Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. 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. 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. A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air. Most liberal beach towns in north carolina October 10, 2022 By 3174179506438150 Comments are Off. 15. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolinas most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls. It is the third-fastest growing major city in the United States. It's not just all about the fun to be had driving on the broad sands of this southern coast getaway at the northern end of Pleasure Island; or hitting its vintage boardwalk (which features old-school amusement rides in summer), lively beach bars, and superb seafood spots. 20 BEST Restaurants in Bluffton, SC You Need to Try. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. In short, its everything youd want a beach town to be. The native Pomos used to call the area "q-ahwala-li", which roughly translates to "coming down water place", which the river does indeed do at Robinson's Gulch right in town. 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. 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. 3. It is part of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area. If you love fishing, bring your gear, you might land any one of the following: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, triggerfish, sea mullet, croakers, and pigfish. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] A sizable full-time residential community gives this area some authentic flavor. 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. According to our people on the ground in the First State, trying to find a hippie town in Delaware is "a bit of trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.". This impressive concrete structure extends 1,000 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi. This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. One of the best seafood meals can be had here at Provision Company. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. 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. This black-and-white beacon can be climbed, and the reward for the effort of going up 257 stairs is amazing views up and down the coast. Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2022. Chef Nina Compton's Bywater American Bistro, Alon Shaya's Saba, Pythian Market, and Auction House Market are some new places to check out if you're in The Big Easy. Its population was 57,233 in the 2010 census, making Chapel Hill the 15th-largest city in the state. Durham County was even more lopsided - Clinton won 78-18. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. Ascend the sand dune step after sliding step to the top, where you are rewarded with commanding views out over the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. 2. (Getty . All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. 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. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike. Gualala. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. It begins at the City Pier. Just a short drive from Wilmington brings you to golden sands and warm waters at Carolina Beach. We are looking to possibly move to the Carolinas and it has really helped in our research with the small town info given here! 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. Parking is free and plentiful here. Also known as the Prairie State, Illinois borders the Mississippi River and Indiana. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. If youre wondering, Archdale is the most conservative city in North Carolina of all those we measured. Nowadays, locals have their fair share of high-quality coffee shops, local goods, and fresh eats to share with any visitors who want a low-key weekend away. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . There are many urban areas, including the states capital Chicago, but there is also plenty of rolling hills, wetlands, farmland, and forests. The town itself is easy to navigate by foot. The main town area of Duck is set on the broad and flat Currituck Sound and is protected from the worst of the Atlantic Ocean weather. Stop by Ms. Sils for a famous cream pie. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. Sunny. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. 22. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. 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. 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. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". The island is 4 miles long and offers vast and unspoiled beaches, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. Overall Niche Grade. Along the beach, you can witness one-of-a-kind wild horses, the Colonial Spanish Mustang - the island's true treasures, and go on a guided ride with them. 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. Based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub. This article may contain affiliate links. While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. 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. Liberal voters: 42% Thrift store rank: 2nd Vegan rank: 11th Waynesville might be considered a little hippie town just west of Asheville. This fishing town off the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River Inlet at the South Carolina border is dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the World" for a reason. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Charlotte. Be prepared for a bit of exercise on your visit. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. In addition to her fact checking background, she also has over six years experience of reporting, writing, and copy editing articles for digital magazines including Woman's Day and The Knot. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best Romantic Getaways In Arkansas You Must Try, the prettiest Outer Banks towns you should visit. 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 play area had multiple swings, slides, jungle gyms, and even a small zipline. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. Kayaking excursions depart from near the town center to explore vast amounts of barrier islands that make up the more natural parts of the town. With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. 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. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park, with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path. Median Home Price: $247,112. The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. With the warm tides of the Atlantic Ocean washing the shore, the wide, pristine beaches, and the photographic lighthouses dotted along the shoreline, its unquestionably a stunning place to visit. 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. Beaches Parks. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. 5. YWCA camp for girls hosted at Highland Beach in 1930. Largely a residential isle, Holden Beach is all about simple pleasures, from biking and kayaking along with playing on the beach during the day, to ghost crabbing at night. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. Albemarle. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The chance that anyone you meet who lives in the city will identify as a Democrat is 85%, with other political and religious leanings panning out as follows: Other forms of accommodation include vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts. 3. Official Website. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. Topsail Island. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. 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. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. Population: 88,728. Bryson City sits at the gateway to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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). This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. In the 2016 presidential election, 50.1% of voters voted Democratic while 39.1% voted Republican. 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. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. It's at this point that the hard work begins. 2 - Fayetteville, Arkansas Retiree Cost of Living: 13.8% below national averages Average Retiree Income: $85,436 Tax Status: Not Tax-Friendly Politics: 40% Democrat 50% Republican Vendors set up nearby selling everything from homemade ice-cream to savory dishes. 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. It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. On the Northern edge of the outer banks, it hasnt developed to favor tourism as much as other towns on the barrier banks of the state. 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