At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. 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. 9. The various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. 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 -. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. Old Fort. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. text-decoration: underline NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . 2. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! 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. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. padding-left: 10px !important; The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks 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.. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. 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. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. 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. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Mitchell. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. 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. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. 1. This article may contain affiliate links. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. Its truly a unique experience. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 14. Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. padding-left: 10px; 6. 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. This is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 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. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. 2 Marion at No. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Awesome to hear, Rebecca! Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip 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. 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. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Banner Elk. Great place to visit! 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Highlands, North Carolina. .archive .content-area a { Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 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. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. } The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. 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. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing min-width: 310px; 3 Brevard at No. Read More About Our Journey! Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. (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. } After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! } Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins.