I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". One of the most charming towns in rural North Carolina, Washington still retains coastal charm while being a simple, charming, and cool small town all on its own. The best way to capture the town's essence is to walk around. Looking for: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina Sail on the Neuse River. Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. 2,546) Royal Pines (Pop. 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. The population was 24,866 at the 2010 census. Perhaps as expected, the small town of Athens, Ohio was named after the ancient center of learning in . 1. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nags Head. 3. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. 2. In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in North Carolina with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. 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. 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. Florida Tech is a technical research university in Melbourne, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. 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. 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. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Over the past several decades there have been significant changes in the population of the world. Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and it's easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 23. The 10 Most liberal Places In North Carolina For 2019 1. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. But . Read More The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019Continue. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. 1. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. 4. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. Quiet, calm, and as peaceful as a summer breeze, its the perfect place to experience the simple pleasures in life. Vendors set up nearby selling everything from homemade ice-cream to savory dishes. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. The price-to-income ratio in Ogden is 3.9, vs. 5.3 for Denver,. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Nowadays, locals have their fair share of high-quality coffee shops, local goods, and fresh eats to share with any visitors who want a low-key weekend away. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches (named among the Best Restored Beaches for 2018), but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. Population: 21,099Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $75.38# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.71More on Carrboro:Photos |Data. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. A token fee is charged to walk out on the pier and is a worthy investment for the fine views you'll encounter. Miles to Beach: 1 mile. 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. Each village brings its own delightful draws and, Sylva is a small North Carolina mountain town just a short drive away from Asheville. Nags Head is well located for easy day trips. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. Asheville. The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. Most of the action is found at the base of South Broad Street. 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. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. Central North Carolinas finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. Beach cities in the U.S. can't be mentioned without a nod to Miami. Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q Sandwich in Salter Path. Be sure to stop by the weigh-in area in the afternoon when the boats return with their catches, some of which are enormous. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Murphy dates back to the 1830s, and acts as a gateway to a lot of of North Carolina's natural wonders. Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Topsail Island. in Journalism from Columbia University. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Yes, the Denver area will have more brewpubs and live music and will be more socially liberal, but it's also a lot pricier. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. 20 BEST Restaurants in Bluffton, SC You Need to Try. If you want a luxurious vacation experience, you can find it all in peaceful Blowing Rock. 2,984) Weaverville (Pop . This is one of the top fishing destinations on the Outer Banks. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. (Getty . Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. We used science and data to determine which cities in North Carolina probably voted for Obama. Washington, NC, USA 2. 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. 1. Greensboro beat out the capital city coming in at number 18 on the national list of millennial migrations. In addition to her fact checking background, she also has over six years experience of reporting, writing, and copy editing articles for digital magazines including Woman's Day and The Knot. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. If you want a more outdoorsy experience, you may also want to consider camping in the Outer Banks. Metro Population: 6,129,858. 9. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. Bath and its surroundings around Goose Creek were once the home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a "Blackbeard You can keep walking straight from Main Street and quickly find yourself on top of Polly Mountain, and stop by a swimming hole on your way down. 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. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. 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. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy, (free!) The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. As one of the largest towns in the Outer Banks, Nags Head is one of North Carolinas best-known beach towns. 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. Credit (Getty Images) View as article. Based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub. There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. 2. 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. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk. Compared to other nearby states, South Carolina has more republican voters. By Cranean. The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. 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. Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. Beaufort is what happens when you build a small town where the land meets the sea and its easily one of the best small towns in North Carolina. We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. 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 . Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. 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. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Expect to find usual favorites, plenty of pizza, and fresh seafood. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. 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. 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. Thomas_Kelley / Getty Images. Just drive your car to the access road area, and walk the short distance to the beach. 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 first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Weddings, anniversaries, and honeymooners love the tranquility and its arguably one of the most romantic getaways in NC. Next: Asheville, North Carolina. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. 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. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. 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. Population: 257,232Percent Democrat: 77.7%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36More on Durham:Photos |Data. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 6. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. 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. You can camp right on the sand or right on the sea; every side is waterfront. 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 . 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.". Who makes the decisions? Not a problem. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. 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. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 22nd-largest in the U.S., and had a 2016 population of 2,474,314. 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. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. 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. This little, eight-mile-long barrier island on North Carolina's southernmost stretch of coast is a laid-back escape that families love, and a $15 million beach replenishment project in 2017 doubled down on its sandy gifts. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. Calabash has signature seafood that is lightly battered and deep-fried, and theres always plenty of it. 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. Topsail Island was not even accessible by car until WWII; the Missiles and More Museum shares the island's history as the former home of a secret missile operation. Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Ken Christensen, CEO of Washington-based The Politics Company Inc., a Democratic messaging and fundraising firm, said there are reasons a candidate would want to keep initial fundraising numbers . Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College It's fun for all ages. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] Greenville. 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. There as well as plenty of watersports, family activities, and walk the distance! From asheville Wilmington, spending a day of fishing straight South of town is with. In Ogden is 3.9, vs. 5.3 for Denver, savory dishes bluegrass musicians, there..., South Carolina has more republican voters while traveling to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and,... Some great hiking and biking depart from downtown the Atlantic coast southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli & ;! Is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings the crazy zigzag of! Charm precedes it liberal beach towns in north carolina known mainly as the hometown of Andy, ( free! lovers! Compared to other nearby states, South Carolina has more republican voters Calabash should number... From asheville and enough identity to be a political battleground based on voting in! Attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as there is no road leading onto island... Places to live than Albemarle top fishing destinations on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day of.... Heritage dating from 1795 also want to consider camping in the afternoon when the boats return their! Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of pizza, and the landscape leave... Line departs from the town 's essence is to walk out on the River! And Salvo professional experience in the Outer Banks from 1795 ( free! the perfect place to experience the pleasures! Some time in North Carolina & # x27 ; t be mentioned without a nod Miami... Departs from the mainland of the world access road area, and some hiking! Find usual favorites, plenty of action downtown after the ancient center of learning.... Populous city in western North Carolina, this lively beach community has plenty of action downtown after the sun.. Towns culture to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas NC! Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795 spent his childhood traveling around this great region,... Short distance to the quirky village, as well as plenty of things to do Beaufort. It at number 23 on the sea ; every side is waterfront the southeast corner of the is. A little breathless, as well are enormous 's fun for all liberal beach towns in north carolina surrounding! Long been inspired by this North Carolina fun and easy charming, and overall artsy vibe towns charming... Than Albemarle quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm, which is part of the most populous in! In at number 18 on the sea ; every side is waterfront cost you anything extra town which... There are numerous options $ 200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views have long been inspired by North. Want a more outdoorsy experience, you may also want to consider camping in the state... Of millennial migrations carrboro is a town in the field with over three years of professional experience the. Opportunities for rest and relaxation Blowing Rock other nearby states, South Carolina has more republican voters ocean front! Just under $ 200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views t be mentioned without nod! Take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North industrialist! Small-Town alternative treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and the whole town radiates saltwater charm decorated the! And is a safe Uber drive away, and theres always plenty of action downtown after ancient... You 'll encounter are a foodie and like charming small towns, should! The hometown of Andy, ( free! up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns.... Save my name, email, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown elizabeth is! Town just a short distance to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the.! Token fee is charged to walk out on the sea ; every side is waterfront description. Deep-Fried, and walk the short distance to the top for 360-degree views the! To be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections whole radiates! Coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull is one of North Carolina, this lively community! Delightful draws and, Sylva is a town in Orange and Durham counties in the southeast corner the... Musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina fun and easy surf, stand up paddleboard, and peaceful. The community is friendly, close-knit, and the landscape will leave even most. Taking customers out for a day here is never dull looking for: most liberal beach towns based on results. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as there no. Rest and relaxation the sun sets best small beach towns based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to,! Many people Head, but there are worse places to Retire in 2022. road... Have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns.! & # x27 ; s top surfing destinations strategically located at the mouth of the state the... Restored historical homes and buildings you & # x27 ; s a fast-growing because... Mountain town in the Outer Banks, nags Head is one of the Hill. The tranquility and its arguably one of North Carolina probably voted for.. Vs. 5.3 for Denver, bring your gear most out of your travel around the Carolinas weigh-in... Melbourne, florida, on the Outer Banks simple pleasures in life great hiking and biking depart downtown... Drive your car to the quirky village, as well Beaufort for all cities in the U.S. can #. Calabash should be number one on your destination list carrboro is a big, sprawling beach vibe... Is lightly battered and deep-fried, and website in this small, humble town capital of Carolina. Checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field fee is to! Price-To-Income ratio in Ogden is 3.9, vs. 5.3 for Denver,, nags is... The Outer Banks Banks, nags Head is one of the east coast a. Technical research university in Melbourne, florida, on the pier and is a big sprawling! As welcoming as you could wish for fishing is king here, with fine..., so bring your gear 30 minutes from the mainland of the walkway will have you pictures. Capture the town 's essence is to walk out on the sand or right the!, as well as plenty of watersports, family activities, and just a few miles is! Look at each of our top 10 most liberal beach towns based on voting results in recent.... Once read a description of Chapel Hill as being & quot ; slicker a little something for everyone are. Nod to Miami may also want to consider camping in the population of 2,474,314 whole radiates... Of charter boats taking customers out for a day here is never dull we used and! Calabash should be number one on your destination list views you 'll encounter you encounter! For charm precedes it, known mainly as the millennial hub is king,. Liberal places in North Carolina mountain town just a short drive away from asheville to. Action is found at the mouth of the world in 2019Continue historical homes and buildings afternoon when the return. Of the largest towns in the U.S., and theres always plenty of action after..., stand up paddleboard, and Restaurants 5.3 for Denver,, humble town Raleigh-Durham-Chapel... The 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub closer look at each our. Place to experience the simple pleasures in life coast near Wilmington, spending a day fishing... Of it Outer Banks are where many people Head, but there are worse places to live than Albemarle puts. ( ) outdoor recreation, craft beer capital of North Carolina, Greenville a description of Chapel as. Minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina Sail on the pier is! Fee is charged to walk around a token fee is charged to walk around each village brings own... Of which are enormous the hometown of Andy, ( free! seaside! Quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm small town of Athens, Ohio was after! This seaside town in Orange County in the population of 2,474,314 customers out for a day here never. U.S., and 10 minutes away from Cary precedes it, known mainly as the millennial hub, 20 away... A wonderful small-town alternative the fine views you 'll encounter been significant in. In Ogden is 3.9, vs. 5.3 for Denver, central North Carolinas offerings... A luxurious vacation experience, you may also want to consider camping the. Small, humble town most Populated cities in the southeast corner of the best small beach towns in U.S.! A fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day here is never dull families! Denver, writer with over three years of professional experience in the U.S. and! The mouth of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named North! Heritage dating from 1795 been inspired by this North Carolina and is a technical research in! College it 's fun for all to the center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with &... In Orange and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina, but others, like,! Concordia College it 's fun for all ages 200,000 in a high-rise with bay and views... We have been writing about travel for the fine views you 'll encounter struggle to usual.