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. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! 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. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. 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… Georgia and South Carolina lie at the south. Pace General Store. From the coast to the mountains, North Carolina has charm to spare. It contains a diversity of geographical features and is divided into three sections: the mountains … 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… Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. 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. 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. Best places to retire in north carolina high country nc area facts city 2020 best cities to retire daveramsey the cliffs luxury home builders in black mountain a weekend retreat orThe 5 Best Places To Retire In North CarolinaBest Places To Live Or Retire In North Carolina Nc Cities RegionsBest Places To Live In Western… Read More » By subscribing I agree to the terms 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. US. Located on the north bank of the Savannah River, North Augusta is not only the seventh most affordable city in South Carolina, it is the epitome of southern hospitality with a pinch of southern charm. #2 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Current Resident: Cary is a wonderful place to live overall! M.A. Luckily, AreaVibes has done all the heavy lifting for you. North Carolina is situated on the eastern Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States. 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. Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. The town of almost 22,000 residents ranked … U-pick farms, like Grandad's Apples N' Such, make a fun stop for families. 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. With only 700 residents, Saluda is the epitome of a small town and you can feel the welcoming spirit when you stroll down its picturesque Main Street. Orange County. Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. 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 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. 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. Where is the Safest Place 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. Asheville, NC? 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. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. After working for decades, you want respite from the back-breaking day-to-day work; well, North Carolina offers retires solace. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. 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. Hiram’s Resort in Florida. 28604. Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. 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. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Please fill out highlighted fields and click "Compare Prices" to continue. 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. #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. 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. This tri-city region (known a… 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. 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 compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. But we’ve done it; we’ve picked 19 of our favorite small towns across the state. Black Mountain, North Carolina Once home to the groundbreaking Black Mountain College, which placed a premium on arts education, Black Mountain remains a magnet for artists and … Here Are The 10 Safest And Most Peaceful Places To Live In North Carolina. And it also has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. 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 … Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Market Square in Maggie Valley | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. That’s undeniable. 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. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. 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. With its small-town mountain charm, Wears Valley is the perfect place to visit when you want to trade city skylines for mountain vistas. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 … Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville, Grandfather Mountain near Banner Elk | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. September, June and May … Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton, Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. 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. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Whatever your preference may be, some of the best places in North Carolina to visit are also the best places to live. 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. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. So it’s no wonder so many nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs come to spend their golden years here. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .83 Property Crimes per 1,000: 11.53 Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Cherokee, North Carolina. 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. 7. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. 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. Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Best place to live in Blue Ridge Mountains? 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. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina; These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina; Most liberal Cities To Live In America ; Most liberal States To Live In America; How we determined the most liberal cities in North Carolina for 2019. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep … Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. 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. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Asheville, NC Housing Market. Where's the best place? Restored building in Morganton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Peace and quiet comes in the form of homemade sweet tea, old-timer stories about the south, and scenic solitude. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 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. Charlotte’s … The Tar Heel State has so much to offer, including incredible geographical diversity. 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. Asheville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and is well-known for its arts, music and its thriving craft-beer scene. 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 another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. 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. 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. Find picturesque historic Main Streets, friendly shops, general stores, farm-to-table … You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 1. 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. Concord, NC is the premier choice for seniors who are interested in retiring in North Carolina. In summer, you may see people fishing. 2543 Broadstone Road. Home to more than 10 million people, North Carolina is a scenic mash-up of snow-capped mountain ranges, urban cities, obscure communities and gorgeous beaches. 8-Day Tulip Time Cruise from Holland to Belgium, Up to $3,000 Savings on 2021 U.S. River Cruises, 5-Day Christmastime Cruise through Germany, Get Back to Travel w/ a Clean & Affordable Rental, Win a 2021 Beach House Vacation in Myrtle Beach, 8-Day Active & Discovery River Cruise on the Rhine. From relaxing morning sunrises over the water to high-energy water sports, lake life has many benefits. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. 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. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. These spots are prime destinations for making memories. Holly Springs also has top-rated schools and excellent job opportunities. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are four moderate seasons to enjoy as well as relative close proximity to the NC mountains and beaches. In addition, retirees can explore the Blue Ridge Mountains … The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. 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. The Mast Farm Inn. 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. The western part of the state of North Carolina is full of beautiful and quaint mountain towns, thanks to the two majestic mountain ranges found there – the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. With a population of slightly more than 10 million, North Carolina is the 9th largest state in the U.S. by population. and privacy policy. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. 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. Asheville, North Carolina Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Luckily in North Carolina … This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. 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