Article continues below. 20 BEST Restaurants in Bluffton, SC You Need to Try. Be prepared for a bit of exercise on your visit. Who makes the decisions? The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. 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. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. We are looking to possibly move to the Carolinas and it has really helped in our research with the small town info given here! Tracey holds a B.A. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . 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. Just south of town you'll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial. 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. Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. From here, you can catch the trolley for a tour of the town, take a boat tour on Albemarle Sound, or stop in at the historic Cupola House. 2,546) Royal Pines (Pop. 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. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. 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: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina October 10, 2022 By 3174179506438150 Comments are Off. The towns proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. Median Home Price: $247,112. Along the beach, you can witness one-of-a-kind wild horses, the Colonial Spanish Mustang - the island's true treasures, and go on a guided ride with them. A+. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Some of the best hiking in NC can be found around Brevard. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. Interestingly enough, most landlords are aware of this, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they convey the laws properly to, Read More Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter?Continue, The real estate market fluctuates and shifts constantly. 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. 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! Winston-Salem. Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. 2,984) Weaverville (Pop . Based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. Wrightsville Beach. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. 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. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. Replete with historic homes, scenic parks, and tree-lined avenues, its distinctly family-friendly vibe is complimented perfectly by its gorgeous waterfront, its low crime rate, walkable streets, and excellent selection of schools. It is the county seat of Edgecombe County. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. 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. This riverfront port is technically a city, but there are so many things to love about visiting and enjoying Wilmington, it's impossible to leave it off the list. Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. The South Florida hot spot is the seventh-most populous metro area in the U.S., and its beaches attract vacationers year-round. The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. If youre looking for a golfing destination or an upscale small-town that invites you to relax, youll enjoy Pinehurst Village. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. 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. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. It's a fun family thing to do. 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. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Bryson City sits at the gateway to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's also home to the Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is the East Coast's tallest natural dune system and an incredible place to try hang gliding. Thank you for providing all of this information! If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. 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. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. One of the best seafood meals can be had here at Provision Company. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. 23. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? Expect to find usual favorites, plenty of pizza, and fresh seafood. North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area. Thomas_Kelley / Getty Images. Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. It is the third-fastest growing major city in the United States. Oriental Flickr / Zach Frailey Oriental is home to 898 people and thousands of boats. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. Wrightsville Beach Park. 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 19. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. 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). If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesnt get much better than here. Asheville. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. 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. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. 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. The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. Official Website. Asheville. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. 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. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. 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. 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