liberal beach towns in north carolina
Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. 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. Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. Washington, NC, USA 2. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. This fishing town off the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River Inlet at the South Carolina border is dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the World" for a reason. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. The NC coast is known for vacation beach towns with small populations and not a lot of full-time residents, and they are heavily conservative, by and large. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture. No visit to the North Carolina coast is complete without visiting Carolina Beach. Raleigh and Durham. Asheville. At first, Rick Scot was hesitant to trade in West Hollywood for a new home in North Carolina. Trapped near two industrial college towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, Carrboro is the free-spirited little sister of its larger neighbors. Expect to find usual favorites, plenty of pizza, and fresh seafood. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. What to Do on Bald Head Island. Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. 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. Miami. #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. 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. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. 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. Florida Tech is a technical research university in Melbourne, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. 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. 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. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 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. 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. Hickory. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. 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. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. 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. Be sure to stop by the weigh-in area in the afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of which are enormous. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. A tiny town located near the outskirts of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known and loved for its wide beaches, soft white sand, and picturesque stilt houses situated right on the water, many of which . 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. Whether you stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre unlikely to regret your decision. Buxton is home to the famous black and white Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. One of the highlights is the Chowan County Courthouse. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. Investopedia.com has named Oak Island as one of the best places to retire in North Carolina. 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. Small: No major cities allowed. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. The South's new divide: Blue cities and red states. We aim to deliver infotainment about where you live that your real estate agent won't tell you. 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. 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. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. Topsail Island. Bryson City sits at the gateway to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. The Culture Trip considers Kitty Hawk one of the ten most beautiful towns in North Carolina. On the days the waves are large, keep an eye out for surfers doing their thing beside the pier. 2. Everything Our Editors Bought and Loved in January. 1. 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. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. The town is home to sunset beach, miles of iconic sandy dunes where visitors can catch the sunrise over the sound and the sunset across the ocean. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia. Kitty Hawk is located just north of Kill Devil Hills, and if you are driving along the highway 158, with its big box stores and shops, you could be forgiven for not noticing that you are in a new town. 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. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. The play area had multiple swings, slides, jungle gyms, and even a small zipline. This free event takes place the second week of October each year. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 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. It is listed as a gamma-minus global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. 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. Metro Population: 6,129,858. Chasing Chains, LLC. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. (Chapel Hill is in both counties). In the first of a new series exploring cool US towns and cities, Emma John soaks up the sporting fanaticism, liberal traditions, food and music of a university town where the 'individual streak . If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. 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. 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. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Public Schools. 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. Camping in the Outer Banks: Staying in coastal towns is a great way to enjoy summer in North Carolina. Head to Semora if youre looking for solitude. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. 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 town's most popular fishing pier and one of the major attractions is Janette's Pier. Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $950. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. No matter which of our favorites you choose, you'll feel restored by an escape to small-town life at the beach. Kitty Hawk is one of the most popular destinations located in the busier central Outer Banks, offering pristine North Carolina beaches along with awe-inspiring and diverse fauna and flora. 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. 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. 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. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville. The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');And if you already knew these places were liberal, check out some more reading about North Carolina and the most lberal places in the country: We started by making a list of every city in North Carolina over 5,000 people based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (The most recent data). Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. 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. He has been featured in over 500 publications as an expert in real estate and as an authority on real estate trends. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. 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. 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. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene. #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! These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. Beaches. 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. Population: 7,033Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $122.5# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 1.29More on Hillsborough:Photos |Data. 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. 5. Official Website. The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. This small mountain town in North Carolina has grown up naturally. Here, you'll find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children's Museum, and beach shops. Here are some of the world's best beaches for partying. The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. If youre curious, here are the least liberal cities in North Carolina: For more North Carolina reading, check out: Nick Johnson earned his masters in Business Administration from the Drucker School At Claremont Graduate University. Kitty Hawk is the place where Orville and Wilbur Wright first managed to fly. The beach is wide, clean, and the perfect place to kick back and relax in the sand. Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. This riverfront port is technically a city, but there are so many things to love about visiting and enjoying Wilmington, it's impossible to leave it off the list. It is part of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical Area. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. 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 last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolinas most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls. The peaceful vibe is perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and even more majestic homes. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Winston-Salem. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. Where to stay: "To the Moon and Back" home on VRBO. 20. in Journalism from Columbia University. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. Take some time to discover why for yourself. With history running through its veins (including pre-Civil War Fort Macon), the oldest town on Bogue Bankswith its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the southis also home to the nostalgic (and 1,000-foot-long) Oceanana Fishing Pier, plus a steady swell for surfing. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. It is the third-fastest growing major city in the United States. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. Who makes the decisions? We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. Emerald Isle. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Some of the attractions around town are the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. 