best nc mountain towns to live

Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 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 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. Banner Elk. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Flat Rock. 3. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. text-decoration: none 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. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. 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. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} 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. 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. 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. The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . 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. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. There. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. 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. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. } One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. 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. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. } Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Loved Black Mountain! 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. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! 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. 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. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. In summer, you may see people fishing. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. 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. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. 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.". Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Hendersonville Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Hampstead NC. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Highlands, North Carolina. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Median age: 44.7. Taylor. 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. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. text-decoration: none Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 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. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. padding-left: 10px; The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. padding-right: 10px !important; If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. #right-sidebar { You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Davidson. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! 14. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. "source": "woocommerce", Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. This article may contain affiliate links. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. .search .content-area a { Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Thanks for commenting. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Median household income: $40,875. 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. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; 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. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Advertisement. } Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Ayden wasn't even in the top 40 cheapest places to live in North Carolina last year, so this jump up to the #2 spot is quite impressive. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. 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. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. Mitchell. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 5. 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. 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. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Show Transcript. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. 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. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. padding-left: 10px !important; The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. } 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. ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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 Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;}

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