best nc mountain towns to live

You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Mitchell. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Loved Black Mountain! The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. .wp-show-posts a { Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. 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. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. 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 -. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 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. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Great place to visit! This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Highlands, North Carolina. .right-sidebar .content-area { Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); 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. 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. padding-right: 10px !important; Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. 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. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Hope you get to see them sometime! The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. There. 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. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. .search .content-area a { .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Flat Rock. This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. @media (max-width: 767px) { 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. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. height: 100%; Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. } 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. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. min-width: 310px; 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. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. 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 . Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. 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. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Let us know in the comments section, as always. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. padding-right: 10px; Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). 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. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. It's an outstanding alternative for those . It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Thank you, Lori! Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Taylor. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. 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. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. } .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} 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. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Banner Elk. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA For a mountain getaway the whole family will enjoy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal destination. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. .inside-footer-widgets a { Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. 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. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport }, false ); It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! } These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. 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. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Walk Score: 36/100. 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. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). .sidebar a { The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. 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. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina.

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