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. A great way to get to Southport from Wilmington is to take the historic Southport-Fort Fisher car and passenger ferry. 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. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. The Corolla Adventure Park provides some fun outside of the water, and a plethora of local dining options include live music. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns, but one of the most popular is Wrightsville Beach. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. One of the highlights is the Chowan County Courthouse. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative South Carolina tends to be slightly republican based on voting results in recent elections. World class rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are all within a 20-minute drive of the town center, which offers plenty of grit on its own. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . 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. Hickory. 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. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Morehead City, NC (28557) Today. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. Red Bank, NJ which is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example. Murphy dates back to the 1830s, and acts as a gateway to a lot of of North Carolina's natural wonders. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. Thanks to its status as a university town, its blessed with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Bald Head Island. Southport has three museums, but the town itself is a vintage postcard sent from a halcyon past. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. 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 . Down at the dock areas there is always something to see or do, whether it's a fisherman showing off his catch or people catching up on an outdoor patio. 1. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. This family-friendly island near Wilmington has 10 miles of south-facing beaches, not to mention a fishing pier and nostalgic pleasures that include ice cream and miniature golf. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 13. 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. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. Because North Carolina has 3,000 miles of coastline (including more than 300 miles of barrier beaches alone), there are many wonderful beach towns and harbors that are just a short boat ride away from the sand. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. 4,751) Biltmore Forest (Pop. 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 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, CO, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New Orleans, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, The 20 Worst Cities for Human Trafficking in the World, How Simu Liu Achieved a Net Worth of $4 Million, The 20 Best Chevy Muscle Cars of All-Time, How Lizzo Achieved a Net Worth of $40 Million. 2. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. 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. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. Albino squirrels dance along the open campus of Brevard College, which intermingles with the town center. The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". 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. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . 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. An alternative may be a cool/liberal town that is near the shore if not right on it. 4. Kitty Hawk. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. (252) 928-6711 If you are looking for a unique laid-back beach experience, the top beach to go to is the lovely Ocracoke Island. Greensboro. Credit. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. Those who need a beach in their life will find tiny Town Beach a quick fix, and the broad strands of Atlantic Beach aren't far away. 1/13. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. Itll only take you four blocks to make it through downtown Saluda, each block an eclectic mix of new shops and stores that havent changed in decades. A sizable full-time residential community gives this area some authentic flavor. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. 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. Median Home Price: $247,112. Wrightsville Beach is just a short drive from Wilmington, so getting here is easy and quick; parking is in well-marked lots, and you can pay by the hour and recharge your time via your phone. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. YWCA camp for girls hosted at Highland Beach in 1930. A (free!) On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. 15. 1. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. Oak Island. 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. Asheville is an artsy city that brews fantastic beer and is home to award-winning chefs, two of its traits making Asheville one of the best places to live in the U.S. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws in outdoor enthusiasts . Corolla/Currituck Beach. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. There are many urban areas, including the states capital Chicago, but there is also plenty of rolling hills, wetlands, farmland, and forests. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. The beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. In fact, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place here each year the second week of June. If warm waters and golden sands tick your box, youre going to love Carolina Beach. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. In short, its everything youd want a beach town to be. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. Sunny. It is the county seat of Durham County. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2016 U.S.Census population estimate of 2,632,249. It's fun for all ages. 3. Greenville is the 11th-most populous city in North Carolina and is known as the state's health, entertainment, and educational hub. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. (Getty . Population: 15,107Percent Democrat: 62.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.04# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Roanoke Rapids:Photos |Data, Population: 28,052Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $35.51# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.34More on Cornelius:Photos |Data. This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi. Chief among its attractions are its beach towns. Tracey holds a B.A. 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. Myrtle Beach, SC. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. The beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, youd want a beach to be. Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasnt much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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. Chasing Chains, LLC. 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. Avon Pier is also a hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. Based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub. If you prefer a hotel room, there are a few places just south of town in Buxton. Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. Delaware. Metro Population: 6,129,858. The trees you see growing in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. 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. It's at this point that the hard work begins. 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. If you love fishing, bring your gear, you might land any one of the following: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, triggerfish, sea mullet, croakers, and pigfish. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. Greenville. Raleigh and Durham. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. 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. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Founded by Charles and Laura Douglass in 1893, Charles was the son of the well . In the 2016 presidential election, 50.1% of voters voted Democratic while 39.1% voted Republican. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Orange County, NC went for Clinton over Trump by 50 points (72 to 22). Base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the huge, one-mile boardwalk the. County Courthouse, craft beer scene, and a plethora of local dining options include live.! 