Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Beaufort is full of history and is North Carolina's third oldest town. That connection to waterfishing, pleasure boating, paddling, and sailing (Oriental is known as the sailing capital of North Carolina)defines the maritime charm of this village-like spot on the broad Neuse River as it opens into Pamlico Sound. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. Population: 7,033Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $122.5# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.29More on Hillsborough:Photos |Data. Miami. 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. The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. Official Website. There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. Most of the accommodation is in elevated beach houses that can be rented through one of the local real estate companies. Just drive your car to the access road area, and walk the short distance to the beach. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. The South's new divide: Blue cities and red states. The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. 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. It begins at the City Pier. 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. Greensboro beat out the capital city coming in at number 18 on the national list of millennial migrations. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. 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. Although the town is really a collection of retail stores and restaurants along the highway, it's the stunning beach and nearby attractions that make it a popular place to visit. Topsail Island. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. 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. One of the highlights is the Chowan County Courthouse. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. Just south of town you'll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial. 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. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Once the sun goes down, head to town to try their seafood dishes. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. Yes, named (with a smile) for the abundance of waterfowl that traditionally lured hunters to this northern end of the Outer Banks, this resort town has low-key sophistication that's utterly winning, including a vibrant small community of independent shops and restaurants (and a respected jazz festival). 23. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) Between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was ranked as the countrys fastest growing metro area, with 888,000 new residents. The heart of Hyco Lake, one of North Carolinas most beautiful lakes, has one gas station that doubles as the areas only restaurant and boat launch. - ang cn 2-3 th bit lm Everything, TCN, Bt , bit th cng tt. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Come to have easy access to the outdoors and stay to feel a part of the family oh and have a drink at one of the best Brevard breweries. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. Oregon is the eighth-most liberal state in the country, with 28% of voters identifying as liberal. If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. Thanks to its short driving distance from Wilmington, youll never be far from the city lights. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Red Bank, NJ which is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example. 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. With its romantic historic mansions; a thriving downtown with great shops, restaurants, and bars; a picturesque Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River; and a youthful vibe thanks to the local University of North Carolina campus, this magnet is also a quick drive to the sands of Wrightsville and Carolina beaches. 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. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. For a change of pace from the beach, you can walk along the wonderfully serene boardwalk, where you'll have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles, deer, otters, and egrets. Nags Head is one of the few towns on the Outer Banks where you can find a good selection of hotels, including resorts. Avon is a great place to stop and park yourself. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. 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. Median Home Price: $247,112. This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. 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. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. 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. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. This small mountain town in North Carolina has grown up naturally. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Initially named for a politician by the name of Swann, the town has since enthusiastically adopted the swan as its mascot, and you'll see the graceful bird displayed on signs and in private gardens. The town has even gone full hog and shares its spirit with pig statues located throughout downtown. Located at the tail end of the Outer Banks on Hatteras Island, these twin towns sort of meld right into one another. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. Book a stay at one of the charming old bed and breakfasts and spend a leisurely day exploring the town. Sure, youve got all the amenities youll need, but rather than chain stores and drive-ins, youll get an eclectic range of independent boutiques and eateries. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. Oak Island. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In North Carolina, 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In North Carolina, 10 Worst Places To Live In North Carolina, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. Albemarle. 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). Quiet, calm, and as peaceful as a summer breeze, its the perfect place to experience the simple pleasures in life. 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 best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NC all use Lexington sauce. High 78F. 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. The area has several good campgrounds for tenters or RVs. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach 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. Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 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. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. Take some time to discover why for yourself. Athens, Ohio. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . From here, you can catch the trolley for a tour of the town, take a boat tour on Albemarle Sound, or stop in at the historic Cupola House. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in North Carolina. On the days the waves are large, keep an eye out for surfers doing their thing beside the pier. World class rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are all within a 20-minute drive of the town center, which offers plenty of grit on its own. It is the county seat of Durham County. Now that were starting up the election swing to decide not only our next President, but many other local statewide initiatives, its important to put into context the types of decisions that will be made in the coming years. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. With a population of more than 736,000 people, it is the third most populous metropolitan area in North Carolina. 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. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. 2. Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Crystal Coast. He has been featured in over 500 publications as an expert in real estate and as an authority on real estate trends. Over the past several decades there have been significant changes in the population of the world. By pparrothead. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. 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. 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. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state. So happy it has helped good luck with your move! 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. 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. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Kitty Hawk. Durham Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 7.5 /10 Population: 257,232 Percent Democrat: 77.7% $ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76 # Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36 More on Durham: Photos | Data Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 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. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. 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. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? Wrightsville Beach. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Looking for: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina 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. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. This was actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the US from Germany as a child! 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. In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. 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. 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. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 11,415. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. 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. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. 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. 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. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Nearby, Western North Carolina University more than doubles the population of this cute, North Carolina small town that has plenty to offer every time of the year. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Well there you have it, the places in North Carolina that have the highest number of liberals per capita, with Durham ranking as the least conservative in the entire state. 3. 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. A+. Waynesville has plenty of mountain spirit. Places which were previously uninhabited are dotted with cities and towns, making room for the ever-expanding numbers of people. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Bryson City. Here are some of the world's best beaches for partying. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. 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