#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! Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. Don't have a 4WD vehicle? You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. 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. Cape Hatteras. The US Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 2,037,430 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. As is the case with most California towns on our list of the most affordable liberal college towns, the biggest difference in cost is housing. Tucked away from the mighty Pamlico River, Bath is one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with a population of just over 200. Morehead City, NC (28557) Today. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. The town itself is packed with attractions, including the fascinating Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. (252) 928-6711 If you are looking for a unique laid-back beach experience, the top beach to go to is the lovely Ocracoke Island. Winston-Salem. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in this small town, and has a, Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns and one of the best places to visit in North Carolina, if you like outdoor activities and fresh, The tiny town nestled in the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains is called Mount Airy. 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. 4,194) Avery Creek (Pop. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . Chasing Chains, LLC. There are more golf carts than cars driving through town, and with a plethora of rental options available, you can have your choice of open-air off-road vehicles to explore the uncrowded beaches. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');And if you already knew these places were liberal, check out some more reading about North Carolina and the most lberal places in the country: We started by making a list of every city in North Carolina over 5,000 people based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (The most recent data). This small mountain town in North Carolina has grown up naturally. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. The heart of Hyco Lake, one of North Carolinas most beautiful lakes, has one gas station that doubles as the areas only restaurant and boat launch. 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. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. Compared to the nation as a whole, North Carolina leans more republican. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. 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. Even within a single year, a particular neighborhood or metro area can change from being a sellers market to a buyers market and back. 2,984) Weaverville (Pop . 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. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC. 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). Population: 230. The main things to see and do are easily reached by foot, and if you find yourself tired out by the adventure, stop in at one of the restaurants and recharge with a fine seafood meal. Be sure to check out the Southport Pier and Riverwalk with its great views and fresh breezes. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Carrboro has the hip feeling of Piedmonts central triangle area but doesnt quite conform like the other places. A glance at the 2020 Florida election results says your beachside options are pretty limited: the Jacksonville area, the three counties in the southeast corner (Palm Beach, Broward and. The Woodlands. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. They have plenty of sites to explore, whether you're a pirate fanatic, intrigued by early colonial history, excited by sea turtles, or anxious to see herds of wild horses. 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. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway 158 joins up with Highway 12. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. Yes, named (with a smile) for the abundance of waterfowl that traditionally lured hunters to this northern end of the Outer Banks, this resort town has low-key sophistication that's utterly winning, including a vibrant small community of independent shops and restaurants (and a respected jazz festival). Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. In addition to dining, shopping, and walking, additional things to do include fishing from the boardwalk, crabbing on the sound, cycling along the six-mile Duck Trail, or catching a free show at the Amphitheater. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 11,415. Other forms of accommodation include vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts. Public Schools. 2,546) Royal Pines (Pop. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. Small: No major cities allowed. But . Those who need a beach in their life will find tiny Town Beach a quick fix, and the broad strands of Atlantic Beach aren't far away. A tiny town located near the outskirts of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known and loved for its wide beaches, soft white sand, and picturesque stilt houses situated right on the water, many of which . Bath and its surroundings around Goose Creek were once the home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a "Blackbeard 23. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . This impressive concrete structure extends 1,000 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. Delaware. The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia. Wrightsville Beach Park. It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. 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. Morrisville Wikipedia Population: 18,585 Liberal voters: 55% Vegan rank: First 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. 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. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. So much so, you're guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Kitty Hawk. Orange County, NC went for Clinton over Trump by 50 points (72 to 22). Raleigh and Durham. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. One of the highlights of a visit to Beaufort is a stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where treasures from Blackbeard's sunken pirate ship discovered just offshore are on display. Activities just outside of town include golfing, dolphin cruises, and deep-sea fishing. 3. 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. You can camp right on the sand or right on the sea; every side is waterfront. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. Duck is also unique for its extensive, elevated, one-mile boardwalk out over the water that connects various restaurants, shops, and parks while providing great views out over the sound. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! Kitty Hawk is located just north of Kill Devil Hills, and if you are driving along the highway 158, with its big box stores and shops, you could be forgiven for not noticing that you are in a new town. That connection to waterfishing, pleasure boating, paddling, and sailing (Oriental is known as the sailing capital of North Carolina)defines the maritime charm of this village-like spot on the broad Neuse River as it opens into Pamlico Sound. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. One of the best things to do in North Carolina is enjoy world-class BBQ. - Tim Crystal Nails. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. Book a stay at one of the charming old bed and breakfasts and spend a leisurely day exploring the town. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. Its title as 'America's Coolest Small Town' seems to be down to a combination of 300-years of history - complete with small historic district . It's a fun family thing to do. It is listed as a gamma-minus global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. It is the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. A+. Read More The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019Continue. Asheville Source:Flickr.com With a population of less than 90,000, Asheville is just barely over a tenth the size of Charlotte and a fifth the size of Raleigh. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. Parking is free and plentiful here. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. Looking for: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. Come to have easy access to the outdoors and stay to feel a part of the family oh and have a drink at one of the best Brevard breweries. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. in English from Stanford University and a M.S. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and it's easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". 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. Miami. Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches (named among the Best Restored Beaches for 2018), but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. Median Household Income: $42,612. 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. Over the past several decades there have been significant changes in the population of the world. 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. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. Homes dating from the 17th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over 200 years ago. If you can plan for it, the North Carolina Seafood Festival happens the first weekend in October each year and is considered one of the most popular festivals in the state. No matter which of our favorites you choose, you'll feel restored by an escape to small-town life at the beach. If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. Calabash-style seafood is lightly breaded right off the boat, and there are plenty of restaurants featuring the local fare. 3. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. 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. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach Oak Island. Thomas_Kelley / Getty Images. If you love fishing, bring your gear, you might land any one of the following: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, triggerfish, sea mullet, croakers, and pigfish. With Rodanthe as a base camp, you can head either north or south along the Outer Banks and find a great way to spend the afternoon. Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. In addition to dining, the town offers great opportunities for shopping across a wide variety of retail shops. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state. Asheville. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. Thank you for providing all of this information! 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. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2016 U.S.Census population estimate of 2,632,249. Overall Niche Grade. Be sure to stop by the weigh-in area in the afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of which are enormous. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. This was actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the US from Germany as a child! Greenville. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. While the best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NC all use Lexington sauce. 2. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. North Carolinas middle section is full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and playing golf. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. Durham County was even more lopsided - Clinton won 78-18. Attractions for mom and dad are in the form of outlet malls, beach shops, Gallery Row, and the Historic District, with its unpainted traditional cedar shake beach cottages. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Lets go through these liberal places, shall we? Just inside this protective outer coastal layer you'll find one of the first English settlements in North Carolina: the town of Beaufort, established in 1709. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about Southern... 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