Weddings, anniversaries, and honeymooners love the tranquility and its arguably one of the most romantic getaways in NC. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. If you want a more outdoorsy experience, you may also want to consider camping in the Outer Banks. Trinity Overall SnackAbility 5 /10 Population: 6,610 Percent Republican: 76.5% $ Republican Amount Per Capita: $17.56 # Republican Contributions Per Capita: 0.07 More on Trinity: Data Trinity is a city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Kitty Hawk. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Museums pay homage to the cotton mill upbringing of the area, and authentic Southern food establishments, like the Sugar Magnolia Cafe, give you plenty of reasons to head downtown. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. Its wide, sandy beach and aquamarine waters are a beachcombers dream, while the range of water sport opportunities on offer will leave no one disappointed. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach 6. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. Not a problem. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC. This was actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the US from Germany as a child! There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. It is just across the Intracoastal Waterway from the small beach town of Indiatlantic and several miles north of the Sebastian Inlet, widely recognized as one of the best surfing beaches on the East Coast and one of the state's most popular beaches. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. The population was 27,198 according to the 2010 Census. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. 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. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life. Sail on the Neuse River. The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. 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. Editors Note: We updated this article for 2019. 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 $15 million beach replenishment project in 2017 doubled down on its sandy gifts. An ideal way to begin your tours is to view a 15-minute video at the tourist information office at the top end of South Broad Street. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. Population: 25,600Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ 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. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. Calm, sedate, and gorgeously green, Duck is the perfect option for city folk who secretly hate the city. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. 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. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. Why We Recommend This Beach Boasting its 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll be surprised with what's in store in Ocracoke Island. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike. Harkers island is served by a post office, a few restaurants, and a grocery store, but is primarily known for slowing life down to a pace that's nice and easy. It begins at the City Pier. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. The town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is wonderfully restored to its original glory, and over 40 movies and television shows have been shot here. 1. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. Avon is a great place to stop and park yourself. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, CO, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New Orleans, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, The 20 Worst Cities for Human Trafficking in the World, How Simu Liu Achieved a Net Worth of $4 Million, The 20 Best Chevy Muscle Cars of All-Time, How Lizzo Achieved a Net Worth of $40 Million. Yes, the Denver area will have more brewpubs and live music and will be more socially liberal, but it's also a lot pricier. 9. Tucked away from the mighty Pamlico River, Bath is one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with a population of just over 200. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Delaware. 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. 22. Asheville. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. If you prefer a hotel room, there are a few places just south of town in Buxton. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. Beaches Parks. Population: 88,728. In the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night and live music concerts featuring a variety of musicians across the musical spectrum. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. - Tim Crystal Nails. Currently we live on the north shore of Long Island, NY near Oyster Bay, (Teddy Roosevelt's home and grave). Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Crystal Coast. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. The towns proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks. 6. Population: 15,107Percent Democrat: 62.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.04# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Roanoke Rapids:Photos |Data, Population: 28,052Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $35.51# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.34More on Cornelius:Photos |Data. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. The town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops, sporting events, and all activities hosted by the Biltmore Estate. The town has plenty of dining and entertainment offers, so youll never get bored, and has held on to its Southern charm to make it feel like home. Albemarle. This family-friendly island near Wilmington has 10 miles of south-facing beaches, not to mention a fishing pier and nostalgic pleasures that include ice cream and miniature golf. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. It is the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida. (Chapel Hill is in both counties). With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. If the wind is up, which it frequently is in the Outer Banks, you may be lucky enough to see the hang gliders launching themselves off the dunes. About 70 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, is Pawleys Island, a barrier island known for its sand dunes, beaches, golf courses, and rope hammocks. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. - ang cn 2-3 th bit lm Everything, TCN, Bt , bit th cng tt. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. Population: 230. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. Sunny. Population: 826,060Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $9.56# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.04More on Charlotte:Photos |Data. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. This 30-minute ride across the mouth of the Cape Fear River is a cheap way to see the seaside scenery and much better than taking the long way around to get to town. 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 are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. Tracey Minkin is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in national and regional magazines as well as digital platforms including Southern Living, Coastal Living, Travel + Leisure, Outside, Food & Wine, Men's Journal, VERANDA, and many more. 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. The town itself is easy to navigate by foot. 13. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. 3. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and its easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. 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. Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $950. 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. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. Families (not to mention singles and retirees) who decide to make their visit a little more permanent wont be disappointed, With a decent clutch of schools, plenty of amenities, an affordable cost of living, superb recreational opportunities, and one of the prettiest beaches in North Carolina, theres no doubting its a great place to live. 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. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway 158 joins up with Highway 12. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. The iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk with its carousel, arcade, carnival rides, and ice cream parlous is the place to be in the warmer months, especially on Thursday evenings when it comes alive with firework displays and live music shows. Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2022. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. 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. There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early 1800s. 2. Some of these towns are quiet getaways focused on surf and sand, while others offer shopping and strolling along old-timey boardwalks and adventures on the water. 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). Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. Activities just outside of town include golfing, dolphin cruises, and deep-sea fishing. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. A token fee is charged to walk out on the pier and is a worthy investment for the fine views you'll encounter. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. By Cranean. Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". One of the best things to do in North Carolina is enjoy world-class BBQ. Tarboro is a town located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, United States. With a population of 230, it would not be easy to find a smaller beach town that is as beautiful and unique as Bald Head Island. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. While the channel is no longer in use, the town has erected a museum and accompanying trail that allows you to glimpse the areas industrial beginnings. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. Overall Niche Grade. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life. 4. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. Charlotte. iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus. 2,984) Weaverville (Pop . 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. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The 17 Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S. 3. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. 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. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. The downtown is lively, home to numerous attractions (including the very visit-worth North Carolina Maritime Museum), and blessed with enough entertainment and amenities to keep everyone happy. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. Founded by Charles and Laura Douglass in 1893, Charles was the son of the well . Learn how your comment data is processed. Most weekends, youll find the main street of this town blocked off and plenty of pedestrians strolling through art shops and shacks set up for the occasion. World class rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are all within a 20-minute drive of the town center, which offers plenty of grit on its own. 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