best nc mountain towns to live
As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Walk Score: 36/100. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. 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.". Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. height: 100%; Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. 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Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. 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. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. text-decoration: none Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. } text-decoration: underline Loved Black Mountain! Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! 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. .wp-show-posts a { Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. 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. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. 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. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. } ); 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 There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. 2. 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. 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. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. The median home price in Ayden is 127,400 and the median income is $53,317, giving Ayden a solid ratio of home price to income. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. 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. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. 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. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. 3 Brevard at No. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 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. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Flat Rock. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. 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! It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. 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. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. 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 Black Mountain. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. 2. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. } Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . 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. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Robbinsville NC. It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. } The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! 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. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. 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 Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do!
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