Known for their year-round amazing weather, central location, and beautiful scenery, the Carolinas have long been known as an amazing place to live. With mild winters, warm summers, and many recreational activities nearby, there’s no surprise that South Carolina saw the second-highest percentage of people move to the state in 2020 and North Carolina not far behind ranking 6th overall. With vibrant cities, sprawling lakes, and peaceful mountain towns, the Carolinas truly have something for everyone.
South Carolina offers many popular hiking trails and scenic views for people to enjoy many of which include Lake Jocassee, Lake Caesars Head State Park, and Devil’s Fork State Park. One of the most popular and sought-after mountain towns in South Carolina is Greenville. Consistently voted one of the best places to raise a family the town sits in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views in every direction and a cool mountain breeze all year round. Reedy River runs right through the center of the town and it is surrounded by biking, hiking, and off-road trails. In the center of downtown Greenville, you will find a sprawling 26-acre park with picturesque views and plenty of room for any kind of outdoor activity. The town also is home to many award-winning restaurants and a large number of local festivals and events. Located only 45 minutes away is Clemson, South Carolina, home to Clemson University and the many things the college has to offer to the town. Here, you can shop and dine along Main Street, visit the local Farmer’s Market, and explore the town’s many art galleries. Close by you also have Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell which are surrounded by many hiking trails that give panoramic views of upstate South Carolina.
South Carolina mountain towns have seen a huge increase in people moving to the area. In Greenville, the median sales price is up 14% over the past year and the median days on market is down almost 28%, with most homes selling within 44 days. In Spartanburg, the average number of days on market for homes is only 14 and the median sales price is up 24% with more homes selling this year compared to last. Clemson has also seen the same kind of trends as above along with Fort Mill, Anderson, and Simpsonville.
For those looking for slightly cooler weather and higher elevations, North Carolina isn’t too far away. Home to the highest elevation town east of the Mississippi River, Beech Mountain, the state is known for its beautiful mountain towns and gorgeous lakes. There are also many wineries, waterfalls, and hiking trails throughout the state. Perhaps one of the most well-known North Carolina mountain towns would be Asheville. With the stunning Biltmore Hotel, over 30 local breweries, and a bustling events calendar, there is always something to do. An hour and a half away from Asheville, you will find a cluster of quaint mountain towns including Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Boone, and Beech Mountain, which has an elevation of 5,506’ and is a popular winter spot for skiers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, these towns provide cool weather all year round, scenic views in every direction, and friendly neighborhoods.
Much like its counterpart, North Carolina is seeing a high demand for housing making many of the areas very competitive. The median list price in Beech Mountain is up a shocking 152% over the past year and homes there selling at an average of 3.5% over asking price. Blowing Rock, Boone, and Lineville have all seen similar statistics with low inventory and extremely high buyer demand.
The Carolina’s have always been a sought-after place to live, with a desirable East Coast location, diverse geography, and bustling cities throughout. Here you can find some of the most quaint and peaceful mountain towns in the United States, nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains providing endless views and an unlimited amount of outdoor activities close by. Whether it be winter, summer, or fall, the area provides gorgeous seasons, tons of local events and festivals, and something to do for the entire family. The high demand for housing just goes to show that the Carolina mountains will be a popular destination for years to come.
