7 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns

The majestic Appalachian Mountains provide some of the country’s most breathtaking views and natural beauty. Within its peaks and valleys are numerous communities, prized either for their access to the outdoors, energetic cultures, tight-knit communities, or all of the above. If you’re someone who loves to explore the rugged terrain, find stunning vistas, and craves a more laidback lifestyle, then a North Carolina mountain town is likely right up your valley (see what we did?)

Now, picking the “best” North Carolina mountain town depends on your interests and what lifestyle you want to live. To help launch your mountain home search, check out these popular towns in North Carolina. We’ll start in the southern Blue Ridge mountains and generally move northward to the High Country.

Highlands

August 2023 median home price: $1.3 million

Population: 1,000

Let’s begin with the Highlands, the “crown jewel” of the southern Appalachian Mountains top mountain destination since the 1800s. For centuries, the wealthy have escaped summer humidity in Georgia and the Carolina lowlands to this resort town haven. Highlands sits at an elevation of 4,118 feet, making it the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River and moderating its climate. Its landscape has one of the few temperate rainforests in the US.

Travel + Leisure named it the best small mountain town in America for 2023. That same elevation and unique climate created a recipe for beautiful waterfalls. Highlands doesn’t disappoint. Stunning waterfalls like Bridal Veils and Cullasaja are roadside up the winding Hwy 64. More are discoverable from popular hiking destinations inside the next-door Nantahala National Forest, like Whiteside Mountain and Dry Falls.

Life in the Highlands includes quiet stream fishing spots, golf courses, and endless scenic drives. The quaint and walkable Main Street is lined with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants that offer a taste of local mountain living. Events like the Highlands Food & Wine Festival and the Highlands Village Square Art Walk attract visitors from all over.

While known as a resort town, Highlands does have a year-round population of about 1,000 residents. The strong sense of community and active arts scene make it a popular place for those looking to retire or live part-time in the mountains.

Brevard

August 2023 median home price: $562,200

Population: 8,000

People come to hike, mountain bike, kayak, and fly fish in the beautiful rivers of the Pisgah National Forest. And when they need a place to stay or want to live near its hills, quirky Brevard is a top choice town. The city is nestled between two popular outdoor destinations: DuPont State Forest and Gorges State Park. It’s also known as one of the best places in the country for road cycling.

But it’s not the outdoors that makes Brevard “quirky.” The town has more of an artsy, free-thinking vibe, thanks partly to Brevard College. This liberal arts college has embraced innovation and creativity for decades. Musicians and fans flock yearly to Brevard Music Center, making this mountain town a cultural hotspot. The sounds of classical, bluegrass, and contemporary music float across the square throughout the summer. The Mountain Song Festival is an annual highlight of the music scene.

Another is its love of White Squirrels, highlighted by its White Squirrel Festival. There’s even a White Squirrel Research Institute with the mission to establish and research a sustainable colony of white squirrels.

Some other popular community events are Fourth Friday Gallery Walks, Old Time Music Jam Sessions, and the Twilight Tour bike race downtown. Even when not hosting an event, you’ll enjoy the independently owned downtown shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

For those looking for a lively town, one that embraces creativity, or is close to top-rated outdoor adventures, Brevard ticks all those boxes.

Lake Lure

August 2023 median home price: $542,000

Population: 1,300

Just because you’re in the mountains doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a dream of waterfront living. Take Lake Lure as an example. Just over 25 miles south of Asheville, Lake Lure has 800 acres of freshwater set against beautiful stone cliffs and hills of Hickory Nut Gorge.

People come for the mountain getaway but stay because they love the quiet lifestyle. This mountain town has been a beloved escape since its founding in 1927. Relax fishing and boating on the lake’s calm waters or swimming at nearby Chimney Rock State Park. The expansive lakefront is guarded by three mountains in the southern Appalachian Mountains range.

The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a former highway bridge turned community garden, is one of the most beautiful features of this small town. The downtown area may be small, but it does have essential shops and restaurants. Annual events include Music on the Lake and the Dirty Dancing Festival, which celebrates the popular movie filmed here.

Lake Lure’s popularity is increasing as more people discover its serene beauty and endless outdoor activities. The town’s friendly atmosphere and easy ride to Asheville make it one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina for those looking for a tranquil lakeside lifestyle.

