liberal beach towns in north carolina

Not the people getting elected. Located at the tail end of the Outer Banks on Hatteras Island, these twin towns sort of meld right into one another. This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. Beaches. 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. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. 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. 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 you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. The South Florida hot spot is the seventh-most populous metro area in the U.S., and its beaches attract vacationers year-round. 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. Ashevilles laid-back nature doesnt want any attention, but it has plenty to offer. 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. Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation spots on the East Coast. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. This two-bedroom condo is listed at just under $200,000 in a high-rise with bay and ocean views. In addition to dining, the town offers great opportunities for shopping across a wide variety of retail shops. Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Its proximity to the big city hasnt impacted this small towns development. 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 . North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. Asheville. The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. Orange County, NC went for Clinton over Trump by 50 points (72 to 22). Best yet, Columbia's cost of living averages about 7% less than average. Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in IllinoisContinue, Denver has a total of 78 neighborhoods to its name. - Tim Crystal Nails. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . Delaware. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. 20 BEST Restaurants in Bluffton, SC You Need to Try. To feel the heartbeat of North Carolina, spend some time in Saluda. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. Even within a single year, a particular neighborhood or metro area can change from being a sellers market to a buyers market and back. 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. 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. Compared to the nation as a whole, South Carolina leans more republican. It's located at the northern end of town not far from Jockey's Ridge State Park. There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Initially named for a politician by the name of Swann, the town has since enthusiastically adopted the swan as its mascot, and you'll see the graceful bird displayed on signs and in private gardens. Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks. Its the voters. The famous vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk is full of fun things to do, including carnival rides, a carousel, an arcade, ice-cream shops, and restaurants with beachfront patios. As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . In fact, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place here each year the second week of June. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. 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 . 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. Based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub. Why We Recommend This Beach Boasting its 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll be surprised with what's in store in Ocracoke Island. Swansboro sits at the confluence of the Water Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway, just minutes away from Hammocks Beach State Park and Emerald Isle. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Some of the attractions around town are the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. 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. In fairness, there are worse places to live than Albemarle. Population: 230. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. 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. 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 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. 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. There are many urban areas, including the states capital Chicago, but there is also plenty of rolling hills, wetlands, farmland, and forests. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. In 2012, Budget Travel Magazine named it Americas Coolest Small Town. Within two minutes of arrival, youll understand why. Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. 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. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, and fine dining establishments provide so many options; youll have to come back to try them all. 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. It's fun for all ages. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. One of the highlights is the Chowan County Courthouse. 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 . Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative South Carolina tends to be slightly republican based on voting results in recent elections. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. The town's most popular fishing pier and one of the major attractions is Janette's Pier. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. 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. Interestingly enough, most landlords are aware of this, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they convey the laws properly to, Read More Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter?Continue, The real estate market fluctuates and shifts constantly. Fresh breezes off the ocean and cool waters to swim in make for a refreshing retreat. 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. This is the largest city in western North Carolina and is a must-visit for nature lovers. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. 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. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? Don't have a 4WD vehicle? 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. 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. There are cities with unemployment rates that are higher than Albemarle's rate of 7.8%. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. 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. Washington, NC, USA 2. The Culture Trip considers Kitty Hawk one of the ten most beautiful towns in North Carolina. The George on Wilmington's Riverwalk. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Cornelius is a lakeside town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. This was actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the US from Germany as a child! The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. 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. One of the most unique features of Kitty Hawk is the large maritime forest in Sandy Run Park. One of the fun things to do here is take a harbor tour, where you'll almost certainly be able to see dolphins racing in your bow wake. Straight south of town is the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and just a few miles north is the Wright Memorial National Monument. While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. We are looking to possibly move to the Carolinas and it has really helped in our research with the small town info given here! [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. Asheville, North Carolina. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. Article continues below. 15. 6. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. Thank you for providing all of this information! 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. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. Population: 25,600Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $17.02# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.17More on Mint Hill:Photos |Data, Population: 30,760Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $19.27# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.19More on Matthews:Photos |Data. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. The towns proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. An alternative may be a cool/liberal town that is near the shore if not right on it. Getting to the ocean via 4WD vehicles is easy through multiple beach access roads, allowing you to access some of the finest beaches in the Outer Banks. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. Just drive your car to the access road area, and walk the short distance to the beach. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. Calabash-style seafood is lightly breaded right off the boat, and there are plenty of restaurants featuring the local fare. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway 158 joins up with Highway 12. Population: 88,728. Miami. 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. Bryson City. Greenville. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 137. North Carolinas middle section is full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and playing golf. Cary and Chapel Hill are very liberal. 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. Park your car and remember where you put the keys; you wont need them for a while. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. Named by PlanetWare as one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina, Edenton is a peaceful, charming town thats the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. We used science and data to determine which cities in North Carolina probably voted for Obama. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares. I once read a description of Chapel Hill as being "as southern as Birkenstocks and Muesli". Murphy dates back to the 1830s, and acts as a gateway to a lot of of North Carolina's natural wonders. Campgrounds liberal beach towns in north carolina some of the East coast is a safe Uber drive away, and walk the distance. See: the best places to live than Albemarle & # x27 ; s of! To Asheville has rubbed off on it activities available, with Brevard as fantastic... 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