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. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Ocracoke Island. The area has several good campgrounds for tenters or RVs. Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington. Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Waynesville has plenty of mountain spirit. Compared to other nearby states, South Carolina has more republican voters. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. Ferry service to Fort Fisher provides a fun all-in-one outing to the Fort Fisher historic site, aquarium, and beach. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. The population was 19,582 at the 2010 census. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. It is part of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. 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. 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. Places which were previously uninhabited are dotted with cities and towns, making room for the ever-expanding numbers of people. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. 1. 3. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. Even within a single year, a particular neighborhood or metro area can change from being a sellers market to a buyers market and back. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. If youre looking for a golfing destination or an upscale small-town that invites you to relax, youll enjoy Pinehurst Village. The town itself is equally noteworthy, with every kind of amenity youll need and enough housing options to please all tastes and budgets. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. Public Schools. The town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops, sporting events, and all activities hosted by the Biltmore Estate. #15 Oak Island Beach, Oak Island, N.C. Shutterstock Oak Island, North Carolina, didn't just make this list because of its stellar views and clean sand. Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in IllinoisContinue, Denver has a total of 78 neighborhoods to its name. 2,984) Weaverville (Pop . In addition to dining, the town offers great opportunities for shopping across a wide variety of retail shops. 1. This small mountain town in North Carolina has grown up naturally. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. Lets go through these liberal places, shall we? It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. Compared to the nation as a whole, North Carolina leans more republican. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. 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. While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) Credit (Getty Images) View as article. Its greatest claim to fame is that its home to the steepest railroad grade in the region. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Population: 88,728. 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. Thank you for providing all of this information! With 65 public beach access points, it is one of the most welcoming beach towns in the country. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. Credit. Its the voters. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. In short, its everything youd want a beach town to be. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesnt get much better than here. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. Greensboro. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. 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. Oak Island. in English from Stanford University and a M.S. Who makes the decisions? We have been writing about travel for the last decade. 23. 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. In fact, the campground near Frisco is so close to the ocean, you'll be able to hear the waves crashing on the shore as you drift off to sleep. The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. 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. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. Camping in the Outer Banks: Staying in coastal towns is a great way to enjoy summer in North Carolina. A great way to get to Southport from Wilmington is to take the historic Southport-Fort Fisher car and passenger ferry. Stop by Ms. Sils for a famous cream pie. If you cant get enough of the sauce, Lexington-sauce lovers flock to the town every year to sample 1,000s of sauces made in the traditional style but full of new kicks. Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 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. 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. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! 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. Oak Island is one of the best family beach towns in North Carolina. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. Oriental Flickr / Zach Frailey Oriental is home to 898 people and thousands of boats. By Cranean. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. Why We Recommend This Beach Boasting its 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll be surprised with what's in store in Ocracoke Island. The main public gathering place in town is at the Avon Pier. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach 6. Tarboro is a town located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, United States. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. - Tim Crystal Nails. Bath and its surroundings around Goose Creek were once the home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a "Blackbeard Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. Specifically, we wanted to know which cities have the highest number of liberal voters in the Tar Heel State? There are many urban areas, including the states capital Chicago, but there is also plenty of rolling hills, wetlands, farmland, and forests. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. 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. High 78F. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative South Carolina tends to be slightly republican based on voting results in recent elections. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. If you want a luxurious vacation experience, you can find it all in peaceful Blowing Rock. Sunny. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. 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. 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. 2. Athens, Ohio. Kayaking excursions depart from near the town center to explore vast amounts of barrier islands that make up the more natural parts of the town. Bryson City sits at the gateway to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Charlotte. If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. Morrisville Wikipedia Population: 18,585 Liberal voters: 55% Vegan rank: First Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. 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. This free event takes place the second week of October each year. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. If you prefer a hotel room, there are a few places just south of town in Buxton. The small town of Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, on the 'Inner Banks' coastal area of North Carolina (specifically, Beaufort is situated just where the Outer Banks end). If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. This barrier island town has amenities to please the entire family, like a town park with splash pad, skatepark, and mini-golf, and the nearby aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . Currently we live on the north shore of Long Island, NY near Oyster Bay, (Teddy Roosevelt's home and grave). Florida Tech is a technical research university in Melbourne, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. This quiet Northern California coastal town is named for the river that flows through town and into the Pacific. 1/13. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. 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 main reason I want to leave is the aggressive and abrasive attitude of a majority of the residents. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. 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. 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. So much so, you're guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal. 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. 5. Liberal voters: 42% Thrift store rank: 2nd Vegan rank: 11th Waynesville might be considered a little hippie town just west of Asheville. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Just inside this protective outer coastal layer you'll find one of the first English settlements in North Carolina: the town of Beaufort, established in 1709. 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. 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. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Sandwich in Salter Path. Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. Most of the accommodation is in elevated beach houses that can be rented through one of the local real estate companies. 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. Asheville. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. In fact, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place here each year the second week of June. A token fee is charged to walk out on the pier and is a worthy investment for the fine views you'll encounter. The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina. The Citadel - The Military College of South Carolina. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. Cornelius is a lakeside town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Topsail Island. Official Website. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in North Carolina. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest, as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day. Living where the sand meets the water is a dream for many people, including those who want to retire comfortably in an affordable beach house.Although beach cities have the reputation of being expensive places to live, each of the coastal cities on this list has a median home price below the U.S. average of $279,000 and a median rent below the national average of $1,483, making them among the . 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Boiling Springs, North Carolina Gardner-Webb University Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. 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