7 Best Small Towns in North Carolina to Call Home

Are you considering a move to North Carolina and prefer small-town charm? Here are the seven best small towns in North Carolina to call home. 

Over 133,000 people have moved to North Carolina from 2021 to 2022, and it is not hard to see why. From the stunning Great Smoky Mountains to the beautiful East Coast beaches and everything in between. North Carolina has something to offer for everyone. 

Whether you are craving the bustling city life or some small-town charm, there are plenty of beautiful places to choose from in NC. Each small town has something different to offer, but all have their own natural beauty, southern hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere. 

These small towns range from laid-back beach communities to stunning towns along the mountains. No matter what you are interested in, you'll find many delicious restaurants, fun activities, friendly people, and much more in each of these small towns. 

If you are looking for the perfect place to raise a family, a quiet town to retire in, or a new place outside a city, NC has everything you could possibly want. 

You cannot go wrong with moving to North Carolina, but there is much to learn before you do. First, here are the best small towns in NC to call home. 

Keep reading to learn all about the best small towns in North Carolina to call home.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock not only offers breathtaking views but also the perfect suburban and rural mix. Ranked as one of America's best small towns, it is a highly sought-after place to live and visit. 

Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the downtown has shopping, award-winning restaurants, hotels, cabins, hiking, and many more activities for people of all ages. Known as the "Crown of the Blue Ridge," Blowing Rock has unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains. You will not be able to find any town like this.

Blowing Rock is located in larger cities, so you can reach any of those amenities while still enjoying the small-town lifestyle. 

Homes range in price, but the median listing price is about $1.4M, with an average of $443 per square foot. You will have no problem finding your dream home here in Blowing Rock. 

Holly Springs

The charming town of Holly Springs is one of the fastest growing in the Triangle area. As a suburb of Raleigh, many move to Holly Springs for the small-town feel and easy commute to the big city. 

Not only does Holly Springs rank highly in safety, but affordability as well as it is 1% lower than the national average. 

As a growing town, there are plenty of jobs in the area. The job market has increased by 1.6% in the last year and has a median household income of $112,029 per year. Many residents live in Holly Springs and commute to Research Triangle Park for work. 

Located in the middle of NC, Holly Springs experiences great southern weather with hot summers and short winters. This is perfect for residents who want to experience all the fun outdoor activities in town, like Golf Courses and parks, or walk through the adorable downtown area. 

The housing market in Holly Springs has increased by 31.5% compared to 2021, meaning there are plenty of new construction homes available in one of the town's best neighborhoods. 

Beaufort

Located in the Inner Banks, Beaufort is known for its historic sites and picturesque views. Filled with acclaimed shops and restaurants, this small town is perfect for those looking for a quiet and safe town in NC.

In addition to the shops and restaurants, there are tons of local legends and history to explore as you walk through town. You can also see the stunning boats along the harbor as you walk to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, located along the front street. 

Named by Travel & Leisure as "America's Favorite Town," Beaufort offers more than any other town. This is by far one of the most laid-back and beautiful small towns in NC, perfect for families or retirees. 

If you are searching for an old-world, southern charm with plenty of maritime history and adventure, Beaufort is the perfect place to call home. The median home listing price in Beaufort is $616,287 and an average of $304 per square foot. 

Southern Pines

Known for its renowned golf courses and reputation for safety, Southern Pines is undoubtedly one of the best small towns in NC. The active community boasts its high quality of life, exceptional public schools, and more. All making it an extremely popular destination for families and retirees. 

With only 13,000 residents, this quiet town is the perfect place to call home. The town is close to larger cities, making it a desirable location for home buyers searching for natural beauty. 

The entire Southern Pines, Pinehurst, and Aberdeen area is world-famous for its stunning golf courses. No matter if you consider yourself a golf pro or not, you'll have plenty of chances to try your hand at this fun sport. 

Homes range in price but are mostly affordable, with a median listing price of $662,345 and an average of $274 per square foot. 

Kitty Hawk

Located on the Outer Banks, the town of Kitty Hawk offers residents and visitors an extremely unique and relaxed environment. Known for its association with the Wright brothers and flight, there is so much to explore in this small town. 

