Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. 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 . - ang cn 2-3 th bit lm Everything, TCN, Bt , bit th cng tt. Pinehurst Pinehurst Pinehurst was recently named the "Best Place to Live in North Carolina," by Smart Travel Tips. 22. Chief among its attractions are its beach towns. If youre looking to enjoy life away from the hustle and bustle of the city (but still with enough amenities and attractions to pass the time), its perfect. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. Read More The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019Continue. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. Credit. It's a fun family thing to do. This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park, with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path. The small town of Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, on the 'Inner Banks' coastal area of North Carolina (specifically, Beaufort is situated just where the Outer Banks end). This article may contain affiliate links. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. That may be so, but its not only the gray brigade who stand to benefit from its attractions. Where to stay: "To the Moon and Back" home on VRBO. Charlotte. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Of course you can lounge on the beach all day, but some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach are play disc golf, enjoy a beer at one of the best Wilmington breweries, or take a kayak out to Zekes island. 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. Thanks to its short driving distance from Wilmington, youll never be far from the city lights. 2. YWCA camp for girls hosted at Highland Beach in 1930. Be prepared for a bit of exercise on your visit. Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and its easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Editors Note: We updated this article for 2019. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. (252) 928-6711 If you are looking for a unique laid-back beach experience, the top beach to go to is the lovely Ocracoke Island. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. It's fun for all ages. Asheville. Durham Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 7.5 /10 Population: 257,232 Percent Democrat: 77.7% $ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76 # Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36 More on Durham: Photos | Data Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Oak Island. Just a short drive from Wilmington brings you to golden sands and warm waters at Carolina Beach. Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. You can keep walking straight from Main Street and quickly find yourself on top of Polly Mountain, and stop by a swimming hole on your way down. With history running through its veins (including pre-Civil War Fort Macon), the oldest town on Bogue Bankswith its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the southis also home to the nostalgic (and 1,000-foot-long) Oceanana Fishing Pier, plus a steady swell for surfing. 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. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. Kayaking excursions depart from near the town center to explore vast amounts of barrier islands that make up the more natural parts of the town. 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. Population: 88,728. Thank you for providing all of this information! Tracey holds a B.A. Credit (Getty Images) View as article. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. 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. With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. For an interesting free show, stop in for lunch at Good Winds, located upstairs in the Kitty Hawk Kites complex, where you can sit on the patio and watch the crazy kiters zip across the waves and perform aerial tricks. 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. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. 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. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. If you want a low-key vacation, get a house on the lake in Semora for the weekend and relax in peace. The NC coast is known for vacation beach towns with small populations and not a lot of full-time residents, and they are heavily conservative, by and large. All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. Overall Niche Grade. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. So much so, you're guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal. 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. The Corolla Adventure Park provides some fun outside of the water, and a plethora of local dining options include live music. 13. 19. Compared to the nation as a whole, North Carolina leans more republican. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. 2. 23. Calm, sedate, and gorgeously green, Duck is the perfect option for city folk who secretly hate the city. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. 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. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. Itll only take you four blocks to make it through downtown Saluda, each block an eclectic mix of new shops and stores that havent changed in decades. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. 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. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. 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! Wrightsville Beach. Hickory. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. Cornelius is a lakeside town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. Parking is free and plentiful here. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. A (free!) 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. This quiet Northern California coastal town is named for the river that flows through town and into the Pacific. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. Kitty Hawk is the place where Orville and Wilbur Wright first managed to fly. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. About 70 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, is Pawleys Island, a barrier island known for its sand dunes, beaches, golf courses, and rope hammocks. Between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was ranked as the countrys fastest growing metro area, with 888,000 new residents. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . Initially named for a politician by the name of Swann, the town has since enthusiastically adopted the swan as its mascot, and you'll see the graceful bird displayed on signs and in private gardens. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Not a problem. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Residents are referred to as Charlotteans. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. So happy it has helped good luck with your move! While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. Liberal voters: 42% Thrift store rank: 2nd Vegan rank: 11th Waynesville might be considered a little hippie town just west of Asheville. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. While the best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NC all use Lexington sauce. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2016 U.S.Census population estimate of 2,632,249. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. Well there you have it, the places in North Carolina that have the highest number of liberals per capita, with Durham ranking as the least conservative in the entire state. 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. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches (named among the Best Restored Beaches for 2018), but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. 2,716) Fearrington Village (Pop. Not the people getting elected. 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. Quiet, calm, and as peaceful as a summer breeze, its the perfect place to experience the simple pleasures in life. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. But . The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. 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. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. Close to Virginia and entirely flanked by the Roanoke River, Downtown Roanoke Rapids has a little bit of everything you need for a quiet weekend in the woods. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. The downtown is lively, home to numerous attractions (including the very visit-worth North Carolina Maritime Museum), and blessed with enough entertainment and amenities to keep everyone happy. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Who makes the decisions? Living where the sand meets the water is a dream for many people, including those who want to retire comfortably in an affordable beach house.Although beach cities have the reputation of being expensive places to live, each of the coastal cities on this list has a median home price below the U.S. average of $279,000 and a median rent below the national average of $1,483, making them among the . On the Northern edge of the outer banks, it hasnt developed to favor tourism as much as other towns on the barrier banks of the state. With a population of 230, it would not be easy to find a smaller beach town that is as beautiful and unique as Bald Head Island. Brad Styron/Courtesy of Crystal Coast TDA, Photo: Michael DeFreitas/robertharding/Getty, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Prettiest Beach Town in Every Beachy State, Emerald Isle Is the Tiny North Carolina Beach Town That Inspires a Slowdown, Duck Is the Tiny Outer Banks Town You Have to Visit Now, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, The Under-The-Radar Florida Beach Town You Need To Visit, The 10 Best Beaches In Texas To Visit, From State Parks To Small Towns, South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently). The famous vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk is full of fun things to do, including carnival rides, a carousel, an arcade, ice-cream shops, and restaurants with beachfront patios. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. Its not hard to see whats bought them to the conclusion. Just drive your car to the access road area, and walk the short distance to the beach. In fact, the campground near Frisco is so close to the ocean, you'll be able to hear the waves crashing on the shore as you drift off to sleep. Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. 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. Ocracoke Island. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. There are cities with unemployment rates that are higher than Albemarle's rate of 7.8%. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. It's at this point that the hard work begins. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country.