3. Swipe left for slideshow. Median Home Price: $247,112. Bright white cottages with red roofs, stately sea captains' homes, two lighthouses, local shops, and water in seemingly every direction (what with the confluence of the river and the Intracoastal Waterway) create vistas at every bend in the road. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. The town has even gone full hog and shares its spirit with pig statues located throughout downtown. Who makes the decisions? Summer street festivals are a common occurrence, and most weekends will bring plenty of organic entertainment near Weaver Street Market, the prominent meeting place for the town. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. A great way to get to Southport from Wilmington is to take the historic Southport-Fort Fisher car and passenger ferry. 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. Head to Semora if youre looking for solitude. Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. The. - ang cn 2-3 th bit lm Everything, TCN, Bt , bit th cng tt. 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. The town itself is packed with attractions, including the fascinating Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. One of the fun things to do here is take a harbor tour, where you'll almost certainly be able to see dolphins racing in your bow wake. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. 3. The 17 Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S. 3. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. The Woodlands. Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". One of the most charming towns in rural North Carolina, Washington still retains coastal charm while being a simple, charming, and cool small town all on its own. 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). The South's new divide: Blue cities and red states. #15 Oak Island Beach, Oak Island, N.C. Shutterstock Oak Island, North Carolina, didn't just make this list because of its stellar views and clean sand. 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. 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. We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 132 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. Miami. The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach 6. 27. Be sure to stop by the weigh-in area in the afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of which are enormous. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Crystal Coast. Stop by Ms. Sils for a famous cream pie. iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus. Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2022. Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. If you want a more outdoorsy experience, you may also want to consider camping in the Outer Banks. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. 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. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. In the summer, every Tuesday, a free concert takes place at the town park, with bands providing a mix of musical styles. 4,751) Biltmore Forest (Pop. Not a problem. It's located in the municipal grounds near the town hall. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. Many renters arent aware that they have certain rights that are protected under the law. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. 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. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. 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. That left us with 132 cities and towns. 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. Residents are referred to as Charlotteans. Beaches. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. 20. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. - Tim Crystal Nails. Its population was 57,233 in the 2010 census, making Chapel Hill the 15th-largest city in the state. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. This free event takes place the second week of October each year. 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.". 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. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. 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. The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. With lots of hiking trails, state parks, recreational areas, art galleries, music festivals, and popular restaurants in town, Columbia enjoys the youthful vibe of some of the more liberal colleges and towns. Its greatest claim to fame is that its home to the steepest railroad grade in the region. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasnt much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census. With history running through its veins (including pre-Civil War Fort Macon), the oldest town on Bogue Bankswith its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the southis also home to the nostalgic (and 1,000-foot-long) Oceanana Fishing Pier, plus a steady swell for surfing. 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. 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. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. Asheville. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. Here are some of the world's best beaches for partying. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. The area was one of the states industrial headquarters, and as businesses died down, warehouses and brick mill buildings morphed into a hip district worth checking out. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. 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. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Not only is Asheville one of the coolest cities in the state, but it's also one of the most beautiful since it's in the middle . The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. These are the best towns in North Carolina where LGBT individuals and families can find a warm community: Asheville Raleigh Durham Charlotte Winston-Salem Wilmington Greensboro 1. Sail on the Neuse River. Compared to other nearby states, South Carolina has more republican voters. 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. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Homes dating from the 17th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over 200 years ago. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 19. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. The town has plenty of dining and entertainment offers, so youll never get bored, and has held on to its Southern charm to make it feel like home. If youre looking for a golfing destination or an upscale small-town that invites you to relax, youll enjoy Pinehurst Village. Calabash has signature seafood that is lightly battered and deep-fried, and theres always plenty of it. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life. Weddings, anniversaries, and honeymooners love the tranquility and its arguably one of the most romantic getaways in NC. One of the more unique colleges on the list, The Military College of South Carolina, or more commonly known as The Citadel, is a college intricately involved with its coastal location. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. Camping in the Outer Banks: Staying in coastal towns is a great way to enjoy summer in North Carolina. 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. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! There's plenty to do, with a lighthouse and nature center to visit and prime paddling on the Intracoastal side of the island. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Greenville. As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. The town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops, sporting events, and all activities hosted by the Biltmore Estate. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. 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. Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. 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. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Nags Head is one of the few towns on the Outer Banks where you can find a good selection of hotels, including resorts. Cornelius is a lakeside town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. 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. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. Beaches Parks. The George on Wilmington's Riverwalk. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. This 30-minute ride across the mouth of the Cape Fear River is a cheap way to see the seaside scenery and much better than taking the long way around to get to town. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. For an even closer look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the twisty waterways. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. Bath and its surroundings around Goose Creek were once the home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a "Blackbeard Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. 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. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. In fact, the campground near Frisco is so close to the ocean, you'll be able to hear the waves crashing on the shore as you drift off to sleep. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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. Some of the attractions around town are the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. 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 . Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. 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. 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 . Calm, sedate, and gorgeously green, Duck is the perfect option for city folk who secretly hate the city. Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. Read More The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019Continue. The local community loves their hometown, and the natural appreciation the inhabitants have for their surroundings shows in the small towns development. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Overall Niche Grade. It's at this point that the hard work begins. 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. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. The main public gathering place in town is at the Avon Pier. in Journalism from Columbia University. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. 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. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. 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. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. 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. It is the county seat of Edgecombe County. 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. 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. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. All rights reserved. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. 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. Wrightsville Beach. Between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was ranked as the countrys fastest growing metro area, with 888,000 new residents. If you're looking for a liberal city in the purple state of Pennsylvania, look no further than Pittsburgh, the 19th most liberal city in the US and the 15th most affordable on our ranking.

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