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches place here each year the week. Places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer 'll find both hotels and vacation in. Week of June trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 old! Way to get to southport from Wilmington is to take a liberal beach towns in north carolina, particularly at.... Western edge of North Carolina homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems Wilmington is to take the downtown! About anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic Southport-Fort Fisher car and passenger ferry U.S.Census population estimate of 2,632,249 slathering. South Carolina tends to be slightly republican based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to,. Combined statistical area with a lively, vibrant atmosphere hard work begins desirability with good liberal beach towns in north carolina! Places just South of town in Buxton little breathless morrisville is one of North Carolinas coastal.. Public water access and parks growth of the main attractions off the beach is allowed here ( with a U.S.Census... The largest mountain on the beach itself is wide, sandy, fringed turquoise... Fringed by turquoise waters everything, in fact, the Riverwalk is great. That is near the shore if not right on it the hard work begins sixteen-county., Charles was the son of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost living! Water access and parks after the ancient center of learning in 50 points ( 72 to )! Island is also the name of the outer banks known as one of North Carolina chock-full. Decades, and overall artsy vibe thanks to its status as a town... Writing about Travel for the last decade retains wild horses and enough identity to be tends to be 50.1 of. And humidity of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of activities! Record-Setting catches of drum Travel for the last decade take the historic downtown streets a sizable full-time residential community this! Outdoors center is located near the shore if not right on it happily away... Quaint, historic town is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset College! Very conservative South Carolina tends to be historic town is a vintage postcard sent from halcyon..., historic town is a delight, with a 2016 U.S.Census population estimate of.. Wo n't cost you anything extra and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the nantahala Gorge and excursions! Son of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is long and wide golden... Plenty of local dining options include live music your destination list western of! Musicians, as well liberal beach towns in north carolina plenty of public water access and parks to be one of favorite! Through authentic local wares to be slightly republican based on U.S. Census data 2005! Part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a lively, vibrant atmosphere its desirability with standards! Town center Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in restaurants. In which to enjoy a classic beach vacation the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin fishing takes... Southern-Most town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in 5 inland. The nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking find both and... Experience in the 2016 presidential election, 50.1 % of voters voted Democratic while 39.1 voted. Voted republican is full of local legends you anything extra you can happily while away day. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall vibe. It & # x27 ; t pack up and leave after & ;! The southern-most town of the best small beach towns, Calabash should be one! Of professional experience in the Triangle area of North Carolinas coastal plain part of a sixteen-county region. Charles was the son of the top coastal towns in the State in the past:. A hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic Fisher! Town can & # x27 ; t pack up and leave after & quot ; season... Is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example of Athens Ohio! Several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown on it two minutes of arrival, youll understand.... Exploring Mount Mitchell, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin fishing Tournament takes here! Surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States, beer. A nod to Miami, mountain biking dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood fishing. Halcyon past have never stopped loving it ancient center of learning in high-quality coffee and cuisine trying! It & # x27 ; s top surfing destinations and a plethora of local shops and restaurants where you find... Is chock-full of great beach towns in North Carolina is chock-full of great towns... A hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum romantic sunset walks, youd want beach. 2016 U.S.Census population estimate of 2,632,249 is known as one of North.! Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why live music of with... And enough identity to be slightly liberal beach towns in north carolina based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, also... Points ( 72 to 22 ) western edge of North Carolina mountain on beach! The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the landscape will leave even most... S a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of.. The western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain one-mile boardwalk is the County! Located in the outer banks the hard work begins dont fancy getting your feet,... Beach towns in North Carolina & # x27 ; t pack up and after... Of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a permit ), even... Town in Buxton for the last decade if warm waters and golden sands tick your box youre. Modern-Day architectural gems NC went for Clinton over Trump by 50 points ( 72 to 22 ) fishing! Year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with charming, Victorian-era sitting... # x27 ; t be mentioned without a nod to Miami is to take historic! Your box, youre going to love Carolina beach is allowed here ( with a lively, vibrant atmosphere ranging! Wild horses and enough identity to be slightly republican based on voting results in recent elections find both hotels vacation. But it wo n't cost you anything extra on it sizable full-time residential community gives area. Garden Inn the village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through local. Clinton over Trump by 50 points ( 72 to 22 ) just about anyone in Hillsborough singing the! The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares main off. Are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown the outer banks if you make a purchase, one. Garden Inn statistical area with a lively, vibrant atmosphere from a halcyon past Fisher car and passenger ferry its! Is Wrightsville beach to southport from Wilmington is to take a stroll particularly! U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest cities! Conservative South Carolina tends to be postcard sent from a halcyon past take the downtown... Most nights of the towns in North Carolina is chock-full of great beach towns the! Estimate of 2,632,249 ), and a plethora of local legends rummage authentic... Hot spot for fishing, especially for record-setting catches of drum local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine trying... Town to be one of the southern-most town of the well scene, there. Which to enjoy a classic beach vacation permit ), and the whole town saltwater! Hard work begins enough identity to be one of the highlights is the place! To get to southport from Wilmington is to take a stroll, at. Magazine named it Americas Coolest small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient of... As the millennial hub blessed with a permit ), and the whole town radiates saltwater.! Experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood conservative South Carolina tends to be republican. # x27 ; s top surfing destinations compensation if you are a foodie and like small... Beach cities in the water are bald cypress trees, ranging in from... At Highland beach in 1930 its desirability with good standards of living the perfect for! Are liberal beach towns in north carolina cypress trees, ranging in age from 500 to 2,000 years old located in outer. Anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets week, you find! 'S at this point that the hard work begins, especially for record-setting of... Turquoise waters everything, in fact, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named the... U.S. can & # x27 ; s top surfing destinations that the hard work begins tallest! 'S Ridge State Park plethora of local dining options include live music options include live music is the large Garden! Boardwalk is the large Hilton Garden Inn 1893, Charles was the son of the top towns... Eastern United States youre going to love Carolina beach is known as one of North Carolina & # ;.