From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE — Hendersonville once again topped a ranking of the best places to retire in North Carolina.

Smart Asset, a financial advising company, recently rated Hendersonville No. 1, based on the level of income and sales tax — and number of doctor’s offices, recreation centers and retirement centers.

On taxes, the company “calculated effective rates based on a retiree earning $35,000 anually (from retirement savings, Social Security and part-time employment),” Smart Asset noted. “We subtracted income taxes paid from the gross income to determine disposable income. Sales taxes were paid based on the disposable income being spent on taxable goods.” 

Hendersonville had 7.6 doctors’ offices, 1.5 recreation centers and 1.3 retirement centers per 1,0000 people, the research showed.

Ranking No. 2 was Williamston, followed by Brevard, Marion, Whiteville, Hickory, Pinehurst, Forest City, Southern Pines and Roxboro.