyle.
You don’t have to compromise on amenities or location to stay within budget.
Kingfish Bay: The Premier Coastal Community in the Coastal Carolinas
As the Business Insider feature showcased, Kingfish Bay has become a top destination for retirees seeking quality, comfort, and community.
Our 60-acre gated development includes:
- A resort-style pool
- Nature path and green spaces
- A riverfront park overlooking the Calabash Creek
- Two piers with a kayak launch and boat slips
- A welcoming community of residents from across the country
- Plus a private beach house on Sunset Beach
Whether you’re relocating from the Northeast, considering a move out of Florida, or simply looking for a quieter coastal life, Kingfish Bay embodies the very lifestyle so many retirees are now seeking.
Discover the Lifestyle That’s Making Headlines
We’re proud to have been featured in Business Insider — and even more proud that our residents’ stories reflect the values Kingfish Bay was built on.
If you’re exploring your retirement options or simply wanting to join a multi-generational community, come see why thousands are choosing North Carolina’s coast — and why so many end up calling Calabash and Kingfish Bay home.