Asheville

August 2023 median home price: $591,500

Population: 94,000

Asheville is perhaps the most famous (and largest) mountain town in North Carolina. This city is a launching-off point for mountain fun, as the Blue Ridge Mountains surround the landscape.

Why do people like living in Asheville? It feels fun and energetic, youthful and exciting. Its thriving arts scene, with galleries, live music venues, and street performers, is scattered throughout downtown. Travel + Leisure ranked it the best food destination in the US and had the James Beard Foundation nation’s best restaurant in 2022. It has more breweries per capita than any US city. Add to that a calendar packed in every season with culinary, music, and heritage events, and “lively” is the right word to describe Asheville.

Layer on top of its in-city urban fun, the numerous outdoor activities are a short drive away. Inside those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are incredible scenic drives, mountain bike trails galore, fly fishing streams, adrenaline-pumping whitewater, equestrian trails, and so much more.

So, Asheville has an incredible list of entertainment perks to suit nearly everyone. But it’s not just a tourist destination. It’s the top city in the state for entrepreneurship, and WalletHub ranked it as a great city to start a business. Asheville City Schools ranked the fifth-best in North Carolina and has one of the nation’s best private boarding schools.

Put it all together–arts, dining, recreation, education, and jobs–and it makes sense that Asheville is a great mountain city to buy a home.

Black Mountain

August 2023 median home price: $667,500

Population: 8,500

Visitors to Black Mountain dubbed it “America’s Prettiest Small Town.” Just 15 miles from Asheville, this small town is known for its music scene and art events. That goes back to its Black Mountain College days. The now-defunct experimental art college set the stage for the town to become a haven for artists of every sort.

Today, art enthusiasts enjoy browsing the various galleries and studios located downtown. For performances, the popular White Horse Black Mountain live music venue hosts intimate live performances ranging from jazz to folk music. Live music dances through the air from the stage at Pisgah Brewing, one of the top mountain craft beer brewers.

The downtown setting is gorgeous, too, with water features next to wide sidewalks and rocking chairs inviting you to linger longer. Shopping is an adventure in this town, where local artisans offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted home, kitchen, and fashion goods.

Outdoor enthusiasts escape to places like Lake Tomahawk or the Graybeard Trail. The fall colors are spectacular from its peaks. Like other mountain towns, find many nearby trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Boone

August 2023 median home price: $669,500

Population: 18,000

Part of the North Carolina High Country, Boone earned a spotlight as one of the best places to live in the South. National Geographic called it a “top adventure town” in the US. This hub for outdoor enthusiasts is close to popular destinations like Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many consider Boone an excellent base for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. In fact, three of North Carolina’s ski resorts are within an hour’s drive from Boone.

But it’s not all ski bunnies and fishing. Appalachian State University is based here, adding to the quirky culture in the downtown business district. It has an old-mountain Main Street vibe, historic brick buildings, and awning-covered sidewalks. But look closer at the stores. Here, folk art galleries rub elbows with century-old general stores, modern coffee roasters, and fly-fishing shops. A 40-foot rock wall is in the heart of downtown, and students wander in and out from campus.

Boone’s strong sense of community and Appalachian pride is evident at events like the Woolly Worm Festival and First Friday Art Crawl. The town’s low crime rates and strong economy make it an attractive destination for families and retirees.

Blowing Rock

August 2023 median home price: $839,000

Population: 1,400

A short drive from Boone, Blowing Rock is the alternative for a quieter High Country lifestyle. Known for its beautiful parks and hiking trails, this town is perfect for those who want a mountain lifestyle to live away from the tourist crowds traveling to Boone.

Blowing Rock’s classically mountain downtown area is highly walkable. Visitors peruse the gemstone stores, artisan boutiques, and award-winning restaurants. The outdoor activities impress, too, with equestrian carriage trails and a long-running horse show. Adrenaline seekers will like the two zip line parks and access to whitewater rafting. The stunning views from the famous Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina’s highest peak, are not to be missed. Miles of hiking trails run throughout the surrounding mountains, across the Cone Memorial Park, and up to the namesake Blowing Rock.

Finding your North Carolina mountain lifestyle

As you can see, each North Carolina mountain town has its own personality. Pick from a lively cultural scene or a peaceful lakeside retreat in these popular mountain towns. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the best mountain living in North Carolina! Search for available mountain homes, or connect with a local real estate agent.