With a population of over 3,200 year-round residents, this is an extremely small town but sees many visitors throughout the year. As a barrier island, the beaches here are unmatched. 

Kitty Hawk is different from other parts of the Outer Banks because of its modest homes since most homeowners stay in town year-round. You can still find many mini-mansions or larger beach houses to rent or live in. The town of Kitty Hawk prides itself on its deep sense of community, history, beaches, and more.

You'll find many amazing restaurants, shops, campgrounds, and more activities to keep you occupied in Kitty Hawk. The homes vary in price, but the median listing price is $776,395, with an average of $436 per square foot. 

Ocracoke

With miles of peaceful and pristine beaches, Ocracoke is a beach town like no other. Unlike the other crowded beaches, this hidden gem is like the getaway you have been looking for. 

Aside from the beaches and National Park Service campground, Ocracoke offers many restaurants, shops, bars, coffee shops, and outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a second home or a place to call home, Ocracoke is the perfect place to pick. 

Boasting small-town charm and a great sense of community, your family will quickly fall in love with this town. The combination of town qualities and natural environment creates a place that is unlike any other. 

Living here offers residents a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their own homes. There are highly rated public schools as well, making it one of the best places to raise a family. 

Asheville

Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Ashville has been known as the "Paris of the South." As a result of the vibrant community, stunning historic architecture, dog-friendly atmosphere, and rich history, it is hard not to see why people love living in Asheville. 

With over 93,000 residents, this town is a bit bigger than the other small towns we have talked about, but there is no place like it, from the breathtaking mountain views to the quirky shops downtown, restaurants, and galleries. 

You will find all the great amenities of big-city life with the booming job market and the University of North Carolina Asheville. Thousands of people visit this town every year for the snowy mountains in the winter and the perfect weather in the summer. 

Whether you are interested in a second home or a forever home, Ashville should be at the top of your list. Asheville homes have a median listing price of $841,971 and an average price of $328 per square foot. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine the best small towns in North Carolina to call home. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management
• Town of Beaufort, North Carolina

FAQ: Best Small Towns in North Carolina to Call Home

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best small towns in North Carolina to call home.

What is the best small town to visit in North Carolina?

Blowing Rock has consistently ranked No. 1 for small-town charm. Nestled in the mountains, this small town is one of the best to visit for its picturesque views, friendly community, and abundance of activities for visitors of all ages. 

What is the most beautiful city in North Carolina?

Depending on what type of views you appreciate, there are many beautiful cities in North Carolina. If you love the beach, then Kitty Hawk and Wilmington should be at the top of your list; if you love the mountains, then Boone is perfect. Finally, if you'd rather stay in central NC, Pinehurst is the place to visit. 

What is the number one place to visit in North Carolina?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the country, and NC is the perfect place to see them. You can drive through in your car or hike the mountains on foot.

What is the safest area in North Carolina to live?

The Triangle area is one of the safest places to live in North Carolina. This includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, and the surrounding area. The small towns around the Triangle are becoming increasingly popular and are ranked high in safety, including Holly Springs, Apex, Cary, and Wake Forest. 

What is the most popular place to live in North Carolina?

North Carolina is full of many beautiful, affordable, and safe places to live. The top-ranked places to live in North Carolina include Asheville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Durham, and Raleigh. 

Best Small Towns in North Carolina - The Bottom Line

No matter the small town you decide to move to, you can ensure you will fall in love with it. There is a lot to think about when it comes to buying a home, no matter if this is your first time or if you consider yourself a seasoned pro. Finding the perfect location is extremely important. Make sure to learn as much as you can about your desired area to ensure you find the perfect home. 

North Carolina is full of many other amazing cities and towns. Each one is full of things to do, such as historic sites, restaurants, bars, shops, and more. You can't go wrong with any of them. 

As you decide where to move to in North Carolina, consider the Triangle, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country with many beautiful homes for sale. You'll have to act fast if you want to buy your next home in one of Raleigh's best neighborhoods. 

Before you buy your next home in the Triangle, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a home can be overwhelming, so make sure you are prepared beforehand.