9 Best Small Towns in North Carolina

Living in a small town can be incredibly rewarding. Add North Carolina’s scenic beauty, mild climate, and laid-back atmosphere, and you’re set with a great place to live. Small-town values really matter here, so you’ll get to know your neighbors on a first-name basis and see firsthand a sense of community pride.

Here we profile some of North Carolina’s best small towns. Let’s start by exploring why North Carolina is ideal for living and working in a smaller community. 

Perks of North Carolina

Life in North Carolina’s small towns delivers numerous advantages. For instance, they tend to be way more affordable than big cities like Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte. Generally speaking, the state already has a relatively low living cost, making it attractive for those tired of spending big on housing, transportation, and groceries. But small-town living can up the savings to your budget.

The small towns come with less traffic and easier access to the state’s beautiful recreation spaces and public lands. North Carolina has abundant outdoor access for hiking, camping, boating, and fishing, which is a big reason why around 43 million people visited the state in 2022. The state is one of the top ten in the US that people go on vacation to, but you get to live it as a resident.

Another factor is how its climate supports year-round recreational opportunities that will please any outdoor enthusiast. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding, while summer is prime for beach hopping. 

The state also boasts a strong economy — it’s home to some of the most powerful companies in the US, like Bank of America, Duke Energy, Honeywell International, and IBM. This trickles out into the small towns.

These ingredients all contribute to North Carolina’s high quality of life and make it a great place to consider for anyone looking to live in a smaller community. 

Top North Carolina Small Towns

Now that you have an overview of why the state is so appealing for small-town living, take a look at some of its most desirable. Our focus is on cities with populations under 40,000 residents, but we also exclude any town that is primarily a suburb of a larger metro, like Davidson, Chapel Hill, and Apex. 

Beaufort

Population: 4,500

Region: Crystal Coast

The iconic Crystal Coast gets the nickname from the clear and shimmering sapphire waters stretching along the Outer Banks. And at the center is Beaufort, North Carolina’s fourth oldest town and one called “America’s Coolest Small Town” by one source. Beaufort also made Southern Living’s list of top 50 small towns in America, ranking no. 11.

As you might expect, residents live, work, and place in a well-preserved historic district complete with scenic waterfront views and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. The waterfront area on Front Street is a hub of activity, offering panoramic views of the harbor, boat docks, and sailboats. Walking through the district is like stepping back in time, with its quaint streets, white picket fences, and moss-draped live oak trees.

Much of the culture and history revolves around the water. Harlowe Creek is on one side, and the North River on the other, and oyster harvesting is abundant in the surrounding days. Beaufort documents its long history as a fishing town with two maritime museums. The town is famous for its annual wooden boat show, one of the state’s more unique community events.

As a place to live, life is about the outdoors. Residents enjoy freshly caught seafood whenever it is in season, which can be purchased at the local market or restaurant. Visit the local nature preserves whenever you want, or motor out to one of the islands and sandy banks for a day of fishing, picnicking, and exploring.

Blowing Rock

Population: 1,400

Region: Blue Ridge Mountains

Tourists know Blowing Rock for its namesake 4,000 ft cliff face and John’s River Gorge. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers come to the region awed by panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and other iconic North Carolina peaks. But, people decide to stay because they fall in love with the small-town charm and multiple outdoor activities accessible from their homes.

Living here gives you prime access to the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountains await your leisure; pick from hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and scenic drives. Winter brings ski season; you can choose from three resorts in the wider area.

The village of Blowing Rock leans into its Applachician mountain vibe. Main Street is lined with ski outfitters, fly fishing shops, art galleries, and local restaurants housed in old-fashioned storefronts facing a central town park. During the high tourist season, Blowing Rock hosts live music, summer movies on the square, and festivals around the major holidays.

Blowing Rock in July 2023 had 227 listings at a median price of $637,000.

Brevard

Population: 7,700

Region: Western North Carolina

In the mountains of Transylvania County, you’ll find Brevard, a small town known for its picturesque waterfalls, white squirrels, and exceptional liberal arts college. 

This is a thriving arts community packed with art studios, galleries, and music venues. Leading the charge is the Brevard Music Center, a renowned summer music institute and festival, attracts world-class musicians and hosts orchestral performances, chamber music concerts, and opera productions. Some 80 concerts hit the stages during the summer months. The town is part of a 13-mile Arts Corridor, the Scenic 276, and the Fourth Friday art walks through downtown showcase the works of local artists. 

Besides the many art galleries and studios, the Brevard Main Street has unique local shops and antique stores for browsing. Oskar Blue Brewing is a popular stop, as is the fresh bakery and old-fashioned soda shop. 

The town’s social calendar is equally jam-packed. Brevard hosts a weekly farmer’s market where you can find fresh produce, crafts, and local goods. The White Squirrel Festival is a true highlight of the year. The annual four-day classic street fair celebrates the city’s beloved white squirrels.

For outdoor adventurers, Brevard bursts with hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and camping, thanks to how close it is to Dupont State Recreational Forest. Go ahead and try to see all 250 waterfalls in the region; you’ll have difficulty getting around to them all, even as a full-time resident. The most popular ones with visitors are Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. 

And you can’t miss Brevard College, a private liberal arts college known for its focus on experiential learning and outdoor education. Having the university here adds a more youthful vibe to this mountain town, where others cater more to retirees and vacationers. Its influence is why Brevard has so many arts and cultural events throughout the year.

Brevard offers an idyllic mountain escape with plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. 

Bryson City 

Population: 1,800

Region: Great Smoky Mountains

Another mountain town, Bryson City, grew up around the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which still operates today. The railroad now runs scenic train rides through the surrounding hills and mountains with views of Fontana Lake and waterfalls along the route. 

Besides the railroad, Bryson City acts as a jumping-off point for many outdoor activities. Deep Creek is a popular place for tubing rapids in the summer, while upstream holds trout awaiting to bite a fly fisher’s cast. The surrounding mountains include hiking, backcountry camping, biking, and whitewater rafting. Bryson City counts among its unique attractions the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. 

Since it’s a tourist town, you’ll gain a solid selection of shops and restaurants. Besides gourmet popcorn and a chocolate shop wooing visitors to spend their money, Bryson City has local beer gardens, pizzerias, and upscale cafes. 

Anglers come from all over for the town’s Labor Day Fly Fishing Tournament, while the Easter Hat Parade and the Fourth of July fireworks display bring the community together. 

In July 2023, Bryson City had 334 listings at a median price of $472,000.

Edenton 

Population: 4,500

Region: Inner Banks

Edenton’s well-preserved architecture and waterfront charm make it an appealing destination for those seeking a tranquil coastal town lifestyle. As North Carolina’s second-oldest town and first colonial capital, it played a significant role in the state’s colonial and Revolutionary War history.

Today the waterfront Historic District is a treasure trove of beautifully restored colonial-era homes and buildings. Above the harbor and boardwalk rises the Roanoke River Lighthouse, a replica of the original lighthouse that once guided ships into the harbor. Those who get to live near the waterfront and catch beautiful sunrises as the boats come and go through the bay.

Edenton Bay’s sheltered waters connect to the Albemarle Sound. Choosing to live here opens the door to calm waters for boating, kayaking, and fishing, but also access to the deeper Atlantic channels. No wonder it’s a popular destination for those who want to live waterfront, but without the high price tag. 

Many homes here date to the 18th and 19th centuries, but it shouldn’t be surprising in a settlement with roots in the colonial era. Newer homes are found as you move away from the downtown and waterfront. Edenton had 191 listings at a median price of $352,500 in July 2023.

Hendersonville

Population: 15,000

Region: Blue Ridge Mountains

Head south from Asheville, and you’ll reach Hendersonville. Nicknamed the “City of Four Seasons,” Hendersonville ranked no. 12 on Southern Living’s top small towns list.

Hendersonville’s appeal starts with its more stable and cool climate. The weather is more temperate here than in the mountains, coast, or Sandhills region.

The climate is part of why the town sits at the heart of North Carolina’s apple country, which only enhances the region’s scenery. Imagine as a resident witnessing the beauty of blooming apple trees firsthand every year. Visitors and locals partake in apple picking during the harvest season. Hendersonville hosts an annual North Carolina Apple Festival that celebrates its apple heritage with parades, live music, craft vendors, and delicious apple treats.

It’s a great place for growing other kinds of fruit, too. Wine enthusiasts can tour and taste at the local vineyards, while beer lovers have local breweries whipping up craft beers inspired by the surrounding flavors.

