} ); "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Walk Score: 36/100. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. .sidebar a { North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. } Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More 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. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. 2 Marion at No. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. .inside-article{ Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! } The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living The Best Mountain Towns In NC - Plan Your Trip To The Mountains 2023 Compare Cities : Black Mountain, NC vs Elizabethtown, NC Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. } We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. #right-sidebar { } Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! best places to live in south carolina mountains Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Hampstead NC. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState text-decoration: none 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. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping Overall SnackAbility. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. This area is considered to be one . Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. @media (max-width: 767px) { } 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. .search .content-area a { Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. Taylor. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} What about you, though? The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. height: 100%; The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. text-decoration: underline The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our Relocation Director, Karen Danner, who can assist you with every detail of your move to North Carolina. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? 3. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. } Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Boone is a haven of natural wonders offering an, Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, click for interactive map of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns, 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants You Need to Try! Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. text-decoration: none Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina max-width: calc(100% - 320px); My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. "source": "woocommerce", Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls..