best nc mountain towns to live

Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas 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. ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. 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. Old Fort. 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. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. 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. 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. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? } Taylor. These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. One of the top 10 arts communities . The Best Mountain Towns In NC - Plan Your Trip To The Mountains Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. 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. 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. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked - Outside Online Mitchell. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Best Towns to Live in the Smoky Mountains - MountainJobs.com That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Great place to visit! Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. 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. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Hope you get to see them sometime! Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. 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. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. 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. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. 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. 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! The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. padding-left: 10px; There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. Black Mountain. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Twitter Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina North Conway, New Hampshire. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. 6. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! #right-sidebar { Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. 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. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. In summer, you may see people fishing. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. What about you, though? min-width: 310px; Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. 14. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. 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. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. height: 100%; .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. 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. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. @media (max-width: 767px) { The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). 4. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. } 5. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. .wp-show-posts a { 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! These studios open twice a year for Weaverville Art Safari, for which art lovers and makers alike travel from all over to be a part of. 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. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Overall SnackAbility. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. Davidson. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). 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. 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. 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. 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. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Banner Elk. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs 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. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% 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. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Flat Rock. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. 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. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. 4 Roxboro at No. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. }); "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 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. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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 . North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. 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. Show Transcript. 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. 9. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . 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. 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. Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative.