Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Population: 88,728. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. That left us with 132 cities and towns. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. Asheville Source:Flickr.com With a population of less than 90,000, Asheville is just barely over a tenth the size of Charlotte and a fifth the size of Raleigh. Its greatest claim to fame is that its home to the steepest railroad grade in the region. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway 158 joins up with Highway 12. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. Most weekends, youll find the main street of this town blocked off and plenty of pedestrians strolling through art shops and shacks set up for the occasion. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). What's not to love about Oriental, a town with more than three times as many boats as year-round inhabitants? There are more golf carts than cars driving through town, and with a plethora of rental options available, you can have your choice of open-air off-road vehicles to explore the uncrowded beaches. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. Swipe left for slideshow. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. No visit to the North Carolina coast is complete without visiting Carolina Beach. Summer street festivals are a common occurrence, and most weekends will bring plenty of organic entertainment near Weaver Street Market, the prominent meeting place for the town. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. This article may contain affiliate links. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Be prepared for a bit of exercise on your visit. The cost of living is well within reach, the schools are more than respectable, and the housing options will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. Kitty Hawk is located just north of Kill Devil Hills, and if you are driving along the highway 158, with its big box stores and shops, you could be forgiven for not noticing that you are in a new town. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. One of the best things to do in North Carolina is enjoy world-class BBQ. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. Just inside this protective outer coastal layer you'll find one of the first English settlements in North Carolina: the town of Beaufort, established in 1709. At first, Rick Scot was hesitant to trade in West Hollywood for a new home in North Carolina. That may be so, but its not only the gray brigade who stand to benefit from its attractions. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . 4,751) Biltmore Forest (Pop. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Why We Recommend This Beach Boasting its 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll be surprised with what's in store in Ocracoke Island. It's a fun family thing to do. Liberal voters: 42% Thrift store rank: 2nd Vegan rank: 11th Waynesville might be considered a little hippie town just west of Asheville. Small: No major cities allowed. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. The 10 Most Conservative Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Sandwich in Salter Path. Homes dating from the 17th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over 200 years ago. Where to stay: "To the Moon and Back" home on VRBO. Places which were previously uninhabited are dotted with cities and towns, making room for the ever-expanding numbers of people. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. Chasing Chains, LLC. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive from Wilmington, so getting here is easy and quick; parking is in well-marked lots, and you can pay by the hour and recharge your time via your phone. To feel the heartbeat of North Carolina, spend some time in Saluda. Bryson City. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. 2,546) Royal Pines (Pop. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. One of the most interesting things to see near Avon is the towering Cape Hatteras lighthouse, about eight miles south of town. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Yes, the Denver area will have more brewpubs and live music and will be more socially liberal, but it's also a lot pricier. Cornelius is a lakeside town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. 2. Kitty Hawk. Everything Our Editors Bought and Loved in January. Pinehurst Pinehurst Pinehurst was recently named the "Best Place to Live in North Carolina," by Smart Travel Tips. 2 - Fayetteville, Arkansas Retiree Cost of Living: 13.8% below national averages Average Retiree Income: $85,436 Tax Status: Not Tax-Friendly Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. Morehead City, NC (28557) Today. Calabash-style seafood is lightly breaded right off the boat, and there are plenty of restaurants featuring the local fare. By Cranean. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. 9. Largely a residential isle, Holden Beach is all about simple pleasures, from biking and kayaking along with playing on the beach during the day, to ghost crabbing at night. With its romantic historic mansions; a thriving downtown with great shops, restaurants, and bars; a picturesque Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River; and a youthful vibe thanks to the local University of North Carolina campus, this magnet is also a quick drive to the sands of Wrightsville and Carolina beaches. Miles to Beach: 1 mile. Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. He has been featured in over 500 publications as an expert in real estate and as an authority on real estate trends. Population: 230. The town has even gone full hog and shares its spirit with pig statues located throughout downtown. Asheville is an artsy city that brews fantastic beer and is home to award-winning chefs, two of its traits making Asheville one of the best places to live in the U.S. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws in outdoor enthusiasts . Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. A world-class golf course at nearby Pinehurst resort has defined the town as the golf capital of a state rich in opportunities for a tee time. Nowadays, locals have their fair share of high-quality coffee shops, local goods, and fresh eats to share with any visitors who want a low-key weekend away. A tiny town located near the outskirts of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known and loved for its wide beaches, soft white sand, and picturesque stilt houses situated right on the water, many of which . It's not just all about the fun to be had driving on the broad sands of this southern coast getaway at the northern end of Pleasure Island; or hitting its vintage boardwalk (which features old-school amusement rides in summer), lively beach bars, and superb seafood spots. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Wrightsville Beach Park. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. This westernmost community on Bogue Banks is a treasured vacation getaway for families, with its 12 miles of clean shores, clear waters, and old-fashioned neighborhoods and vibe. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. Oregon is the eighth-most liberal state in the country, with 28% of voters identifying as liberal. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. 2. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Winston-Salem. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. With the warm tides of the Atlantic Ocean washing the shore, the wide, pristine beaches, and the photographic lighthouses dotted along the shoreline, its unquestionably a stunning place to visit. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. The Corolla Adventure Park provides some fun outside of the water, and a plethora of local dining options include live music. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. Avon is another wonderful beach town in the Outer Banks that is a great place to base yourself to see the best of the area. Who makes the decisions? Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Other forms of accommodation include vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . Getting to the ocean via 4WD vehicles is easy through multiple beach access roads, allowing you to access some of the finest beaches in the Outer Banks. Head over the bridge to Atlantic Beach for a little sun and sand. Although the town is really a collection of retail stores and restaurants along the highway, it's the stunning beach and nearby attractions that make it a popular place to visit. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. Stay in a home on the sound side for a great view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Attractions for mom and dad are in the form of outlet malls, beach shops, Gallery Row, and the Historic District, with its unpainted traditional cedar shake beach cottages. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina's third oldest town. In addition to her fact checking background, she also has over six years experience of reporting, writing, and copy editing articles for digital magazines including Woman's Day and The Knot. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 11,415. A glance at the 2020 Florida election results says your beachside options are pretty limited: the Jacksonville area, the three counties in the southeast corner (Palm Beach, Broward and. The Citadel - The Military College of South Carolina. The. There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early 1800s. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. Article continues below. Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. This quiet Northern California coastal town is named for the river that flows through town and into the Pacific. Miami. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. This 30-minute ride across the mouth of the Cape Fear River is a cheap way to see the seaside scenery and much better than taking the long way around to get to town. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. If you prefer a hotel room, there are a few places just south of town in Buxton. The population was 27,198 according to the 2010 Census. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. This free event takes place the second week of October each year. The town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is wonderfully restored to its original glory, and over 40 movies and television shows have been shot here. This barrier island town has amenities to please the entire family, like a town park with splash pad, skatepark, and mini-golf, and the nearby aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Named by PlanetWare as one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina, Edenton is a peaceful, charming town thats the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. This black-and-white beacon can be climbed, and the reward for the effort of going up 257 stairs is amazing views up and down the coast. Nick's the creator of the HomeSnacks YouTube channel that now has over 260,000 subscribers and is an excellent source to learn about different parts of the country. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the services are along the main highway. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasnt much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. The main reason I want to leave is the aggressive and abrasive attitude of a majority of the residents. The main things to see and do are easily reached by foot, and if you find yourself tired out by the adventure, stop in at one of the restaurants and recharge with a fine seafood meal. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Oak Island is also a dog lover's dream: Four legged friends are allowed on the beaches year-round, and they can be off the leash from October 15-March 15. Red Bank, NJ which is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example. 3. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In North Carolina, 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In North Carolina, 10 Worst Places To Live In North Carolina, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. Credit. Residents are referred to as Charlotteans. According to our people on the ground in the First State, trying to find a hippie town in Delaware is "a bit of trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.". Bald Head Island. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. This family-friendly island near Wilmington has 10 miles of south-facing beaches, not to mention a fishing pier and nostalgic pleasures that include ice cream and miniature golf. Asheville. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life. One of the most charming towns in rural North Carolina, Washington still retains coastal charm while being a simple, charming, and cool small town all on its own. Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in IllinoisContinue, Denver has a total of 78 neighborhoods to its name. 22. Sail on the Neuse River. Charlotte. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest, as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day. A sizable full-time residential community gives this area some authentic flavor. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. Thanks to its short driving distance from Wilmington, youll never be far from the city lights. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene. #1 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Town in North Carolina A minus Overall Niche Grade A Public Schools A+ Good for Retirees Population 1,288 View nearby homes #2 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina St. James Town in North Carolina 3 reviews Current Resident: We moved here in October 2020 and love it! World class rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are all within a 20-minute drive of the town center, which offers plenty of grit on its own. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life. The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. Specifically, we wanted to know which cities have the highest number of liberal voters in the Tar Heel State? Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! By pparrothead. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Tracey Minkin is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in national and regional magazines as well as digital platforms including Southern Living, Coastal Living, Travel + Leisure, Outside, Food & Wine, Men's Journal, VERANDA, and many more. Kitty Hawk is one of the most popular destinations located in the busier central Outer Banks, offering pristine North Carolina beaches along with awe-inspiring and diverse fauna and flora. Some of these towns don't have large off-season populations, though, and may be pretty quiet/dull during winter months. We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. Duck is also unique for its extensive, elevated, one-mile boardwalk out over the water that connects various restaurants, shops, and parks while providing great views out over the sound. Athens, Ohio. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. So much so, you're guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. The South's new divide: Blue cities and red states. Its the voters. 1. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. Not a problem. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. Most of the action is found at the base of South Broad Street. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. If you cant get enough of the sauce, Lexington-sauce lovers flock to the town every year to sample 1,000s of sauces made in the traditional style but full of new kicks. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. - Tim Crystal Nails. 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