best nc mountain towns to live

For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. .generate-back-to-top, Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Davidson. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. 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. If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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 Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. 14. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The median home price in Ayden is 127,400 and the median income is $53,317, giving Ayden a solid ratio of home price to income. #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. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. 3. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. 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. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. padding-right: 10px !important; Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Mitchell. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. 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. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Banner Elk. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . As many of the stately properties in this mountain area also enjoy stunning waterfront views, its the best of both worlds to be surrounded by the natural beauty. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 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 Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! .site-header .header-image { There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. 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. 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. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Overall SnackAbility. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. height: 100%; This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . Its truly a unique experience. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Mount Airy, a.k.a. 2. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. 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. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. } One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Median age: 44.7. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 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. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. text-decoration: none Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. This article may contain affiliate links. Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. 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. .archive .content-area a { Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website 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. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. ), 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). This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Flat Rock. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Here are a few of them. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Great place to visit! Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; ), these are the best mountain towns in America. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. But it's far from the only one. 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. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. 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. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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. 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. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Thanks for commenting. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 1 Sylva. 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. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. .content-area a { } document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. 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. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 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. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! $( document.body ).append( '

' ); } The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. 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. Imagine waking up each morning to stunning 360-degree mountain views, the rushing sound of nearby waterfalls and in close proximity to some of the nations top hiking trails, prize fly fishing and a list of other pursuits. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. } One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Thank you, Lori! Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). 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. 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. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Walk Score: 36/100. 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.. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. 4. One of the top 10 arts communities . The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. 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. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. 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. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. } Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene.

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