Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. It's at this point that the hard work begins. For an even closer look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the twisty waterways. The small towns of North Carolina are one of our favorite aspects of the state. Oak Island. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Don't have a 4WD vehicle? If you can plan for it, the North Carolina Seafood Festival happens the first weekend in October each year and is considered one of the most popular festivals in the state. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. Some of these towns don't have large off-season populations, though, and may be pretty quiet/dull during winter months. Read More The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019Continue. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. Tucked away from the mighty Pamlico River, Bath is one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with a population of just over 200. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. For an interesting free show, stop in for lunch at Good Winds, located upstairs in the Kitty Hawk Kites complex, where you can sit on the patio and watch the crazy kiters zip across the waves and perform aerial tricks. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. With history running through its veins (including pre-Civil War Fort Macon), the oldest town on Bogue Bankswith its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the southis also home to the nostalgic (and 1,000-foot-long) Oceanana Fishing Pier, plus a steady swell for surfing. Calm, sedate, and gorgeously green, Duck is the perfect option for city folk who secretly hate the city. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census. Overall Niche Grade. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. In addition to dining, the town offers great opportunities for shopping across a wide variety of retail shops. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. This little, eight-mile-long barrier island on North Carolina's southernmost stretch of coast is a laid-back escape that families love, and a $15 million beach replenishment project in 2017 doubled down on its sandy gifts. He has written for 39 publications across the country and ran the media relations department at Movoto, a real estate portal based in San Francisco. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. 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). The Culture Trip considers Kitty Hawk one of the ten most beautiful towns in North Carolina. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). Inside the clubhouse lies a museum that broadcasts more of the history of the area. The town is home to sunset beach, miles of iconic sandy dunes where visitors can catch the sunrise over the sound and the sunset across the ocean. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House? Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. It is part of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area. Nearby, Western North Carolina University more than doubles the population of this cute, North Carolina small town that has plenty to offer every time of the year. It's not just all about the fun to be had driving on the broad sands of this southern coast getaway at the northern end of Pleasure Island; or hitting its vintage boardwalk (which features old-school amusement rides in summer), lively beach bars, and superb seafood spots. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. Miles to Beach: 1 mile. 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. Replete with historic homes, scenic parks, and tree-lined avenues, its distinctly family-friendly vibe is complimented perfectly by its gorgeous waterfront, its low crime rate, walkable streets, and excellent selection of schools. The town makes a somewhat outrageous claim as the "Seafood Capital of the World," but there is some substance to the statement. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. The main street, also known as Highway 12, has an assortment of unique shops, restaurants, and hotels spread along its length. North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. Attractions for mom and dad are in the form of outlet malls, beach shops, Gallery Row, and the Historic District, with its unpainted traditional cedar shake beach cottages. One of the most charming towns in rural North Carolina, Washington still retains coastal charm while being a simple, charming, and cool small town all on its own. Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. By pparrothead. This black-and-white beacon can be climbed, and the reward for the effort of going up 257 stairs is amazing views up and down the coast. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. The price-to-income ratio in Ogden is 3.9, vs. 5.3 for Denver,. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. 3. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. 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. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. 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. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. Median Home Price: $247,112. If you want a low-key vacation, get a house on the lake in Semora for the weekend and relax in peace. 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. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. Florida Tech is a technical research university in Melbourne, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. With the warm tides of the Atlantic Ocean washing the shore, the wide, pristine beaches, and the photographic lighthouses dotted along the shoreline, its unquestionably a stunning place to visit. Entertainment outside of the beach: Music, breweries, galleries, museums, and festivals also play integral parts of the culture. One of the more unique colleges on the list, The Military College of South Carolina, or more commonly known as The Citadel, is a college intricately involved with its coastal location. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. One of the most interesting things to see near Avon is the towering Cape Hatteras lighthouse, about eight miles south of town. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . The main reason I want to leave is the aggressive and abrasive attitude of a majority of the residents. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. Article continues below. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. Interestingly enough, most landlords are aware of this, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they convey the laws properly to, Read More Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter?Continue, The real estate market fluctuates and shifts constantly. Between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was ranked as the countrys fastest growing metro area, with 888,000 new residents. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. #15 Oak Island Beach, Oak Island, N.C. Shutterstock Oak Island, North Carolina, didn't just make this list because of its stellar views and clean sand. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. 2. With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. 9. On the Northern edge of the outer banks, it hasnt developed to favor tourism as much as other towns on the barrier banks of the state. The island is 4 miles long and offers vast and unspoiled beaches, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular. Many renters arent aware that they have certain rights that are protected under the law. This article may contain affiliate links. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. The Greenville area is a college town, not terribly far from the Coast, but if you absolutely must be in a NC coastal town and want the most progressive, Wilmington is your only hope. If youre wondering, Archdale is the most conservative city in North Carolina of all those we measured. 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. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. If you cant get enough of the sauce, Lexington-sauce lovers flock to the town every year to sample 1,000s of sauces made in the traditional style but full of new kicks. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 22nd-largest in the U.S., and had a 2016 population of 2,474,314. The main things to see and do are easily reached by foot, and if you find yourself tired out by the adventure, stop in at one of the restaurants and recharge with a fine seafood meal. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the citys population to be 251,893 as of July 1, 2014, making it the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina, and the 78th-most populous city in the United States. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. A+. A token fee is charged to walk out on the pier and is a worthy investment for the fine views you'll encounter. Thank you for providing all of this information! Chief among its attractions are its beach towns. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. 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 is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Morrisville Wikipedia Population: 18,585 Liberal voters: 55% Vegan rank: First 27. 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