North Carolina has something for everyone. Visitors can explore the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains or the sandy Outer Banks, along with big cities and quaint historic towns. Naturally, certain North Carolina communities are better positioned to take advantage of all the state offers, with locations that provide convenient access to outdoor sites, cultural attractions, and other lifestyle benefits. Let’s explore some North Carolina cities that are in prime locations.
Cary
Cary is a suburb of Raleigh, one of the biggest cities in the state. It offers easy access to Raleigh yet has plenty for residents to enjoy. Cary has entertainment destinations, such as Koka Booth Amphitheatre, more than 200 dining options, and excellent outdoor attractions, such as its many greenway trails.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is one of the South’s best beach towns, a gorgeous community on the coast with a laid-back feel. While it has a small population of around 2,500, Wrightsville Beach is a haven for surfing, fishing, and water recreation. It also has beautiful native wildlife and is located just miles from Wilmington.
Tryon
Tryon is a gorgeous community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains with unmatched hiking trails. It has a pleasant small-town feel with a strong arts scene and a downtown area with locally owned shops and restaurants.
Tarboro
With a population of around 10,500, Tarboro is a charming town with plenty of appealing features. Tarboro is located along the Tar River and is just a short drive from Rocky Mount, a bigger city with many attractions.
Sylva
Sylva is a scenic small town in western North Carolina’s Plott Balsam Mountains. It has abundant natural beauty, including the 1,400-acre Pinnacle Park, and its rushing creek near the charming downtown is a hotspot for fly fishing. Sylva is also well-known for its breweries.
Salisbury
Salisbury is a growing city that is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. With around 35,000 residents, it feels removed from the city but still includes premier lifestyle benefits. Based near the Mississippi River, Salisbury has gorgeous natural sites, as well as a vibrant arts scene, historical buildings, and delicious dining options.
Old Fort
Old Fort is a tiny town home to less than 1,000 residents and steeped in the natural beauty North Carolina is famous for. Old Fort is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and has incredible hiking trails, fishing destinations, and scenic waterfalls. It also has several historical sites and buildings as well as nearby museums.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy is a pleasant, safe city in northwest North Carolina, home to around 10,000 residents. It is situated within easy proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and has a small-town feel that locals adore. In addition to housing premier performing arts venues, Mount Airy also has a low cost of living and an excellent local school system that makes it ideal for families.
Manteo
Manteo is a small community on Roanoke Island known for its scenic charm and waterfront beauty. Manteo has a quaint feel, with antique stores, art galleries, and eateries along the water’s edge. It is a gem of the Outer Banks and a hotspot for fishing and sailing. Manteo has parks and trails, as well as a famed local lighthouse.
Asheville
Asheville is a picturesque city situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known as much for its natural beauty as it is for its world-class art scene and historical architecture. The Downtown Arts District has numerous museums and galleries, as well as charming cafes and dining destinations. And all of this is conveniently located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Apex
Apex is a busy city near Raleigh renowned for its historical appeal and downtown area. The Apex downtown has been designated as a historic district and has preserved architecture as well as charming shops and eateries. Apex is also home to cultural institutions, including the Halle Cultural Arts Center and the North Carolina Railway Museum.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a historic port city with a scenic downtown along the Cape Fear River, a popular spot for those seeking to enjoy North Carolina’s gorgeous waterfront destinations. Wilmington has beaches that are easily accessible from the city’s residential areas, as well as marinas and fishing piers.
