Head to Semora if youre looking for solitude. 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. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2022. Homes dating from the 17th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over 200 years ago. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Population: 7,033Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $122.5# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.29More on Hillsborough:Photos |Data. Vendors set up nearby selling everything from homemade ice-cream to savory dishes. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches (named among the Best Restored Beaches for 2018), but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Duck is also unique for its extensive, elevated, one-mile boardwalk out over the water that connects various restaurants, shops, and parks while providing great views out over the sound. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Bright white cottages with red roofs, stately sea captains' homes, two lighthouses, local shops, and water in seemingly every direction (what with the confluence of the river and the Intracoastal Waterway) create vistas at every bend in the road. It is the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Oregon has a liberal advantage of -4 points due to 32% of voters identifying as conservative; however, 35% of voters identify as moderate. The chance that anyone you meet who lives in the city will identify as a Democrat is 85%, with other political and religious leanings panning out as follows: Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. The Corolla Adventure Park provides some fun outside of the water, and a plethora of local dining options include live music. With its romantic historic mansions; a thriving downtown with great shops, restaurants, and bars; a picturesque Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River; and a youthful vibe thanks to the local University of North Carolina campus, this magnet is also a quick drive to the sands of Wrightsville and Carolina beaches. Some of the attractions around town are the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Not to be confused with the replica courthouse, this original structure looks out over a large green space and faces out onto the sound with cannons at the water's edge. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. In the 2016 presidential election, 50.1% of voters voted Democratic while 39.1% voted Republican. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. It's a fun family thing to do. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. A great way to get to Southport from Wilmington is to take the historic Southport-Fort Fisher car and passenger ferry. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. 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.". Not all of them are the kind youd want to live in, but all are imbued with their own distinct sense of charm, personality, and, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, COContinue, Overall, Louisiana isnt an expensive state. The town itself is packed with attractions, including the fascinating Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. 3. Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's fun for all ages. The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. The area was one of the states industrial headquarters, and as businesses died down, warehouses and brick mill buildings morphed into a hip district worth checking out. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. The cost of living is well within reach, the schools are more than respectable, and the housing options will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. Liberal voters: 42% Thrift store rank: 2nd Vegan rank: 11th Waynesville might be considered a little hippie town just west of Asheville. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. There's plenty to do, with a lighthouse and nature center to visit and prime paddling on the Intracoastal side of the island. 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. Not only is Asheville one of the coolest cities in the state, but it's also one of the most beautiful since it's in the middle . Population: 25,600Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $17.02# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.17More on Mint Hill:Photos |Data, Population: 30,760Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $19.27# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.19More on Matthews:Photos |Data. 13. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. Founded by Charles and Laura Douglass in 1893, Charles was the son of the well . Gualala. If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. 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. Nags Head is one of the few towns on the Outer Banks where you can find a good selection of hotels, including resorts. Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive from Wilmington, so getting here is easy and quick; parking is in well-marked lots, and you can pay by the hour and recharge your time via your phone. Down at the dock areas there is always something to see or do, whether it's a fisherman showing off his catch or people catching up on an outdoor patio. Beaches. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. It's also home to the Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is the East Coast's tallest natural dune system and an incredible place to try hang gliding. Myrtle Beach, SC. Emerald Isle. The town's most popular fishing pier and one of the major attractions is Janette's Pier. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. Asheville. The George on Wilmington's Riverwalk. 2. 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. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. The small towns of North Carolina are one of our favorite aspects of the state. In the summer, every Tuesday, a free concert takes place at the town park, with bands providing a mix of musical styles. As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Some of the best hiking in NC can be found around Brevard. In short, its everything youd want a beach town to be. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. The Woodlands. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. Best Places to Live in North Carolina for Democrats 1.Raleigh When it comes to Democratic leanings, no place in North Carolina is more liberal than the state capital of Raleigh. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. This fishing town off the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River Inlet at the South Carolina border is dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the World" for a reason. Article continues below. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. A sizable full-time residential community gives this area some authentic flavor. An alternative may be a cool/liberal town that is near the shore if not right on it. Tracey holds a B.A. Credit (Getty Images) View as article. Learn how your comment data is processed. 5. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . 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. Along the beach, you can witness one-of-a-kind wild horses, the Colonial Spanish Mustang - the island's true treasures, and go on a guided ride with them. Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. This impressive concrete structure extends 1,000 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. For a change of pace from the beach, you can walk along the wonderfully serene boardwalk, where you'll have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles, deer, otters, and egrets. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. A tiny town located near the outskirts of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known and loved for its wide beaches, soft white sand, and picturesque stilt houses situated right on the water, many of which . Trinity Overall SnackAbility 5 /10 Population: 6,610 Percent Republican: 76.5% $ Republican Amount Per Capita: $17.56 # Republican Contributions Per Capita: 0.07 More on Trinity: Data Trinity is a city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. 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. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest, as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day. North Carolina's coastal towns offer a mix of experiences, from quaint historic communities with 18th-century homes and tree-lined streets to thriving beach scenes and fun activity-based destinations for families. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In North Carolina, 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In North Carolina, 10 Worst Places To Live In North Carolina, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. Asheville. 6. 19. The local community loves their hometown, and the natural appreciation the inhabitants have for their surroundings shows in the small towns development. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. Sunny. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. Corolla - Best North Carolina Beaches. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 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. Population: 826,060Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $9.56# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.04More on Charlotte:Photos |Data. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Those who need a beach in their life will find tiny Town Beach a quick fix, and the broad strands of Atlantic Beach aren't far away. Avon is another wonderful beach town in the Outer Banks that is a great place to base yourself to see the best of the area. Its title as 'America's Coolest Small Town' seems to be down to a combination of 300-years of history - complete with small historic district . Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. The area has several good campgrounds for tenters or RVs. If the wind is up, which it frequently is in the Outer Banks, you may be lucky enough to see the hang gliders launching themselves off the dunes. It is the county seat of Durham County. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. Although the town is really a collection of retail stores and restaurants along the highway, it's the stunning beach and nearby attractions that make it a popular place to visit. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Calabash-style seafood is lightly breaded right off the boat, and there are plenty of restaurants featuring the local fare. Book a stay at one of the charming old bed and breakfasts and spend a leisurely day exploring the town. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. Raleigh and Durham. 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). Asheville. The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. Avon is a great place to stop and park yourself. North Carolinas middle section is full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and playing golf. This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. By Cranean. (Getty . 1. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. It is listed as a gamma-minus global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. One of the most interesting things to see near Avon is the towering Cape Hatteras lighthouse, about eight miles south of town. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. 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. If you feel this is something you just have to try, lessons are available right at the park. About 70 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, is Pawleys Island, a barrier island known for its sand dunes, beaches, golf courses, and rope hammocks. Asheville, North Carolina. Waynesville has plenty of mountain spirit. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House? No matter which of our favorites you choose, you'll feel restored by an escape to small-town life at the beach. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. 22. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. Carolina Beach is not just a beach, but an island between the Cape Fear River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Compared to the nation as a whole, North Carolina leans more republican. Places which were previously uninhabited are dotted with cities and towns, making room for the ever-expanding numbers of people. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Ken Christensen, CEO of Washington-based The Politics Company Inc., a Democratic messaging and fundraising firm, said there are reasons a candidate would want to keep initial fundraising numbers . Kayaking excursions depart from near the town center to explore vast amounts of barrier islands that make up the more natural parts of the town. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. These are the best towns in North Carolina where LGBT individuals and families can find a warm community: Asheville Raleigh Durham Charlotte Winston-Salem Wilmington Greensboro 1. Delaware. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. Between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was ranked as the countrys fastest growing metro area, with 888,000 new residents. 2 - Fayetteville, Arkansas Retiree Cost of Living: 13.8% below national averages Average Retiree Income: $85,436 Tax Status: Not Tax-Friendly Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Most of the accommodation is in elevated beach houses that can be rented through one of the local real estate companies. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina's third oldest town. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. 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! There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in this small town, and has a, Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns and one of the best places to visit in North Carolina, if you like outdoor activities and fresh, The tiny town nestled in the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains is called Mount Airy. Don't have a 4WD vehicle? Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. All rights reserved. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. Sure, youve got all the amenities youll need, but rather than chain stores and drive-ins, youll get an eclectic range of independent boutiques and eateries. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 22nd-largest in the U.S., and had a 2016 population of 2,474,314. Kitty Hawk. 1. There are many urban areas, including the states capital Chicago, but there is also plenty of rolling hills, wetlands, farmland, and forests. Thomas_Kelley / Getty Images. 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. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. Of course you can lounge on the beach all day, but some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach are play disc golf, enjoy a beer at one of the best Wilmington breweries, or take a kayak out to Zekes island. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. 1. He has been featured in over 500 publications as an expert in real estate and as an authority on real estate trends. Oak Island. 1. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. The. A+. Overall Niche Grade. Just a short drive from Wilmington brings you to golden sands and warm waters at Carolina Beach. 15. The town has even gone full hog and shares its spirit with pig statues located throughout downtown. Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. Yes, named (with a smile) for the abundance of waterfowl that traditionally lured hunters to this northern end of the Outer Banks, this resort town has low-key sophistication that's utterly winning, including a vibrant small community of independent shops and restaurants (and a respected jazz festival). Initially named for a politician by the name of Swann, the town has since enthusiastically adopted the swan as its mascot, and you'll see the graceful bird displayed on signs and in private gardens. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . A world-class golf course at nearby Pinehurst resort has defined the town as the golf capital of a state rich in opportunities for a tee time. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. Over the past several decades there have been significant changes in the population of the world. What's not to love about Oriental, a town with more than three times as many boats as year-round inhabitants? 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. 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. All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. The town has plenty of dining and entertainment offers, so youll never get bored, and has held on to its Southern charm to make it feel like home. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. In the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night and live music concerts featuring a variety of musicians across the musical spectrum. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. 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