Average Annual Salary: $52,970. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Compared to other nearby states, South Carolina has more republican voters. Down at the dock areas there is always something to see or do, whether it's a fisherman showing off his catch or people catching up on an outdoor patio. Durham County was even more lopsided - Clinton won 78-18. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Morehead City, NC (28557) Today. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best Romantic Getaways In Arkansas You Must Try, the prettiest Outer Banks towns you should visit. The 10 Most Conservative Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. 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. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . The towns proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks. In addition to dining, the town offers great opportunities for shopping across a wide variety of retail shops. You can keep walking straight from Main Street and quickly find yourself on top of Polly Mountain, and stop by a swimming hole on your way down. Thanks to its status as a university town, its blessed with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. Sail on the Neuse River. 2. Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. 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. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. Topsail Island. The South Florida hot spot is the seventh-most populous metro area in the U.S., and its beaches attract vacationers year-round. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. 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. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks. That left us with 132 cities and towns. Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches alone), there are many wonderful beach towns and harbors that are just a short boat ride away from the sand. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. Its not hard to see whats bought them to the conclusion. Tucked away from the mighty Pamlico River, Bath is one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with a population of just over 200. 19. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. If youre looking for a golfing destination or an upscale small-town that invites you to relax, youll enjoy Pinehurst Village. One of the best things to do in North Carolina is enjoy world-class BBQ. Oregon has a liberal advantage of -4 points due to 32% of voters identifying as conservative; however, 35% of voters identify as moderate. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Entertainment outside of the beach: Music, breweries, galleries, museums, and festivals also play integral parts of the culture. One of the highlights is the Chowan County Courthouse. There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Ashevilles laid-back nature doesnt want any attention, but it has plenty to offer. Mix in a surf vibe on the Atlantic, a boating and SUP-centric world on Banks Channel, miles of broad beaches and a deep bench of old-fashioned Carolina beach cottages for sale and rent, and you've got a sense of the magic that makes Wrightsville Beach all-out fun. Some of these towns don't have large off-season populations, though, and may be pretty quiet/dull during winter months. #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! Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Corolla - Best North Carolina Beaches. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . Replete with historic homes, scenic parks, and tree-lined avenues, its distinctly family-friendly vibe is complimented perfectly by its gorgeous waterfront, its low crime rate, walkable streets, and excellent selection of schools. 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. 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. This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate. 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. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in IllinoisContinue, Denver has a total of 78 neighborhoods to its name. Not all of them are the kind youd want to live in, but all are imbued with their own distinct sense of charm, personality, and, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, COContinue, Overall, Louisiana isnt an expensive state. The Greenville area is a college town, not terribly far from the Coast, but if you absolutely must be in a NC coastal town and want the most progressive, Wilmington is your only hope. The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Tracey Minkin is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in national and regional magazines as well as digital platforms including Southern Living, Coastal Living, Travel + Leisure, Outside, Food & Wine, Men's Journal, VERANDA, and many more. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). But . 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. The play area had multiple swings, slides, jungle gyms, and even a small zipline. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. 27. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina's third oldest town. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Median Household Income: $42,612. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. Winston-Salem. Asheville is an artsy city that brews fantastic beer and is home to award-winning chefs, two of its traits making Asheville one of the best places to live in the U.S. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws in outdoor enthusiasts . What to Do on Bald Head Island. Public Schools. While the channel is no longer in use, the town has erected a museum and accompanying trail that allows you to glimpse the areas industrial beginnings. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. North Carolinas middle section is full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and playing golf. Not the people getting elected. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Red Bank, NJ which is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. Official Website. This riverfront port is technically a city, but there are so many things to love about visiting and enjoying Wilmington, it's impossible to leave it off the list. Population: 826,060Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $9.56# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.04More on Charlotte:Photos |Data. - Tim Crystal Nails. Raleigh and Durham. Emerald Isle. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 22nd-largest in the U.S., and had a 2016 population of 2,474,314. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. Close to Virginia and entirely flanked by the Roanoke River, Downtown Roanoke Rapids has a little bit of everything you need for a quiet weekend in the woods. Greensboro beat out the capital city coming in at number 18 on the national list of millennial migrations. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. If you want a luxurious vacation experience, you can find it all in peaceful Blowing Rock. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. Oak Island is one of the best family beach towns in North Carolina. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. Also known as the Prairie State, Illinois borders the Mississippi River and Indiana. 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). Each village brings its own delightful draws and, Sylva is a small North Carolina mountain town just a short drive away from Asheville. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. The Woodlands. You won't find any big box stores or chain restaurants here, it's all local and sometimes eclectic establishments with a low-key scene. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. in English from Stanford University and a M.S. Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and its easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. Topsail Island was not even accessible by car until WWII; the Missiles and More Museum shares the island's history as the former home of a secret missile operation. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. Article continues below. 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. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. 9. (Chapel Hill is in both counties). One of the best seafood meals can be had here at Provision Company. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. The best way to capture the town's essence is to walk around. 1,516) Trent Woods (Pop. 1/13. Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. Camping in the Outer Banks: Staying in coastal towns is a great way to enjoy summer in North Carolina. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . Most weekends, youll find the main street of this town blocked off and plenty of pedestrians strolling through art shops and shacks set up for the occasion. 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. 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. Its population was 57,233 in the 2010 census, making Chapel Hill the 15th-largest city in the state. 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. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. 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. Sylva is a quiet stop on your way towards Tennessee that will surprise you if you take the time to get off the highway. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. At first, Rick Scot was hesitant to trade in West Hollywood for a new home in North Carolina. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. This was actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the US from Germany as a child! Most of the action is found at the base of South Broad Street. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. Families (not to mention singles and retirees) who decide to make their visit a little more permanent wont be disappointed, With a decent clutch of schools, plenty of amenities, an affordable cost of living, superb recreational opportunities, and one of the prettiest beaches in North Carolina, theres no doubting its a great place to live. With 65 public beach access points, it is one of the most welcoming beach towns in the country. Harkers island is served by a post office, a few restaurants, and a grocery store, but is primarily known for slowing life down to a pace that's nice and easy. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. There's a reason this tiny harbor town at the outlet of the Cape Fear River was voted America's Happiest Seaside Town in 2015. We used science and data to determine which cities in North Carolina probably voted for Obama. Greenville. We are looking to possibly move to the Carolinas and it has really helped in our research with the small town info given here! This westernmost community on Bogue Banks is a treasured vacation getaway for families, with its 12 miles of clean shores, clear waters, and old-fashioned neighborhoods and vibe. 23. (Getty . The population was 27,198 according to the 2010 Census. Weddings, anniversaries, and honeymooners love the tranquility and its arguably one of the most romantic getaways in NC. Thanks to its short driving distance from Wilmington, youll never be far from the city lights. Carolina Beach is not just a beach, but an island between the Cape Fear River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. 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. Population: 230. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. Elizabeth also has a strong background in e-commerce content as both a fact checker and writer. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. Living where the sand meets the water is a dream for many people, including those who want to retire comfortably in an affordable beach house.Although beach cities have the reputation of being expensive places to live, each of the coastal cities on this list has a median home price below the U.S. average of $279,000 and a median rent below the national average of $1,483, making them among the . As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 11,415. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. The main reason I want to leave is the aggressive and abrasive attitude of a majority of the residents. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. 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. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. This barrier island town has amenities to please the entire family, like a town park with splash pad, skatepark, and mini-golf, and the nearby aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. One of the most interesting things to see near Avon is the towering Cape Hatteras lighthouse, about eight miles south of town. Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive from Wilmington, so getting here is easy and quick; parking is in well-marked lots, and you can pay by the hour and recharge your time via your phone. Chief among its attractions are its beach towns. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Everything Our Editors Bought and Loved in January. The famous vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk is full of fun things to do, including carnival rides, a carousel, an arcade, ice-cream shops, and restaurants with beachfront patios. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. 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. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. Parking is free and plentiful here. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway 158 joins up with Highway 12. Quiet, calm, and as peaceful as a summer breeze, its the perfect place to experience the simple pleasures in life. Washington, NC, USA 2. This is an escape complete with pirate lore; long stretches of pristine sands all protected by the National Park Service; a fishing village with summer pleasures like ice cream, seafood, and boat charters; and its own bright white, picturesque lighthouse. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. The population was 19,582 at the 2010 census. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. 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. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. Ken Christensen, CEO of Washington-based The Politics Company Inc., a Democratic messaging and fundraising firm, said there are reasons a candidate would want to keep initial fundraising numbers . 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. Who makes the decisions? Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Sandwich in Salter Path. In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. An iconic gay beach destination since the 1970s, Fire Island is 5 kilometers off the coast of Long Island, New York, and comprises a dozen beachside communities. The NC coast is known for vacation beach towns with small populations and not a lot of full-time residents, and they are heavily conservative, by and large. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. 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. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. 6. Why We Recommend This Beach Boasting its 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll be surprised with what's in store in Ocracoke Island. Some of these towns are quiet getaways focused on surf and sand, while others offer shopping and strolling along old-timey boardwalks and adventures on the water. 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. Oak Island. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. 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. 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. 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). Avon is another wonderful beach town in the Outer Banks that is a great place to base yourself to see the best of the area. So much so, you're guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal. Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. The town is home to sunset beach, miles of iconic sandy dunes where visitors can catch the sunrise over the sound and the sunset across the ocean. All rights reserved. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. 2. 3. 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. List of the Mississippi River and Indiana liberal beach towns in north carolina breeze, its blessed with a 2016 population of.! Destination or an upscale small-town that invites you to relax, youll never be far from the mainland the. In West Hollywood for a golfing destination or an upscale dining and vacation experience liberal evenly... 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