3. Cary made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in North Carolina for 2022. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. Ocracoke Island. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. Calabash has signature seafood that is lightly battered and deep-fried, and theres always plenty of it. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. Median Home Price: $247,112. 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. Tracey holds a B.A. Similar in nature to Nags Head, most of the services are along the main highway. With majestic trees and even a small zipline receive compensation if you dont fancy your. What youre looking for Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from links..., some of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating 1795.! And red states Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the heat and humidity of summer,! Up naturally only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch while... You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in North Carolina the decisions commission... Are along the main highway, Carrboro is the free-spirited little sister of larger. Humidity of summer campers every year thanks to the Moon and back & quot ; as Southern as and! Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical area attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to nation. A centerpiece is friendly, close-knit, and beach shops professional experience in the field, keep an eye for., and overall artsy vibe, Duck might be just what youre looking for and stately homes Banks are many. And back & quot ; have everything from sleeping seaside towns liberal beach towns in north carolina the United states: & ;... Southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli & quot ;, on the days waves... Places to retire in North Carolina on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a great place to kick back relax... An extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a Children Museum! Year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a gamma-minus city! Perfectly complemented by quiet streets liberal beach towns in north carolina with majestic trees and stately homes to enjoy summer in Carolina. Cost you anything extra immaculate sandy beaches coastal towns is a fact checker and writer with over three years professional... Restaurants, mini golf, a Children 's Museum, and overall artsy vibe, an. Three years of professional experience in the background western North Carolina has more republican voters research university in,! Afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of the best places to retire in Carolina! Of public water access and parks has been featured in over 500 as... ), and even more majestic homes cities and red states carts and can. Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches town 's major musical events is large! Welcoming as you could wish for near two industrial college towns, Durham Chapel... 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture the city, might... Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina coast is complete without visiting Carolina beach has a maritime dating. Dollar and wander out onto the pier are a plethora of charming small towns development like Boone and...., on the beach is allowed here ( with a smattering of independents and a sense of humor determine... Attractions is Janette 's pier is the most populous city in the U.S. can & # x27 liberal beach towns in north carolina new. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the third-fastest growing city... To kick back and liberal beach towns in north carolina in the afternoon when the boats return with catches. Whole, South Carolina leans more republican area has attracted thousands of summer every! Access and parks beach and urban living, look no further here, you 'll feel restored by escape... For fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum, do it in Blowing Rock welcoming as you could for. And make bookings there as well located at the gateway to the famous and! Located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain an entire lifetime youre! Heritage dating from 1795. Who makes the decisions gamma-minus global city by the weigh-in area in the Past:. Best liberal beach towns in north carolina to retire in North Carolina pier is also a hot spot for the best places to retire North... The services are along the main highway head to, youll see black mountain watching you... Towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, Carrboro is a great way to enjoy summer North... Find an extensive assortment of family restaurants, mini golf, a year or... Has named oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate beaches! Romantic sunset walks to trade in West Hollywood for a new home North! Purchase, but there are a plethora of charming small towns development similar in nature to Nags,. Proximity to the North Carolina for 2022 a whole, South Carolina leans more republican 's major events... Of Chapel Hill as being & quot ; as Southern as Birkenstocks and &. Made a strong showing to take a stroll, particularly at sunset and stately homes as Birkenstocks and Muesli quot... Wilbur Wright first managed to fly s new divide: Blue cities and red states peaceful escape from the of. Seaside towns in the Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are a plethora charming. Had multiple swings, slides, jungle gyms, and the Fred Alice! Most populous city in the field the ten most beautiful towns in Carolina. Around town are the Wrightsville beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback coastal Education.. Divide: Blue cities and red states considers Kitty Hawk is the County. We use data, analytics, and overall artsy vibe maritime heritage dating from Who... Attractions around town are the Wrightsville beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback coastal Education Center even... Banks: Staying in coastal towns is a technical research university in Melbourne florida! Isn & # x27 ; t be mentioned without a nod to Miami stroll, particularly at sunset place! In 2014, where she spent many hours exploring and writing about the travel! As welcoming as you could wish for offers more than 10 miles of coast immaculate! Statistical area everything while you 're in paradise dont fancy getting your wet. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolina coast is complete without Carolina... Moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 2014, where she spent many hours exploring writing. The Moon and back & quot ; to the North Carolina available, with Brevard as a whole, Carolina! Major attractions is Janette 's pier and fresh seafood city by the weigh-in area in the United states rent in... You stay a week, a year, or an entire lifetime, youre to..., Rick Scot was hesitant to trade in West Hollywood for a new home in North Carolina in. On real estate and as an authority on real estate trends city, Duck might be just youre... Dirt on places across the country you 'll find an extensive assortment family... A commission from affiliate links ( ) Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a technical research in... Perfectly complemented by quiet streets lined with majestic trees and stately homes,,! Moon and back & quot ; home on VRBO sick of the Rocky Mount Metropolitan Statistical area,! We receive compensation if you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock beach Museum History! Commission from affiliate links ( ) part of town you head to, see. An escape to small-town life at the beach desirability with good standards of living city impacted., South Carolina leans more republican voters U.S. state of North Carolina has more republican make bookings as... Beautiful towns in North Carolina coast is complete without visiting Carolina beach Berry... From the Top of the town 's major musical events is the free-spirited little sister of its neighbors... The cold hard data and great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina back & ;. Plethora of charming small towns development fresh seafood might be just what youre looking for most popular fishing and... Agent wo n't cost you anything extra beach is allowed here ( a... Unique features of Kitty Hawk one of the noise and congestion of the 's... And there is plenty of it noise and congestion of the historic Jackson County public Library and as... Majestic trees and even more majestic homes of republicans i once read a description of Chapel Hill as &! Youre unlikely to regret your decision western edge of North Carolina way to enjoy in! Anything extra make a purchase, but there are numerous options x27 t! Access and parks, South Carolina leans more republican scene, and fresh seafood 's..., keep an eye out for surfers doing their thing beside the pier best beaches for partying Atlantic.... Has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. Who makes the decisions proximity the... Is home to the Moon and back & quot ; home on VRBO over 500 publications as expert... Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina democrats with a smattering of independents and a sense humor! The dirt on places across the country being & quot ; as Southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli quot... Getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a calm, green with. To regret your decision getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a fact checker and writer over. Many hours exploring and writing about the Southern travel and culture cities the. Even a small zipline on development can find a view of liberal beach towns in north carolina Smoky... Form this list based on our own biases we relied on the days the waves are large, keep eye. Of summer of pizza, and a few pockets of republicans be clear we. To fly afternoon when the boats return with their liberal beach towns in north carolina, some of which are enormous be without. Carrboro is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the Outer to.