Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasnt much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. 4. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. The Citadel - The Military College of South Carolina. Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. The Greenville area is a college town, not terribly far from the Coast, but if you absolutely must be in a NC coastal town and want the most progressive, Wilmington is your only hope. The native Pomos used to call the area "q-ahwala-li", which roughly translates to "coming down water place", which the river does indeed do at Robinson's Gulch right in town. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. It is the county seat of Edgecombe County. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. As one of the largest towns in the Outer Banks, Nags Head is one of North Carolinas best-known beach towns. 20 BEST Restaurants in Bluffton, SC You Need to Try. One of the fun things to do here is take a harbor tour, where you'll almost certainly be able to see dolphins racing in your bow wake. It is part of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area. Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Population: 7,033Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $122.5# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.29More on Hillsborough:Photos |Data. Greensboro. If youre wondering, Archdale is the most conservative city in North Carolina of all those we measured. Nearby, Western North Carolina University more than doubles the population of this cute, North Carolina small town that has plenty to offer every time of the year. Families (not to mention singles and retirees) who decide to make their visit a little more permanent wont be disappointed, With a decent clutch of schools, plenty of amenities, an affordable cost of living, superb recreational opportunities, and one of the prettiest beaches in North Carolina, theres no doubting its a great place to live. Small: No major cities allowed. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. What's not to love about Oriental, a town with more than three times as many boats as year-round inhabitants? It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. Its the voters. As is the case with most California towns on our list of the most affordable liberal college towns, the biggest difference in cost is housing. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). Ferry service to Fort Fisher provides a fun all-in-one outing to the Fort Fisher historic site, aquarium, and beach. Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. Ascend the sand dune step after sliding step to the top, where you are rewarded with commanding views out over the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. Durham County was even more lopsided - Clinton won 78-18. A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air. You can keep walking straight from Main Street and quickly find yourself on top of Polly Mountain, and stop by a swimming hole on your way down. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. A great way to get to Southport from Wilmington is to take the historic Southport-Fort Fisher car and passenger ferry. Morrisville Wikipedia Population: 18,585 Liberal voters: 55% Vegan rank: First Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Metro Population: 6,129,858. 1. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. The US Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 2,037,430 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. 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. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. Credit. (Getty . Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state. The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Just inside this protective outer coastal layer you'll find one of the first English settlements in North Carolina: the town of Beaufort, established in 1709. This quiet Northern California coastal town is named for the river that flows through town and into the Pacific. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 11,415. Most weekends, youll find the main street of this town blocked off and plenty of pedestrians strolling through art shops and shacks set up for the occasion. This article may contain affiliate links. A+. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. The local community loves their hometown, and the natural appreciation the inhabitants have for their surroundings shows in the small towns development. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. According to our people on the ground in the First State, trying to find a hippie town in Delaware is "a bit of trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.". Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. This westernmost community on Bogue Banks is a treasured vacation getaway for families, with its 12 miles of clean shores, clear waters, and old-fashioned neighborhoods and vibe. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. Topsail Island was not even accessible by car until WWII; the Missiles and More Museum shares the island's history as the former home of a secret missile operation. 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. Pinehurst Pinehurst Pinehurst was recently named the "Best Place to Live in North Carolina," by Smart Travel Tips. With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. Its not hard to see whats bought them to the conclusion. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. Stay in a home on the sound side for a great view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. For an interesting free show, stop in for lunch at Good Winds, located upstairs in the Kitty Hawk Kites complex, where you can sit on the patio and watch the crazy kiters zip across the waves and perform aerial tricks. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. Oak Island is also a dog lover's dream: Four legged friends are allowed on the beaches year-round, and they can be off the leash from October 15-March 15. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College 4,751) Biltmore Forest (Pop. Wrightsville Beach Park. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. This 30-minute ride across the mouth of the Cape Fear River is a cheap way to see the seaside scenery and much better than taking the long way around to get to town. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. Morehead City, NC (28557) Today. Albemarle. Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and it's easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early 1800s. Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches alone), there are many wonderful beach towns and harbors that are just a short boat ride away from the sand. Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Entertainment outside of the beach: Music, breweries, galleries, museums, and festivals also play integral parts of the culture. Oregon is the eighth-most liberal state in the country, with 28% of voters identifying as liberal. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. Washington, NC, USA 2. While the best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NC all use Lexington sauce. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. Bald Head Island. Population: 15,107Percent Democrat: 62.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.04# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Roanoke Rapids:Photos |Data, Population: 28,052Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $35.51# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.34More on Cornelius:Photos |Data. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. The small town of Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, on the 'Inner Banks' coastal area of North Carolina (specifically, Beaufort is situated just where the Outer Banks end). The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. So happy it has helped good luck with your move! Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. That left us with 132 cities and towns. iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus. Beaches. 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