best nc mountain towns to live

Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. .content-area a { In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. .inside-footer-widgets a { Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our Relocation Director, Karen Danner, who can assist you with every detail of your move to North Carolina. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. The median home price in Ayden is 127,400 and the median income is $53,317, giving Ayden a solid ratio of home price to income. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. 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. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} 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. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. 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. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? 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. 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) Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. Skiing in North Carolina: With elevations that exceed 5,000 feet and extensive snowmaking equipment, the mountains of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for skiing. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Let us know in the comments section, as always. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); 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 Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Thanks for commenting. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 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 Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. .wp-show-posts a { Hope you get to see them sometime! This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. Boone is a haven of natural wonders offering an, Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, click for interactive map of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns, 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants You Need to Try! (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. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. } Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. 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. Highlands, North Carolina. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. 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. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. #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. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. 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. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Here are a few of them. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. .wp-block-button a { Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. padding-right: 10px !important; Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Old Fort. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. 6. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} text-decoration: underline min-width: 310px; Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. text-decoration: none Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. There. 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.

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