Agriculture is important, but Henderson’s large enough to have a diversified job market, which includes well-known companies like General Electric and Kimberly-Clark. Blue Ridge Community College has a campus here that promotes job training for local employers in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. So, it’s not fully reliant on tourism and hospitality to drive its economy. 

The Main Street copies that small-town mountain vibe of other North Carolina small towns, but with some stand-out additions like the general store replica and contemporary-feeling bars. Hendersonville also has arts and cultural attractions like its famous local theater, the Flat Rock Playhouse. 

While you wait for the apples to ripen, Hendersonville’s outdoor activities will keep you busy. Explore the waterfalls hiding in the DuPont State Forest, or jump on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to access hiking trails, like those in the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hendersonville had 737 homes for sale at a median price of $500,000 in July 2023. 

Hillsborough 

Population: 9,700

Region: Piedmont

A short drive from Durham and Chapel Hill, this foothills town charms with its historic downtown and Victorian homes. After all, this small town was founded in 1752, making it another one of North Carolina’s oldest towns. 

It’s easy to see why Hillsborough is a popular option for those looking to escape the daily hustle of city life but want to be close enough to visit when they need or want. One top attraction is the Hillsborough Riverwalk, which winds along the Eno River banks. The trail has beautiful views, picnic spots, and access to the river for fishing and canoeing. 

That same beauty has long attracted artists and writers. Wall Street Journal even called Hillsborough America’s “Little Literary Town” because of how many authors and poets have come here over the years to live or for retreats. Creatives will find writer’s groups and art nights abound for such a small town.

Throughout historic Downtown Hillsborough, await the classic Americana Main Street items: art galleries, antique stores, unique boutiques, and local restaurants that use farm-to-table dining. Find places serving old-fashioned milkshakes and ice cream.

Besides attractions like a racing speedway, formal gardens, and a SportsPlex, Hillsborough throws a good party. The annual Hogg Day Festival, held in June, features a barbecue cook-off and a pig roast. The Christmas Parade and the Last Fridays Art Walks are popular community events.

Hillsborough had 122 listings for a median of $425,000 in July 2023.

New Bern

Population: 31,000

Region: Inner Banks

Another waterfront living option awaits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. New Bern served as North Carolina’s first state capital. It was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers and played a vital role in the colonial and Revolutionary War eras. 

Today the city is proud of its well-preserved historic sites, like Tryon Palace, the restored residence of North Carolina’s colonial governors. The tours and exhibits depict life during the colonial period.

New Bern also proudly claims to be the birthplace of Pepsi, created in the late 1800s by a local pharmacist.

New Bern’s Neuse and Trent Rivers waterfront area offers beautiful views and access to the water for all the boating, fishing, and paddling you’d like to do. On land, Union Point Park gathers locals who wander the scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and playground. The nearby Croatan National Forest and Neuse River Recreation Area increase the choices for outdoor adventures.

In July 2023, New Bern had 707 homes for sale at a median of $343,000.

Pinehurst 

Population: 18,000

Region: Sandhills

Are you a fan of the fairways? Then Pinehurst is perfect for you. The town is widely regarded as the “Home of American Golf,” with historic and championship golf courses designed by prominent golf course architects such as Donald Ross and Tom Fazio. Pinehurst No. 2, the flagship course at the Pinehurst Resort, has hosted numerous prestigious golf events, including the US Open Championships.

But this small town has more perks to charm you into becoming a resident. Surrounding the quaint Southern-styled village center and tree-lined streets are a high concentration of fine dining and top-rated restaurants serving farm-to-table dining, upscale bistro cuisine, and craft beers. The deep and varied culinary scene is so talented and diverse, there’s even a culinary walking tour! 

Plus, the longleaf pine forests of the Sandhills region features rolling hills and picturesque lakes. Besides the golfing resorts, locals have parks with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

For more community perks, locals have the Pinehurst Farmers Market for local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods. The Pinehurst Concert Series features live music performances by local and regional artists during the season.

As of July 2023, Pinehurst had 203 listings at a median price of 574,000. You’ll find single-family, townhomes, and condos as living options here. 

Finding Your North Carolina Small Town

The charm of North Carolina’s small towns lies in their rich heritage, unique local culture, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the apple orchards of Hendersonville, the quaint seaside town of Beaufort, or the world-renowned golf courses of Pinehurst, a small town in North Carolina is perfect for you. Let a local real estate agent be your guide to small North Carolina towns.