What do you think are the best small towns in North Carolina? It’s a tough question, isn’t it? After all, North Carolina has so many small, quaint towns that it’s hard to keep track of all of them. Between gorgeous main streets, cozy cafes, delicious restaurants…North Carolina’s small towns all have a lot going for them. But some are more than just towns; they’re communities. Places where everyone knows your name, and sometimes your business. But isn’t that why we love small towns? They have a real sense of community, like these 15 best small towns in NC.

1. Saluda
Saluda, NC 28773, USA
Flickr / Frank DiBona
Forty miles outside of Asheville is the quaint town of Saluda. The population is only 500...making it one of the best kept secrets in NC. On Main Street you'll find cute coffee shops, mom n pop restaurants, and a shop or two. You can even stop by the train station to see a genuine 19th century caboose. See more of why this is one of the best small towns in NC.
2. Brevard
Brevard, NC, USA
Flickr / -ted
With a moderate climate, cozy feel, and sweeping mountain views, it's no suprise so many people want to call the small 'city' of Brevard home. The Hunger Games put Brevard on the map...but after the word spread, everyone realized for themselves why this town is just so amazing. The main street is full of life, shops, and restaurants while you're only a quick drive away from several outdoor activities. Discover why Brevard is one of the best small towns in North Carolina to live in our previous article.
3. Edenton
Edenton, NC 27932, USA
Visit Edenton
The historic and charming town of Edenton will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time. The low population of just above 5,000 lends a small town feel right along the Albermarle Sound. Take a closer look at one of the best small towns in North Carolina near the beach in our previous article.
4. Tryon
Tryon, NC 28782, USA
Flickr / Frank DiBona
This is the birthplace of Nina Simone, and the arts are still very much alive in this small town. With a population of just over 1,000 residents, enjoy equestrian activities, outdoor recreation, and wine made right in town. Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, this small North Carolina town is a beautiful secret. Discover why Tryon is the friendliest town in North Carolina.
5. New Bern
New Bern, NC, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
New Bern's history dates back to 1710. As one of the most historically rich places in the state, it's one of the best small towns in North Carolina.
6. Bath
Bath, NC 27808, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Charming yet quirky, Bath is like stepping back in time. One stroll through this historic town, a few looks at some beautiful churches, and a smell of salt water in the air will make you realize why Blackbeard called Bath home. I'm sure everyone knew Blackbeard, too. He was rumored to hang out with his neighbor, Governor Charles Eden. Start planning your visit to North Carolina's oldest town by reading our previous article.
7. Southport
Southport NC
While Southport is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan area, this town has an energy of its own. Located on the beautiful Cape Fear River, residents enjoy waterfront dining, strolls through a charming downtown, and coastal living at a reasonable price.

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8. Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, NC, USA
Flickr / John Dyer
In Blowing Rock you'll find beauty within the town as well as right outside. Tucked away in the mountains, Blowing Rock offers charming streets, delicious restaurants, and breathtaking mountain views. A popular place for retirees or those looking to get away from it all with popular ski resorts not far. Find out why you should visit Blowing Rock, North Carolina in our previous article.
9. Beaufort
Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
Flickr/Susan Smith
This small coastal town is the third oldest in the state of North Carolina. Located in the 'inner banks,' Beaufort is still fairly close to the beach. Beaufort also has its own Blackbeard history. Blackbeard ran his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, aground near the present day inlet. Learn more about one of the best small towns in North Carolina near the beach in our previous article.
10. Boone
Boone, NC, USA
Flickr / sheffieldb
While Boone is certainly a college town (and city of Daniel Boone), its 14,000 or so residents can enjoy year long, breathtaking mountain views. The quaint King Street is filled with shops and restaurants. Just outside of Boone you'll find natural wonders like Grandfather Mountain, Elk Knob State Park, and of course the ever popular Blue Ridge Parkway. No wonder it's not just college students that call Boone home.
11. Hillsborough
Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA
Flickr / The Alliance For Historic Hillsborough
Located in Orange County, this little town has been ranked as one of the "coolest" towns in the nation, and It's really no surprise. You'll find coffee shops, art galleries, cute stores, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. The Wall Street Journal even did an article about how Hillsborough is "America's Little Literary Town" with a large amount of authors dominating the quaint population of just over 6,000.
12. Swansboro
Swansboro, NC, USA
Flickr / Matt Capriglione
Swansboro is a vacation in itself. With a population of only 2,000 this charming town is a well-kept secret! Swansboro has a gorgeous main street and is a popular destination for Crystal Coast tourists looking for delicious restaurants and unique shops.
13. Rodanthe
Rodanthe, NC 27968, USA
Flickr / Chris Erwin
Rodanthe is a place brimming with original Outer Banks charm. Only around 500 residents populate the island full time. But summer or winter, it's a gorgeous place that seems away from it all...in the best way possible.
14. Mount Airy
Mount Airy, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA
Flickr / Allen Forrest
Not too far from Winston-Salem, you'll find the cute town of Mount Airy. It's ok if you call it Mayberry...Andy Griffith's legacy is still very much alive here. You can stop by Snappy Lunch for a delicious meal, then take a short drive to hike or enjoy mountainside scenery. It's one of the cutest and best small towns in North Carolina.
15. Washington
Washington, NC, USA
Flickr / -ted
Known as "Little Washington," this town of 9,000 or so residents is located on the Pamlico River. Washington has found itself on national lists of most beautiful and "coolest" places to live.

North Carolina just has so many unique small towns located throughout the state. Makes you want to settle down and live the simple life. What do you think are the best small towns in North Carolina to live? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for small towns in North Carolina near the beach, you’ll have plenty from which to choose.

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Best Small Towns In North Carolina

Beth Price-Williams | May 16, 2022

What are some of the best beaches in North Carolina?

North Carolina is the place to go, especially if you love sandy beaches. However, some of those beaches can get quite busy, which means you’ll want to look for some of North Carolina’s little-known beaches. Holden Beach, for example, promises absolutely jaw-dropping sunsets and a relaxed vibe. Boasting the oldest fishing pier in North Carolina, Kure Beach is absolutely gorgeous and an ideal spot if you want a laidback experience. If you’ve got some free time or vacation coming up, how about hitting the road on our epic hidden beaches road trip in North Carolina? The picture-perfect road trip will take you to such hidden beaches as Cape Hatteras, Lifeguard Beach, and Bird Island. Fair warning, though: You might never want to return home after this most beautiful and relaxing road trip. Beaches aren’t just ideal destinations during the summer, either. We’ve got some amazing North Carolina beaches that are perfect in the off-season, including Emerald Isle, Wrightsville Beach, and Ocracoke Island.

Where are the best small towns in North Carolina?

Identifying the best small towns in North Carolina is pretty subjective, wouldn’t you say? We all have our own idea of what constitutes best. However, we can all probably agree that North Carolina’s brimming with adorable towns. If you like teeny tiny North Carolina towns, add Candor to your must visit list. It is perhaps best known as the site of the annual Peach Festival. For the some of the best views in North Carolina and peace and quiet, make your way to the tiny Smoky Mountain town of Marble. If you prefer small, secluded North Carolina towns, you’ve got quite a few choices for spots to visit. Nestled on the Pamlico River, Washington offers tranquility no matter what time of the year you visit. Pinehurst, Banner Elk, and Hillsborough are also must visits if you’re seeking peace and quiet.

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