7. Find picturesque historic Main Streets, friendly shops, general stores, farm-to-table … 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. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. From the coast to the mountains, North Carolina has charm to spare. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville, Grandfather Mountain near Banner Elk | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. 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. Why and what makes your choice the best place in the Blue Ridge? Home to Pinehurst, one of the country’s most beloved golf courses, Seagrove, the handmade-pottery capital of the U.S., and Biltmore, America’s largest home, North Carolina has a strong tourism industry. In order to help you narrow down your search, here’s a closer look at what we think are the five best North Carolina cities to live in. 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. In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. Holly Springs also has top-rated schools and excellent job opportunities. 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. 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. Holly Springs is not only a safe city but has been named one of the most affordable places to live in North Carolina. 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. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! 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. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. 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. With its small-town mountain charm, Wears Valley is the perfect place to visit when you want to trade city skylines for mountain vistas. 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. In fact, the following cities are the best places to retire to in North Carolina on a budget based on the cost of living, amenities, greenspaces, access to healthcare, and activities for seniors. There's plenty to do before ski season too, from sampling adult beverages at the Banner Elk Winery and Flat Top Mountain Brewery to checking out October's Wooly Worm Festival, a quirky event celebrating the winter caterpillar that draws some 20,000 people annually. In 2018, home security company Safewise released a list of the safest towns in North Carolina.Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain … Asheville, NC Housing Market. Where: Cherokee is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation on the southern side of the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. 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. Here's a list of the best places to live in North Carolina: Courtesy of American Tobacco Historic District under a CC 2.0 license. #2 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Current Resident: Cary is a wonderful place to live overall! Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. We think that Waynesville is one of the best places to live in Western North Carolina. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. In the Tar Heel State, there are so many great small towns—far too many to count—so choosing our … Tennessee heads up the western border of North Carolina, while Virginia takes the north. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. From a small coffee shop to big city living, Wake County has it all. The town of almost 22,000 residents ranked … On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Lake Glenville is a very popular … Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. Saluda may be a tiny town, but what it’s lacking in size, it makes up for in charm. Ranking as the very best place in North Carolina to live in the small neighborhood of Uptown in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County. From the storybook-esque buildings to the charm of the local people who welcome you with open arms, you’ll feel like a regular here in no time. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. North Carolina is situated on the eastern Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep … Perfect for young families, this community outside of Raleigh gives you a small town feel without sacrificing the city. SmartAsset considered a number of metrics when determining the best places to retire in 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. 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. Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Luckily in North Carolina … Somewhere else? Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. This is a great place for families, with numerous things to do, including mini golf, family-friendly restaurants, and one of the best beaches in North Carolina… A+. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Peace and quiet comes in the form of homemade sweet tea, old-timer stories about the south, and scenic solitude. The school’s campus also features many historic buildings that were built with stone native to the area. In the Tar Heel State, there are so many great small towns—far too many to count—so choosing our favorites is a monumentally challenging task. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Saluda {pop. Using science and data, AreaVibes has created a list of the safest places to live in North Carolina with a population over 5,000. The town’s quaint Main Street has an old-school charm that will slow down your pace and make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. 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. September, June and May are the most pleasant months in the Asheville metro area, while January and December are the least comfortable months. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions 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. Roanoke, Virginia? Where: Cherokee is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation on the southern side of the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Charlotte’s … The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? About 30 minutes outside of Asheville, is another beautiful small town – Hendersonville. Photograph by Caitlin Ragan. And sister city, Durham, is just down the road with academic powerhouses Duke. Read 37 Reviews. 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. With its small-town mountain charm, Wears Valley is the perfect place to visit when you want to trade city skylines for mountain vistas. The tax rate in Southern Pines is 18.40%. Luckily, AreaVibes has done all the heavy lifting for you. View Nearby Homes. But we’ve done it; we’ve picked 19 of our favorite small towns across the state. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. 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. If you like cold temperatures, make sure to take a trip to the quaint town of Beech Mountain and the famed Beach Mountain Resort. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. There are numerous trails in the area for hiking and biking, a nine-hole public golf course and plenty of shopping and restaurants at Chimney Rock Village. © Copyright 2021 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. This tri-city region (known a… Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. We found out by exploring 13 in Western North Carolina that share some characteristics—a population under 5,000, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, ample food and nightlife options—but possess unique attributes as well. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Southern hospitalities and centuries-old culture are simple to find in the Tar Heel State. 1. Overall Niche Grade; A+. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. 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. 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. In addition, retirees can explore the Blue Ridge Mountains … #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. At 5,506 feet in elevation, it is the highest town in the Eastern U.S. and is the perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Concord, NC is the premier choice for seniors who are interested in retiring in North Carolina. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. 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. Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. M.A. Add to List. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. N. Georgia? 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. Home to Pinehurst, one of the country’s most beloved golf courses, Seagrove, the handmade-pottery capital of the U.S., and Biltmore, America’s largest home, North Carolina has a strong tourism industry. Here Are The 10 Safest And Most Peaceful Places To Live In North Carolina. 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. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. 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. Asheville, NC? It’s not easy to name the best places to retire in North Carolina. It contains a diversity of geographical features and is divided into three sections: the mountains … Six individual downhill areas, in fact, and Banner Elk sits between two of them, Beech and Sugar Mountains. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Concord, NC. There's plenty to do before ski season too, from sampling adult beverages at the Banner Elk Winery and Flat Top Mountain … 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. For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. Flanked by Beech and Sugar mountains, home to the state’s two biggest snow resorts, Banner Elk is the region’s quintessential ski town and much more. Balsam Mountain Preserve is a conservation-orientated private residential community set on 4,400 acres in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as the Tarheel State, North Carolina is the 10th largest state in the U.S. and had a population of over 10 million. 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. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Hilton Head Island, infamous Myrtle Beach and of course Charleston, home to Fort Sumter; the list of reasons to love little old SC goes on and on! and privacy policy. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. That’s undeniable. 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. If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. 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. The statue, which is carved from Italian marble, was mentioned in Thomas Wolfe’s first novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.”. If your new home needs to have a great arts community, low crime and unemployment and a progressive culture, Raleigh might top your list of one of the best places to live in North Carolina. 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. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. 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. Where's the best place? 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. The lake lifestyle is a lifestyle unlike any other. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. 15 Best Places to Live in South Carolina. The low cost of living and growing economy makes it a really attractive real-estate investment for those who want to buy some land. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. View over Burnsville | Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism. After working for decades, you want respite from the back-breaking day-to-day work; well, North Carolina offers retires solace. 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. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina… 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. 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. Best Places to Retire in North Carolina . 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. 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. 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. 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. Cost of Living. 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… Durham . 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. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. Although it’s only home to 1,000 … 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. Pace General Store. And it also has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. 11 Places To Visit In South Carolina When The Mountains Are Calling Your Name. 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. Here, you’ll find a General Store from 1899 and a grill & deli that’s been in business since 1892, as well as some more modern establishments like The Purple Onion and Newman’s Restaurant. All this extra expendable income is part of the reason we named Winterville one of the best places to live in North Carolina. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Market Square in Maggie Valley | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. The Mast Farm Inn. Finding the safest places to live in North Carolina can be challenging, especially in larger cities which tend to have more crime. 2020 Best Places to Live in North Carolina About this List Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina Mid-sized city - Far western North Carolina, 30 miles southeast of Tennessee border, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. From the coast to the mountains, North Carolina has charm to spare. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. In summer, you may see people fishing. Cherokee, North Carolina. North Carolina has skiing? This geography lets Southern Pines retirees live a small-town life while still having access to the amenities and culture of a military town like Fayetteville. Small Town, Big Adventure: Explore the Smokies in Bryson City, N.C. Plan the Ultimate Adventure Getaway Without the Crowds in Bryson City, N.C. Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Holiday Season at Capt. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. 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. The remainder rent for an average monthly cost of $1,401. The best places to retire in South Carolina have plenty to offer from pristine lakes and mountains to historic sites that date back to the Revolutionary War. Amongst the beautiful mountain backdrops, you’ll also find a selection of wineries and craft breweries, an art gallery and a lush one mile greenway that extends from Flat Top Brewing Company to the campus of Lees-McRae College. Top 15 Under-the-Radar Travel Destinations, 10 Best Barbecue Joints in North Carolina, Top 14 Things to Do Outdoors in North Carolina This Fall, Top 12 Airbnbs in Asheville for Every Budget & Style. With a population of slightly more than 10 million, North Carolina is the 9th largest state in the U.S. by population. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. We love exploring our cool, charming small towns nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Heel state means it 's also the best places to live in North Carolina: Still in area. And is divided into three sections: the Mountains, North Carolina with a population of more! Heads up the Western border of North Carolina has charm to spare Copyright Lana. Where: Cherokee is located on the edge of the lowest Property taxes the! 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