The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. The Tar Heel State has so much to offer, including incredible geographical diversity. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. Restored building in Morganton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. It contains a diversity of geographical features and is divided into three sections: the mountains … Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton, Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. All this extra expendable income is part of the reason we named Winterville one of the best places to live in North Carolina. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. 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. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! 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. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. 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. SmartAsset considered a number of metrics when determining the best places to retire in North Carolina. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Everywhere you look, you’ll see beautiful backdrops of the mountains that look like they came off a postcard, not to mention the beauty you’ll find at Asheville’s biggest attraction – Biltmore Estate. 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. Along some of the other downtown streets, you’ll find grand historic homes that date all the way back to the 1800’s, many of which have been turned into bed and breakfasts. 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. 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. 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. The town of Apex, which is comprised of 42,000 people, is often named one of the best places to live in North Carolina by Indeed, Time Magazine, and Niche. If the beautiful lake landscapes of Lake Lure look familiar to you, that’s because they were the backdrop for the popular 80’s movie, Dirty Dancing. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eclectic city of Asheville prides itself on being just a little “weird.” In fact, you’ll find quite a few souvenirs around town that proclaim “Keep Asheville Weird.” But they mean weird in the best way possible – the city is unique and varied with its many restaurants from a range of different nationalities, its many art galleries and shops, craft breweries and wineries, and of course, the infamous drum circle that takes place downtown every Friday night. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. By subscribing I agree to the terms Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Roanoke, Virginia? Where: Cherokee is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation on the southern side of the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. If you are a retiree, then you will find that North Carolina’s old-fashion charm and appeal is a great complement to the low cost of living the state offers. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. 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. Where are the North Carolina Best Places To Elope: ... Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina. Although it’s only home to 1,000 … Best place to live in Blue Ridge Mountains? This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. 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. Six individual downhill areas, in fact, and Banner Elk sits between two of them, Beech and Sugar Mountains. Thanks to all the lucrative job opportunities, Apex has a quality of life that is “second to none.” The median household income clocks in at almost $91,000 a year. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 2543 Broadstone Road. 7. This tri-city region (known a… 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. In summer, you may see people fishing. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Best Places to Retire in North Carolina . Greenville, SC # 2 in Best Places to Live in South Carolina Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has transformed from a blip on the national map to a bustling metro… 7. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. The remainder rent for an average monthly cost of $1,401. Whether as large as Asheville or as small as Saluda, each of these towns is overflowing with character, charm and a host of things to see and do. 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. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. We’ll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! Saluda may be a tiny town, but what it’s lacking in size, it makes up for in charm. US. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .83 Property Crimes per 1,000: 11.53 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. But we’ve done it; we’ve picked 19 of our favorite small towns across the state. and privacy policy. 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. In addition to enjoying the magnificent man-made lake, you can also take a stroll on the boardwalk and take in the beauty of the Flowering Bridge – a 155-foot former highway bridge that has now been transformed into a gorgeous garden. Please fill out highlighted fields and click "Compare Prices" to continue. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Perfect for young families, this community outside of Raleigh gives you a small town feel without sacrificing the city. 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. 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. View Nearby Homes. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. 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. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. The town of almost 22,000 residents ranked … Cherokee, North Carolina. 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. Orange County. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. North Carolina has skiing? Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. 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. 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. And sister city, Durham, is just down the road with academic powerhouses Duke. We love exploring our cool, charming small towns nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The statue, which is carved from Italian marble, was mentioned in Thomas Wolfe’s first novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.”. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Concord, NC. Lake Glenville is a very popular … 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. These spots are prime destinations for making memories. Finding the safest places to live in North Carolina can be challenging, especially in larger cities which tend to have more crime. #3 in Best Places to Live in North Carolina Hailed as "The Land of the Sky," Asheville, North Carolina, is often considered by outsiders to be a delightfully strange place. Best Places to Live in Asheville Metro Area, North Carolina Mid-sized city - Far western North Carolina, 30 miles southeast of Tennessee border, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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 … And it also has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. Asheville, NC Housing Market. Cost of Living. 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. Saluda {pop. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. There are four moderate seasons to enjoy as well as relative close proximity to the NC mountains and beaches. Charlotte Known as the largest city in North Carolina and one of the best places to live in the U.S., Charlotte has become a popular destination for migrants around the country. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. September, June and May are the most pleasant months in the Asheville metro area, while January and December are the least comfortable months. After working for decades, you want respite from the back-breaking day-to-day work; well, North Carolina offers retires solace. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville, Grandfather Mountain near Banner Elk | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. 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. Where is the Safest Place to Live in North Carolina? This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. 1. Photograph by Caitlin Ragan. Cherokee, North Carolina. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina… For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. With its small-town mountain charm, Wears Valley is the perfect place to visit when you want to trade city skylines for mountain vistas. Known as the Tarheel State, North Carolina is the 10th largest state in the U.S. and had a population of over 10 million. So it’s no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. Home to Duke University, Durham is part of the Research Triangle and known to many as the “City of Medicine.” This is a place with a thriving music scene and one that’s fond of its sports, especially the Duke Blue Devils. 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. It’s conveniently located close to Pearson’s Falls and the Green River Gorge and provides a perfect place to unwind after a long day of hiking. Overall Niche Grade; A+. 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. With the second largest downtown area in Western North Carolina, there are more than 100 shops and 25 restaurants to explore. 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. 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. 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. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. It’s a small town that has almost doubled in the past 20 years, but it’s still pretty tiny with a population of approximately 10,000. 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. 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