People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. 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 . Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } 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. .wp-show-posts a { 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. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Facebook. 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. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Hampstead NC. 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. 2 Marion at No. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. 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. Flat Rock. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. 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. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) padding-left: 10px !important; 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. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. 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. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. 2. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Twitter But it's far from the only one. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? "version": "7.4.0", Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. 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. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. ), 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). There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. 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. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. 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. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. 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. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. 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. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. One of the top 10 arts communities . Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. 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. 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. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. .sidebar a { The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. 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. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. } Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. 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 . So many great mountain towns to choose from! Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 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. .inside-footer-widgets a { Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. Mount Airy, a.k.a. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); This is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. #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. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Spruce Pine is a nice spot throughout the year, but two events here are really coolthe NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo) in June. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Black Mountain. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. text-decoration: underline The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. /***Underline Links***/ Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). What about you, though? 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. 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. } ); 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. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. 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. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. 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! Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! "source": "woocommerce", 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. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. 6. Show Transcript. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin 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. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. 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. padding-right: 10px; Let us know in the comments section, as always. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. 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. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). 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 Advertisement. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! 4. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Here are a few of them. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Highlands, North Carolina. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. 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. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). In summer, you may see people fishing. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Median household income: $40,875. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA For a mountain getaway the whole family will enjoy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal destination. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore.