Best Small Towns in North Carolina
Do you want to live in a small town in NC? Here are the ten best small towns in North Carolina.
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life? North Carolina's charming small towns offer the perfect blend of community warmth, natural beauty, and modern amenities.
North Carolina's diverse landscape spans from the Atlantic coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating unique opportunities for small-town living across different environments.
Whether seeking mountain views, historic charm, or family-friendly communities, these eleven exceptional towns offer something special for every lifestyle.
If you want to move to North Carolina, check out the breathtaking homes available in these small towns.
Keep reading to learn more about the best small towns in North Carolina.
1. Apex
Just southwest of Raleigh, Apex has earned its motto through remarkable growth and community development. With a median household income of $151,386, this thriving town attracts professionals and families seeking upscale suburban living.
Apex is one of the area's fastest-growing communities while retaining its small-town feel. It is a town in Wake County, considered a smaller suburb of Raleigh. Due to its small-town charm and community spirit, Apex is known as "the peak of good living."
If you're interested in living near the heart of the state and prefer a smaller town, Apex may be the perfect choice. The growth in this area is consistently increasing, and this charming town continues to attract people from all over. It's a tight-knit and inviting community that's on the rise.
If you want to move to Apex, check out the best neighborhoods in the town to find the perfect area for you.
What Makes Apex Special:
- Consistently ranked among the safest cities in North Carolina
- Award-winning parks and recreation programs
- Historic downtown district with unique shops and restaurants
- 62% of families have children under 18, making it exceptionally family-friendly
- Easy commute to Research Triangle Park and downtown Raleigh
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2. Gastonia
Located just west of Charlotte, Gastonia combines its rich textile industry heritage with modern revitalization efforts. This town offers affordable living with big-city accessibility, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers and retirees.
Despite being a smaller town, Gastonia is the second-largest suburb outside the Charlotte metro area. If you enjoy both city life and mountain views, Gastonia could be an ideal place for you to live.
Gastonia is close to Lake Norman, a popular destination for many. If you're interested in moving to this thriving area, look at the best places to live and find the perfect home.
What Makes Gastonia Special:
- Historic downtown is undergoing significant revitalization
- Home to the Schiele Museum of Natural History
- Beautiful park system, including Rankin Lake Park
- Affordable housing market compared to the Charlotte metro area
- Strong sense of community with numerous festivals and events
3. Davidson
This picturesque town on the shores of Lake Norman is home to prestigious Davidson College, creating a unique blend of academic culture and lakeside living. The town successfully balances growth with preservation of its historic character.
One of the main reasons people are drawn to this location is its close proximity to many amenities while still maintaining its own sense of community. With a population of 16,276, Davidson features various shopping opportunities, restaurants, parks, and other recreational activities.
What Makes Davidson Special:
- Stunning Lake Norman waterfront properties
- Walkable downtown with locally-owned boutiques and cafes
- Strong educational environment influenced by Davidson College
- Excellent public schools and cultural events
- Historic architecture and tree-lined streets
4. Morrisville
Between Raleigh and Durham, Morrisville has become a premier destination for tech professionals and international families. With a highly educated, diverse population and strong economic foundation, this town represents modern North Carolina living.
Living in Morrisville provides residents with a diverse range of neighborhoods to choose from while also being centrally located close to many attractions. The population has been steadily increasing over the past few years, which is one of the reasons why people love this area.
If you want to move to a growing town with many amenities, check out available real estate in Morrisville to find the perfect home.
What Makes Morrisville Special:
- High median household income reflecting a strong tech economy
- 60% of families have children under 18, making it extremely family-friendly
- Proximity to Research Triangle Park and major tech companies
- Excellent schools and educational resources
- Modern amenities and international dining options
5. Wake Forest
Wake Forest is a beautiful suburb of Raleigh that offers its residents affordable living and a high quality of life. The town is close to the Triangle, a major factor attracting people to move here. The environment is also breathtaking, making it an ideal place to live.
Originally home to Wake Forest University before it moved to Winston-Salem, this town maintains its academic heritage while serving as a desirable place to live North of Raleigh. The historic downtown and tree-lined neighborhoods create an inviting atmosphere.
This area offers so much for its residents. With a low cost of living and a high quality of life, it is a perfect place to relocate. This town's friendly atmosphere, abundance of activities, and thriving attributes make it stand out from the surrounding areas.
If you want to move to Wake Forest, check out the available real estate to jumpstart your moving process.
What Makes Wake Forest Special:
- Charming historic downtown with antique shops and local eateries
- Beautiful Victorian and early 20th-century architecture
- Strong community events, including seasonal festivals
- Excellent public schools and family amenities
- Easy access to Raleigh while maintaining a small-town feel
6. Pittsboro
The county seat of Chatham County, Pittsboro, has evolved into an artist community while maintaining its agricultural roots. The town perfectly blends creativity, sustainability, and natural beauty.
As one of the best places to live in the state, this town is popular due to its scenic rural environment and safe community, making it a highly sought-after location in North Carolina.
Whether looking for a place to live with your family or settle down to retire peacefully, this town has something for everyone and prides itself on being a diverse community. A thriving job market, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of recreational activities are just a few reasons people choose to find their forever home here.
What Makes Pittsboro Special:
- Thriving arts community with galleries and studios
- Strong commitment to sustainability and organic farming
- Beautiful rural landscapes and nearby state parks
- Growing food scene featuring farm-to-table restaurants
- Affordable housing in a rapidly appreciating market
7. Blowing Rock
Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock is noted for "its sweet downtown and spectacular mountain views". This resort town offers year-round beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that attract tourists and permanent residents.
Living in Blowing Rock offers its residents a suburban and rural mix. Ranked as one of America's best small towns, this area is a sought-after place to live. Blowing Rock is a great place to live for everyone, featuring excellent education, a welcoming community, and plenty of things to do.
What Makes Blowing Rock Special:
- Stunning mountain vistas and cool summer temperatures
- World-class outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and golf
- Charming downtown with unique shops and fine dining
- Strong vacation rental market for property investors
- Rich Appalachian culture and craft traditions
8. Mount Airy
Mount Airy is a charming small town in northwest North Carolina known for attracting many families, retirees, new residents, and businesses. Situated in a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, this town is a popular destination for those looking to relocate.
Mount Airy is famous as the inspiration for Andy Griffith's fictional Mayberry and offers authentic small-town America with modern amenities. The town celebrates its television heritage while building a diverse economy.
Many new residents love the idea of living near the Blue Ridge Parkway in a friendly and welcoming community. This town is a perfect location for those who still need to commute, as it is only a few minutes away from the border and close to other metropolitan cities.
What Makes Mount Airy Special:
- Rich entertainment history and Andy Griffith connections
- Beautiful Blue Ridge foothills location
- Growing wine country with numerous vineyards nearby
- Affordable cost of living and housing market
- Strong sense of community and traditional values
9. Hendersonville
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is renowned for its apple orchards, mild climate, and stunning fall foliage. The town balances tourism with residential living, creating a vibrant year-round community.
Hendersonville boasts a variety of activities and attractions and is surrounded by stunning scenery. With its central location in the western part of the state, the town is easily accessible from many popular cities.
This area's affordable homes offer prestigious golf communities and mountain views. Although small, this city has something for everyone and is conveniently located.
What Makes Hendersonville Special:
- Perfect four-season climate with mild winters
- Famous apple festivals and agritourism opportunities
- Beautiful historic downtown with local shops and restaurants
- Excellent healthcare facilities and senior services
- Strong arts community and cultural events
10. Southern Pines
Southern Pines is renowned for its verdant golf courses, reputation for safety, and high quality of life. The community is very active, and the public schools are exceptional, making this area a popular destination for families and retirees.
This small town has a population of only 15,590 residents, giving it the small-town feel many seek. Its proximity to larger cities makes it a desirable location for those searching for natural beauty.
What Makes Southern Pines Special:
- World-renowned golf courses, including Pinehurst nearby
- Rich equestrian heritage with horse shows and polo
- Charming downtown with antique shops and fine dining
- Beautiful longleaf pine forests and natural areas
- Strong tourism economy supporting local businesses
Methodology
Factors such as real estate, things to do, job opportunities, and amenities were considered to determine the best small towns in North Carolina.
FAQs
What is the best small town in North Carolina?
Blowing Rock is a highly ranked small town in North Carolina. Its charming downtown area offers breathtaking scenery and is close to other popular mountain cities.
What is the prettiest place to live in North Carolina?
Asheville, located in North Carolina, is known for its picturesque mountain views and is an excellent destination for nature lovers. There is a lot to do in this town, and it is also one of the most affordable places in the region.
What is the lowest crime rate in North Carolina?
Davidson is one of the safest places to live in North Carolina, with a crime rate of 4.27 per 1,000 residents.
Best Small Towns in North Carolina - The Bottom Line
Each of these exceptional communities offers unique advantages for different lifestyles and budgets. From the tech-friendly environment of Apex to the mountain majesty of Blowing Rock, North Carolina's small towns provide alternatives to urban living without sacrificing amenities or opportunities.
Are you ready to explore your options in North Carolina's best small towns? Contact Raleigh Realty today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward small-town living at its finest.
