Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. A wonderful walk along the Duck Boardwalk starts at the kayak launch parking area and heads south along the shoreline ultimately ending at Aqua Restaurant, where you can have a leisurely lunch on their wonderful outdoor patio. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. The price-to-income ratio in Ogden is 3.9, vs. 5.3 for Denver,. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] Sunny. High 78F. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. 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. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 22nd-largest in the U.S., and had a 2016 population of 2,474,314. plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. If you want a more outdoorsy experience, you may also want to consider camping in the Outer Banks. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The main street, also known as Highway 12, has an assortment of unique shops, restaurants, and hotels spread along its length. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Head over the bridge to Atlantic Beach for a little sun and sand. 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. Cn Gp Th Nail Cho Tim ng Khch In Liberal, KS. Stroll past the various shops, stop by the waterfront to catch the action, and then retire to a waterfront patio to soak up the views of Sugarloaf Island. Overall Niche Grade. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolinas most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls. Sure, youve got all the amenities youll need, but rather than chain stores and drive-ins, youll get an eclectic range of independent boutiques and eateries. Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. Thanks to its short driving distance from Wilmington, youll never be far from the city lights. Bright white cottages with red roofs, stately sea captains' homes, two lighthouses, local shops, and water in seemingly every direction (what with the confluence of the river and the Intracoastal Waterway) create vistas at every bend in the road. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. Looking for: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. University of North Carolina at Asheville offers local residents a full calendar of arts and cultural events. Stay in a home on the sound side for a great view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. Each village brings its own delightful draws and, Sylva is a small North Carolina mountain town just a short drive away from Asheville. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. 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. One of the best things to do in North Carolina is enjoy world-class BBQ. Official Website. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. By Cranean. As one of the largest towns in the Outer Banks, Nags Head is one of North Carolinas best-known beach towns. Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest, as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. That left us with 132 cities and towns. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. 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. - ang cn 2-3 th bit lm Everything, TCN, Bt , bit th cng tt. Beaches Parks. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. The chance that anyone you meet who lives in the city will identify as a Democrat is 85%, with other political and religious leanings panning out as follows: Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. 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. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. 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. 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. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. 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. To feel the heartbeat of North Carolina, spend some time in Saluda. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Emerald Isle. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. The Citadel - The Military College of South Carolina. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. Sail on the Neuse River. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. Asheville. Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. 2,716) Fearrington Village (Pop. The town itself is equally noteworthy, with every kind of amenity youll need and enough housing options to please all tastes and budgets. in English from Stanford University and a M.S. Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. Yes, the Denver area will have more brewpubs and live music and will be more socially liberal, but it's also a lot pricier. Everything Our Editors Bought and Loved in January. Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. It is listed as a gamma-minus global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in North Carolina with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. 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. This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park, with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path. Topsail Island. Bath and its surroundings around Goose Creek were once the home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a "Blackbeard Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks. Ocracoke Island. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Greensboro. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. If youre wondering, Archdale is the most conservative city in North Carolina of all those we measured. It has many historical churches, some dating from the early 19th century. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. Orange County, NC went for Clinton over Trump by 50 points (72 to 22). Well there you have it, the places in North Carolina that have the highest number of liberals per capita, with Durham ranking as the least conservative in the entire state. 5. 2. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Stop by Ms. Sils for a famous cream pie. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. You will need to follow the boardwalk just past the visitor center until the very end and then walk another 10 minutes to the base of the dunes. #1 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Town in North Carolina A minus Overall Niche Grade A Public Schools A+ Good for Retirees Population 1,288 View nearby homes #2 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina St. James Town in North Carolina 3 reviews Current Resident: We moved here in October 2020 and love it! 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. This is a great place for families, with numerous things to do, including mini golf, family-friendly restaurants, and one of the best beaches in North Carolina. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. Summer street festivals are a common occurrence, and most weekends will bring plenty of organic entertainment near Weaver Street Market, the prominent meeting place for the town. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. What to Do on Bald Head Island. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. Morehead City, NC (28557) Today. 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 main town area of Duck is set on the broad and flat Currituck Sound and is protected from the worst of the Atlantic Ocean weather. Brad Styron/Courtesy of Crystal Coast TDA, Photo: Michael DeFreitas/robertharding/Getty, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Prettiest Beach Town in Every Beachy State, Emerald Isle Is the Tiny North Carolina Beach Town That Inspires a Slowdown, Duck Is the Tiny Outer Banks Town You Have to Visit Now, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, The Under-The-Radar Florida Beach Town You Need To Visit, The 10 Best Beaches In Texas To Visit, From State Parks To Small Towns, South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently). 2 - Fayetteville, Arkansas Retiree Cost of Living: 13.8% below national averages Average Retiree Income: $85,436 Tax Status: Not Tax-Friendly Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican 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. 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. If you want a low-key vacation, get a house on the lake in Semora for the weekend and relax in peace. Best Places to Live in North Carolina for Democrats 1.Raleigh When it comes to Democratic leanings, no place in North Carolina is more liberal than the state capital of Raleigh. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in North Carolina. Greenville. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. With a population of more than 736,000 people, it is the third most populous metropolitan area in North Carolina. Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina's third oldest town. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. Expect to find usual favorites, plenty of pizza, and fresh seafood. 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. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. 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. But . Myrtle Beach, SC. 3. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. The cost of living is well within reach, the schools are more than respectable, and the housing options will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. 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. Kitty Hawk is one of the most popular destinations located in the busier central Outer Banks, offering pristine North Carolina beaches along with awe-inspiring and diverse fauna and flora. Editors Note: We updated this article for 2019. Carrboro has the hip feeling of Piedmonts central triangle area but doesnt quite conform like the other places. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. This is one of the top fishing destinations on the Outer Banks. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Of course you can lounge on the beach all day, but some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach are play disc golf, enjoy a beer at one of the best Wilmington breweries, or take a kayak out to Zekes island. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. Itll only take you four blocks to make it through downtown Saluda, each block an eclectic mix of new shops and stores that havent changed in decades. Kitty Hawk. Thomas_Kelley / Getty Images. 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