Albemarle. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. Avon is a great place to stop and park yourself. What's not to love about Oriental, a town with more than three times as many boats as year-round inhabitants? Trapped near two industrial college towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, Carrboro is the free-spirited little sister of its larger neighbors. Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Greensboro. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. The US Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 2,037,430 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. The main reason I want to leave is the aggressive and abrasive attitude of a majority of the residents. Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. 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. Inside the clubhouse lies a museum that broadcasts more of the history of the area. 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 U.S. Census Bureau estimated the citys population to be 251,893 as of July 1, 2014, making it the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina, and the 78th-most populous city in the United States. Just south of Beaufort, this quiet fishing community known for retaining the Down East dialect has also become a popular spot for retirees. Currently we live on the north shore of Long Island, NY near Oyster Bay, (Teddy Roosevelt's home and grave). 23. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. 19. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Sylva is a quiet stop on your way towards Tennessee that will surprise you if you take the time to get off the highway. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. Population 28,824. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. 2,546) Royal Pines (Pop. Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. Delaware. Oak Island. 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. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. 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. It's also home to the Jockey's Ridge State Park, which is the East Coast's tallest natural dune system and an incredible place to try hang gliding. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. 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. Be sure to check out the Southport Pier and Riverwalk with its great views and fresh breezes. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. 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. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. #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! Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". Quiet, calm, and as peaceful as a summer breeze, its the perfect place to experience the simple pleasures in life. Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. In New Orleans,, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New OrleansContinue. The town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is wonderfully restored to its original glory, and over 40 movies and television shows have been shot here. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. Located at the tail end of the Outer Banks on Hatteras Island, these twin towns sort of meld right into one another. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. 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. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 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. 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. Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $950. 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. Myrtle Beach, SC. Public Schools. 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. 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.". 4. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. There's plenty to do, with a lighthouse and nature center to visit and prime paddling on the Intracoastal side of the island. 3. 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 Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. Specifically, we wanted to know which cities have the highest number of liberal voters in the Tar Heel State? With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. 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. 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. Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. North Carolina is the kind of state that offers a little something for everyone. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. 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. Sail on the Neuse River. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. in Journalism from Columbia University. This impressive concrete structure extends 1,000 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. Take some time to discover why for yourself. Most liberal beach towns in north carolina October 10, 2022 By 3174179506438150 Comments are Off. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is the second-largest city in the southeastern United States, just behind Jacksonville, Florida. 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. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. 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. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. 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. 22. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Sunny. 1/13. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. Washington, NC, USA 2. 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. The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Just drive your car to the access road area, and walk the short distance to the beach. 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. 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. Harkers island is served by a post office, a few restaurants, and a grocery store, but is primarily known for slowing life down to a pace that's nice and easy. The small towns of North Carolina are one of our favorite aspects of the state. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike. 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. 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