The population was 19,582 at the 2010 census. 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. 4,194) Avery Creek (Pop. 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. 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. Chasing Chains, LLC. Kitty Hawk is the place where Orville and Wilbur Wright first managed to fly. The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. Be sure to check out the Southport Pier and Riverwalk with its great views and fresh breezes. 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. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia. Learn how your comment data is processed. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. 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. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. 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. Many renters arent aware that they have certain rights that are protected under the law. If you feel this is something you just have to try, lessons are available right at the park. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Just south of town you'll find the impressive Wright Brothers National Memorial. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. 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. 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. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. Parking is free and plentiful here. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? 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. You will need to follow the boardwalk just past the visitor center until the very end and then walk another 10 minutes to the base of the dunes. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $950. Some of the best hiking in NC can be found around Brevard. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. 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.". Thanks to its status as a university town, its blessed with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. #1 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Town in North Carolina A minus Overall Niche Grade A Public Schools A+ Good for Retirees Population 1,288 View nearby homes #2 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina St. James Town in North Carolina 3 reviews Current Resident: We moved here in October 2020 and love it! Take some time to discover why for yourself. 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. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. 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. 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. Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington. 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. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. It begins at the City Pier. 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. The population was 27,198 according to the 2010 Census. Chef Nina Compton's Bywater American Bistro, Alon Shaya's Saba, Pythian Market, and Auction House Market are some new places to check out if you're in The Big Easy. 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. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. The population was 6,087 in 2010. 3. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. 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. 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. Small: No major cities allowed. 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. Along the beach, you can witness one-of-a-kind wild horses, the Colonial Spanish Mustang - the island's true treasures, and go on a guided ride with them. 15. If you have any business with the mayor of this small town, you can find him in the local tavern. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Head over the bridge to Atlantic Beach for a little sun and sand. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. Where to stay: "To the Moon and Back" home on VRBO. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. The main public gathering place in town is at the Avon Pier. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. 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. 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. Stay in a home on the sound side for a great view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. Winston-Salem. It is the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks. 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. Ocracoke Island. Red Bank, NJ which is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. 4. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. Oak Island is also a dog lover's dream: Four legged friends are allowed on the beaches year-round, and they can be off the leash from October 15-March 15. The town itself is easy to navigate by foot. 22. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. 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. 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. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. 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. Charlotte. Bryson City sits at the gateway to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. The 17 Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S. 3. Getting to the ocean via 4WD vehicles is easy through multiple beach access roads, allowing you to access some of the finest beaches in the Outer Banks. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. Kitty Hawk. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. 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. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. To feel the heartbeat of North Carolina, spend some time in Saluda. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. With the warm tides of the Atlantic Ocean washing the shore, the wide, pristine beaches, and the photographic lighthouses dotted along the shoreline, its unquestionably a stunning place to visit. 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. Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. Cape Hatteras. 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. It's fun for all ages. 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. In the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night and live music concerts featuring a variety of musicians across the musical spectrum. Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Crystal Coast. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesnt get much better than here. 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. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. Boiling Springs, North Carolina Gardner-Webb University Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. If youre looking to enjoy life away from the hustle and bustle of the city (but still with enough amenities and attractions to pass the time), its perfect. After go see one of the best lighthouses in NC and see Price Creek Lighthouse and the Oak Island Lighthouse. Waynesville has plenty of mountain spirit. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. Nags Head is one of the few towns on the Outer Banks where you can find a good selection of hotels, including resorts. Carolina Beach is not just a beach, but an island between the Cape Fear River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. 2. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. Ferry service to Fort Fisher provides a fun all-in-one outing to the Fort Fisher historic site, aquarium, and beach. Population: 826,060Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $9.56# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.04More on Charlotte:Photos |Data. With a population of more than 736,000 people, it is the third most populous metropolitan area in North Carolina. Sail on the Neuse River. Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. 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. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . Albino squirrels dance along the open campus of Brevard College, which intermingles with the town center. A large chunk of the locals live within easy walking distance of the towns authentic center. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. 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. Oregon has a liberal advantage of -4 points due to 32% of voters identifying as conservative; however, 35% of voters identify as moderate. Article continues below. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. The chance that anyone you meet who lives in the city will identify as a Democrat is 85%, with other political and religious leanings panning out as follows: - Tim Crystal Nails. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. 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. 1/13. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. 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. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. 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. The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. 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