Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. 6. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. text-decoration: none !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Its truly a unique experience. 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. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. } For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. 4 Roxboro at No. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} 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) In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. 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. 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. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. In summer, you may see people fishing. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. .wp-block-button a { I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. 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. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. 7. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. 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. 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. 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 . For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. 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. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. 2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest 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. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! 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. 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. Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com } // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Great place to visit! Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website 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. 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. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas 3 Brevard at No. }); text-decoration: none 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. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. 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. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Old Fort. There. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com 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! Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. .wp-show-posts a { } Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. 4. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche 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. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Twitter There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. 2. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% 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. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. 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. 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. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge 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. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. North Conway, New Hampshire. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. 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. 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.. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. 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. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Read More About Our Journey! At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. min-width: 310px; Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. 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. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 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. 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. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. But it's far from the only one. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). .site-header .header-image { 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. North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. } ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Head here for one of the most romantic weekends 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. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. 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. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination.