best nc mountain towns to live

Posted on March 14, 2023 by

It's an outstanding alternative for those . Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website .archive .content-area a { Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Thanks for commenting. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { .search .content-area a { Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Its truly a unique experience. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. 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. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. 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. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. } If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. .wp-show-posts a { Awesome to hear, Rebecca! The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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. In summer, you may see people fishing. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. The various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 2 Marion at No. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 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. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Black Mountain. 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. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. . You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. } Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! } Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Mitchell. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. 2. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Mount Airy, a.k.a. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. 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. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. 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. min-width: 310px; There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. /***Underline Links***/ One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. .wp-block-button a { Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. padding-left: 10px !important; Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. North Conway, New Hampshire. 3. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Walk Score: 36/100. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . 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 top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. 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. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. 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. 5. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. 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. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. 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. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. 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. One of the top 10 arts communities . Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. 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. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. text-decoration: none padding-left: 10px; It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. This article may contain affiliate links. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" 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. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. } Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. 1. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. 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. Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% 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. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. }, false ); 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. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year.

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best nc mountain towns to live