Its the voters. Its wide, sandy beach and aquamarine waters are a beachcombers dream, while the range of water sport opportunities on offer will leave no one disappointed. In addition to dining, the town offers great opportunities for shopping across a wide variety of retail shops. If you feel this is something you just have to try, lessons are available right at the park. 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. 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. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. 27. In short, its everything youd want a beach town to be. Not to be confused with the replica courthouse, this original structure looks out over a large green space and faces out onto the sound with cannons at the water's edge. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early 1800s. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. Florida Tech is a technical research university in Melbourne, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. 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 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. Even within a single year, a particular neighborhood or metro area can change from being a sellers market to a buyers market and back. Tracey holds a B.A. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. It is the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. With a population of more than 736,000 people, it is the third most populous metropolitan area in North Carolina. Elizabeth also has a strong background in e-commerce content as both a fact checker and writer. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. Its title as 'America's Coolest Small Town' seems to be down to a combination of 300-years of history - complete with small historic district . Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. A sizable full-time residential community gives this area some authentic flavor. If youre curious, here are the least liberal cities in North Carolina: For more North Carolina reading, check out: Nick Johnson earned his masters in Business Administration from the Drucker School At Claremont Graduate University. History is everywhere here, from the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum to the Maritime Museum, right through to the Fort Johnson-Southport Museum and Visitors Center. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. Museums pay homage to the cotton mill upbringing of the area, and authentic Southern food establishments, like the Sugar Magnolia Cafe, give you plenty of reasons to head downtown. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. In the summer, every Tuesday, a free concert takes place at the town park, with bands providing a mix of musical styles. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Oak Island is one of the best family beach towns in North Carolina. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. One of the larger towns along the North Carolina Coast, this vibrant outdoorsy place reels you in and makes you want to stay a while. The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. 23. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. 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. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. Whether were talking property or goods and services, your salary will take you a lot further here than it will in a lot of other states. It has many historical churches, some dating from the early 19th century. The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. Best Places to Live in North Carolina for Democrats 1.Raleigh When it comes to Democratic leanings, no place in North Carolina is more liberal than the state capital of Raleigh. Winston-Salem. 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. 15. 4,751) Biltmore Forest (Pop. Beaches. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Home - North Carolina - NC Towns - 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina. 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 10 Most Conservative Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. 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 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. So happy it has helped good luck with your move! An ideal way to begin your tours is to view a 15-minute video at the tourist information office at the top end of South Broad Street. Yes, the Denver area will have more brewpubs and live music and will be more socially liberal, but it's also a lot pricier. Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. Morrisville Wikipedia Population: 18,585 Liberal voters: 55% Vegan rank: First Greensboro. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. Ocracoke Island. While the best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NC all use Lexington sauce. Population: 15,107Percent Democrat: 62.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.04# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Roanoke Rapids:Photos |Data, Population: 28,052Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $35.51# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.34More on Cornelius:Photos |Data. 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. 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. What to Do on Bald Head Island. This is a great place for families, with numerous things to do, including mini golf, family-friendly restaurants, and one of the best beaches in North Carolina. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Culture Trip considers Kitty Hawk one of the ten most beautiful towns in North Carolina. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. North Carolina's coastal towns offer a mix of experiences, from quaint historic communities with 18th-century homes and tree-lined streets to thriving beach scenes and fun activity-based destinations for families. 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. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. Population: 230. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. If the wind is up, which it frequently is in the Outer Banks, you may be lucky enough to see the hang gliders launching themselves off the dunes. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. 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. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. Expect to find usual favorites, plenty of pizza, and fresh seafood. This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. Once the sun goes down, head to town to try their seafood dishes. Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the services are along the main highway. Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 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. Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. The George on Wilmington's Riverwalk. 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. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. 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. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. Swipe left for slideshow. 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. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. 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. Corolla - Best North Carolina Beaches. As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . 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 small towns of North Carolina are one of our favorite aspects of the state. Athens, Ohio. Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. An alternative may be a cool/liberal town that is near the shore if not right on it. Nick's the creator of the HomeSnacks YouTube channel that now has over 260,000 subscribers and is an excellent source to learn about different parts of the country. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. 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. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). In the first of a new series exploring cool US towns and cities, Emma John soaks up the sporting fanaticism, liberal traditions, food and music of a university town where the 'individual streak . 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. 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. Oregon has a liberal advantage of -4 points due to 32% of voters identifying as conservative; however, 35% of voters identify as moderate. 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. Stroll past the various shops, stop by the waterfront to catch the action, and then retire to a waterfront patio to soak up the views of Sugarloaf Island. You can choose to stay in one of the local hotels or vacation homes, but many people prefer to camp. The beach is wide, and the water here is clear with an aquamarine color. Article continues below. 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.". 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. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Greenville. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. 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. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. 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. Just south of town you'll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. Here are some of the world's best beaches for partying. 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 . 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. Calabash-style seafood is lightly breaded right off the boat, and there are plenty of restaurants featuring the local fare. 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 He has written for 39 publications across the country and ran the media relations department at Movoto, a real estate portal based in San Francisco. If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. No visit to the North Carolina coast is complete without visiting Carolina Beach. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. Oriental Flickr / Zach Frailey Oriental is home to 898 people and thousands of boats. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in North Carolina. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. This is one of the top fishing destinations on the Outer Banks. Population: 88,728. 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. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best Romantic Getaways In Arkansas You Must Try, the prettiest Outer Banks towns you should visit. 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. 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. Population: 257,232Percent Democrat: 77.7%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36More on Durham:Photos |Data. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus. Trinity Overall SnackAbility 5 /10 Population: 6,610 Percent Republican: 76.5% $ Republican Amount Per Capita: $17.56 # Republican Contributions Per Capita: 0.07 More on Trinity: Data Trinity is a city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. 22. Credit. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. Avon is a great place to stop and park yourself. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. Wrightsville Beach Park. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. 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. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Specifically, we wanted to know which cities have the highest number of liberal voters in the Tar Heel State? Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Looking for: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Be sure to stop by the weigh-in area in the afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of which are enormous. Raleigh and Durham. The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . Dont leave without having a meal at Shuckin Shack, one of the best Carolina Beach restaurants, followed by a margarita at the Tiki Bar on the ocean. Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Sandwich in Salter Path. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. This quiet Northern California coastal town is named for the river that flows through town and into the Pacific. 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. About 70 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, is Pawleys Island, a barrier island known for its sand dunes, beaches, golf courses, and rope hammocks. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Just drive your car to the access road area, and walk the short distance to the beach. 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. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. Durham County was even more lopsided - Clinton won 78-18. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. With a population of 230, it would not be easy to find a smaller beach town that is as beautiful and unique as Bald Head Island. The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, CO, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New Orleans, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, The 20 Worst Cities for Human Trafficking in the World, How Simu Liu Achieved a Net Worth of $4 Million, The 20 Best Chevy Muscle Cars of All-Time, How Lizzo Achieved a Net Worth of $40 Million. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. 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. If you want a low-key vacation, get a house on the lake in Semora for the weekend and relax in peace. Asheville, North Carolina. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. Delaware. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. 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. You can camp right on the sand or right on the sea; every side is waterfront. A world-class golf course at nearby Pinehurst resort has defined the town as the golf capital of a state rich in opportunities for a tee time. 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. 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. 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