The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. The lake lifestyle is a lifestyle unlike any other. Market Square in Maggie Valley | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. But we’ve done it; we’ve picked 19 of our favorite small towns across the state. North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. In the Tar Heel State, there are so many great small towns—far too many to count—so choosing our … For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. If your new home needs to have a great arts community, low crime and unemployment and a progressive culture, Raleigh might top your list of one of the best places to live in North Carolina. The Niche 2017 Best Places to Live in North Carolina named Morrisville the best place to live in the Tar Heel State, and fifth best in the country. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville, Grandfather Mountain near Banner Elk | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Located on the north bank of the Savannah River, North Augusta is not only the seventh most affordable city in South Carolina, it is the epitome of southern hospitality with a pinch of southern charm. Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. In addition, retirees can explore the Blue Ridge Mountains … A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. From the storybook-esque buildings to the charm of the local people who welcome you with open arms, you’ll feel like a regular here in no time. Saluda {pop. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina; These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina; Most liberal Cities To Live In America ; Most liberal States To Live In America; How we determined the most liberal cities in North Carolina for 2019. At 5,506 feet in elevation, it is the highest town in the Eastern U.S. and is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, N.C. 11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 7 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 9 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina 2021, 16 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2021, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Durham, NC, 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Bahamas, 19 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 11 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Asheville has more breweries per capita … If you like cold temperatures, make sure to take a trip to the quaint town of Beech Mountain and the famed Beach Mountain Resort. With only 700 residents, Saluda is the epitome of a small town and you can feel the welcoming spirit when you stroll down its picturesque Main Street. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Public Schools; 1,046,558 Population. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Located between the popular skiing destinations of Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, the small town of Banner Elk is a destination all on its own. Small Town, Big Adventure: Explore the Smokies in Bryson City, N.C. Plan the Ultimate Adventure Getaway Without the Crowds in Bryson City, N.C. Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Holiday Season at Capt. This geography lets Southern Pines retirees live a small-town life while still having access to the amenities and culture of a military town like Fayetteville. If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. With its small-town mountain charm, Wears Valley is the perfect place to visit when you want to trade city skylines for mountain vistas. Where is the Safest Place to Live in North Carolina? Home of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina is one of the best places in the United States to own a home, relocate to, retire, and vacation. Asheville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and is well-known for its arts, music and its thriving craft-beer scene. With a population of slightly more than 10 million, North Carolina is the 9th largest state in the U.S. by population. Tropical beaches and sea islands, South Carolina lies in the southeast of the United States and has a whole host of darling towns and villages to explore. There are four moderate seasons to enjoy as well as relative close proximity to the NC mountains and beaches. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. If you want to spend a night, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Plan your Blue Ridge Mountains escape to award winning luxury Inn that specializes in rustic chic intimate ceremonies, plus elopement packages, all in private and luxurious accommodations, romantic dining, and much more. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Banner Elk, NC. Roanoke, Virginia? Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. Where are the North Carolina Best Places To Elope: ... Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina. This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. One other piece of local beauty that you’ll want to make sure to see is the angel statue that is located just outside of downtown Hendersonville. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina… Somewhere else? Cost of Living. 8-Day Tulip Time Cruise from Holland to Belgium, Up to $3,000 Savings on 2021 U.S. River Cruises, 5-Day Christmastime Cruise through Germany, Get Back to Travel w/ a Clean & Affordable Rental, Win a 2021 Beach House Vacation in Myrtle Beach, 8-Day Active & Discovery River Cruise on the Rhine. © Copyright 2021 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. About 30 minutes outside of Asheville, is another beautiful small town – Hendersonville. Saluda may be a tiny town, but what it’s lacking in size, it makes up for in charm. A+. A quick glance at the stats quickly reveals the reasons behind its position: of its 7828 residents, 25% own a property with a median value of $263,826. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. September, June and May are the most pleasant months in the Asheville metro area, while January and December are the least comfortable months. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the small town of Cherokee, headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. North Carolina has skiing? Asheville, NC? In order to help you narrow down your search, here’s a closer look at what we think are the five best North Carolina cities to live in. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. The Niche 2017 Best Places to Live in North Carolina named Morrisville the best place to live in the Tar Heel State, and fifth best in the country. and privacy policy. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. 1. Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. Black Mountain, North Carolina Once home to the groundbreaking Black Mountain College, which placed a premium on arts education, Black Mountain remains a magnet for artists and … Raleigh & Durham, NC # 2 in Best Places to Live in North Carolina Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are known for their research/technology roots and collegiate rivalries. The Tar Heel State has so much to offer, including incredible geographical diversity. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. It’s not easy to name the best places to retire in North Carolina. Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Whether you prefer a home with a view of a skyscraper skyline or a view of the mountains, the Tar Heel state has what you are looking for. Concord, NC. South Carolina’s landscape is so diverse that in a matter of just over three hours you can go from ocean views at sea level to heavenly views while towering over the mountainous terrain to the northwest. 7. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Durham . Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. From relaxing morning sunrises over the water to high-energy water sports, lake life has many benefits. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. The low cost of living and growing economy makes it a really attractive real-estate investment for those who want to buy some land. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. And it also has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. The town of almost 22,000 residents ranked … Holly Springs is not only a safe city but has been named one of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina. We think that Waynesville is one of the best places to live in Western North Carolina. Find picturesque historic Main Streets, friendly shops, general stores, farm-to-table … Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. Lake Glenville is a very popular … Southern hospitalities and centuries-old culture are simple to find in the Tar Heel State. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Here's a list of the best places to live in North Carolina: Courtesy of American Tobacco Historic District under a CC 2.0 license. When it comes to settling down and starting a family, most people want two things; a friendly atmosphere and a safe neighborhood to raise their children. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Cherokee, North Carolina. From the eastern shore to the western mountains and across the piedmont, North Carolina has some beautiful lakes, perfect for fishing, boating, swimming and exploring. North Carolina Mountains Tourism: Tripadvisor has 971,618 reviews of North Carolina Mountains Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best North Carolina Mountains resource. Although it’s only home to 1,000 … Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. There's plenty to do before ski season too, from sampling adult beverages at the Banner Elk Winery and Flat Top Mountain … Top Places to Visit in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina: See Tripadvisor's 9,71,728 traveller reviews and photos of North Carolina Mountains attractions. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Lake Lure is more than just a lake – although that is the biggest draw for visitors from across the country. In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton, Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Although it’s only home to 1,000 permanent residents, it is a popular spot for tourists and has a variety of top-notch restaurants and unique shopping. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Orange County. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Hiram’s Resort in Florida. The school’s campus also features many historic buildings that were built with stone native to the area. Best places to retire in north carolina high country nc area facts city 2020 best cities to retire daveramsey the cliffs luxury home builders in black mountain a weekend retreat orThe 5 Best Places To Retire In North CarolinaBest Places To Live Or Retire In North Carolina Nc Cities RegionsBest Places To Live In Western… Read More » Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. So it’s no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. Luckily in North Carolina … That’s undeniable. Amongst the beautiful mountain backdrops, you’ll also find a selection of wineries and craft breweries, an art gallery and a lush one mile greenway that extends from Flat Top Brewing Company to the campus of Lees-McRae College. With year-round access to scenic natural beauty, world-renowned fly fishing, outdoor recreation activities, and proximity to the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains … Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. Overall Niche Grade; A+. Soco Falls outside Cherokee | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The tax rate in Southern Pines is 18.40%. Best place to live in Blue Ridge Mountains? By subscribing I agree to the terms The western part of the state of North Carolina is full of beautiful and quaint mountain towns, thanks to the two majestic mountain ranges found there – the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Asheville, North Carolina Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. 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