best nc mountain towns to live

Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach as it is more affordable than the Outer Banks, which is the state's most popular coastal vacation spot. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Old Fort. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. 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. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { } } .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. } The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. Banner Elk. This article may contain affiliate links. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. text-decoration: underline Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. 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. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. 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. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Thank you, Lori! One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! } ); Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. 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. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. Facebook. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Mount Airy, a.k.a. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. text-decoration: none We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. 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. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. padding-left: 10px; One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Skiing in North Carolina: With elevations that exceed 5,000 feet and extensive snowmaking equipment, the mountains of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for skiing. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Davidson. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! } 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. 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. 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. @media (max-width: 767px) { 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Highlands, North Carolina. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. padding-right: 10px; There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. 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. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 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 Median household income: $40,875. 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. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Show Transcript. } Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. 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. 2. 5. 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 -. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Hampstead NC. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { 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. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 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. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary.

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