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. At first, Rick Scot was hesitant to trade in West Hollywood for a new home in North Carolina. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. Raleigh and Durham. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville 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. 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. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Oriental Flickr / Zach Frailey Oriental is home to 898 people and thousands of boats. Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. 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. We are looking to possibly move to the Carolinas and it has really helped in our research with the small town info given here! In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. Activities just outside of town include golfing, dolphin cruises, and deep-sea fishing. Some of the best hiking in NC can be found around Brevard. Durham County was even more lopsided - Clinton won 78-18. Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2022. This article may contain affiliate links. 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. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. Public Schools. We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 132 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. The 17 Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S. 3. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. 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. The town itself is easy to navigate by foot. Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the services are along the main highway. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. 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. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. #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! ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Boiling Springs, North Carolina Gardner-Webb University Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. The town's most popular fishing pier and one of the major attractions is Janette's Pier. 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. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. 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. The native Pomos used to call the area "q-ahwala-li", which roughly translates to "coming down water place", which the river does indeed do at Robinson's Gulch right in town. Dont leave without having a meal at Shuckin Shack, one of the best Carolina Beach restaurants, followed by a margarita at the Tiki Bar on the ocean. 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. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 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. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. Tarboro is a town located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, United States. 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. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. Murphy dates back to the 1830s, and acts as a gateway to a lot of of North Carolina's natural wonders. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. If you love fishing, bring your gear, you might land any one of the following: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, triggerfish, sea mullet, croakers, and pigfish. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. One of the most interesting things to see near Avon is the towering Cape Hatteras lighthouse, about eight miles south of town. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. But . Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. If you're looking for a liberal city in the purple state of Pennsylvania, look no further than Pittsburgh, the 19th most liberal city in the US and the 15th most affordable on our ranking. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) Waynesville has plenty of mountain spirit. 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 beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. 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. Myrtle Beach, SC. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. A token fee is charged to walk out on the pier and is a worthy investment for the fine views you'll encounter. Kitty Hawk. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. Don't have a 4WD vehicle? The chance that anyone you meet who lives in the city will identify as a Democrat is 85%, with other political and religious leanings panning out as follows: These are the best towns in North Carolina where LGBT individuals and families can find a warm community: Asheville Raleigh Durham Charlotte Winston-Salem Wilmington Greensboro 1. Athens, Ohio. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. Whether were talking property or goods and services, your salary will take you a lot further here than it will in a lot of other states. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state. Just south of town you'll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in North Carolina. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. This small mountain town in North Carolina has grown up naturally. Editors Note: We updated this article for 2019. Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). North Carolina's coastal towns offer a mix of experiences, from quaint historic communities with 18th-century homes and tree-lined streets to thriving beach scenes and fun activity-based destinations for families. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . 27. Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. 2,716) Fearrington Village (Pop. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. Tracey holds a B.A. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. Trapped near two industrial college towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, Carrboro is the free-spirited little sister of its larger neighbors. 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. It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. Entertainment outside of the beach: Music, breweries, galleries, museums, and festivals also play integral parts of the culture. Article continues below. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. 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. Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. 9. Come to have easy access to the outdoors and stay to feel a part of the family oh and have a drink at one of the best Brevard breweries. Located at the tail end of the Outer Banks on Hatteras Island, these twin towns sort of meld right into one another. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. 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. Chef Nina Compton's Bywater American Bistro, Alon Shaya's Saba, Pythian Market, and Auction House Market are some new places to check out if you're in The Big Easy. The population was 19,582 at the 2010 census. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. 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. We used science and data to determine which cities in North Carolina probably voted for Obama. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. Albemarle. Its not hard to see whats bought them to the conclusion. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. Down at the dock areas there is always something to see or do, whether it's a fisherman showing off his catch or people catching up on an outdoor patio. 15. Metro Population: 6,129,858. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. 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. The Culture Trip considers Kitty Hawk one of the ten most beautiful towns in North Carolina. Sure, youve got all the amenities youll need, but rather than chain stores and drive-ins, youll get an eclectic range of independent boutiques and eateries. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. Cn Gp Th Nail Cho Tim ng Khch In Liberal, KS. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. Its population was 57,233 in the 2010 census, making Chapel Hill the 15th-largest city in the state. This fishing town off the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River Inlet at the South Carolina border is dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the World" for a reason. In short, its everything youd want a beach town to be. Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. One of the more unique colleges on the list, The Military College of South Carolina, or more commonly known as The Citadel, is a college intricately involved with its coastal location. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. So happy it has helped good luck with your move! The city has a population of 447,775 residents. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. The iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk with its carousel, arcade, carnival rides, and ice cream parlous is the place to be in the warmer months, especially on Thursday evenings when it comes alive with firework displays and live music shows. 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. Its title as 'America's Coolest Small Town' seems to be down to a combination of 300-years of history - complete with small historic district . Not to be confused with the replica courthouse, this original structure looks out over a large green space and faces out onto the sound with cannons at the water's edge. Not a problem. Many renters arent aware that they have certain rights that are protected under the law. 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. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. One of the fun things to do here is take a harbor tour, where you'll almost certainly be able to see dolphins racing in your bow wake. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. By pparrothead. Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches alone), there are many wonderful beach towns and harbors that are just a short boat ride away from the sand. Population 28,824. - ang cn 2-3 th bit lm Everything, TCN, Bt , bit th cng tt. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. Chief among its attractions are its beach towns. Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. 2. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. The South Florida hot spot is the seventh-most populous metro area in the U.S., and its beaches attract vacationers year-round. The town itself is packed with attractions, including the fascinating Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Sc, is the most liberal city in North Carolina can likely deliver ways that will delight your buds! Helped in our research with the ocean in front and fun and games behind,. Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the major attractions is Janette 's pier Hatteras Island these... Top for 360-degree views of the town of Hillsborough is the large maritime forest in sandy Park. 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