best nc mountain towns to live

Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. .wp-block-button a { If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Sylva is a picturesque small town with a population of around 2500, and it's one of the best places to live in North Carolina. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! }, false ); Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. .inside-article{ Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. 14. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Banner Elk. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Median age: 44.7. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Banner Elk. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Located in western North Carolina on what is known as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands has been called "the Aspen of the East.". Advertisement. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. text-decoration: underline ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Hampstead NC. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Here are a few of them. } ); Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} height: 100%; The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! .content-area a { After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 2. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. } Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. Loved Black Mountain! For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. } Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. 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. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Read More About Our Journey! With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. As many of the stately properties in this mountain area also enjoy stunning waterfront views, its the best of both worlds to be surrounded by the natural beauty. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? 1. READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Show Transcript. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. 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. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. The various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. 3. #right-sidebar { As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. 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. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. } Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. .archive .content-area a { Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). } Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. } text-decoration: none Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Mitchell. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 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. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. This article may contain affiliate links. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. .generate-back-to-top:visited { The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 1 Sylva. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Robbinsville NC. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. } My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Median household income: $40,875. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year.

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