12 of the Best Small Towns in North Carolina, From the Outer Banks to the Smokies

North Carolina has a lot to offer prospective residents. From the coastal lifestyle of the Outer Banks to a new home deep in the mountains in the west, the best small towns in North Carolina, in particular, offer something to suit every preference. The natural beauty of this state is unmatched, as well, regardless of where you’d like to live, thanks to the temperate climate and remarkable diversity of landscapes. And it’s not surprising if you’re considering a move to North Carolina for a variety of other reasons, including its low cost of living, competitive real estate market, ample job opportunities, or because it’s close to family.

Planning a move to North Carolina? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Want to avoid the hustle and bustle of big cities like Charlotte and Raleigh? Luckily, the Tar Heel State has no shortage of perfectly quaint small towns to call home — and we’ve curated a list of the 12 best small towns in North Carolina.

Big Cities vs. Small Towns in North Carolina

While the larger cities of Charlotte and Raleigh may get a lot of attention, we want to focus this article on moving to a small town in North Carolina. Sure, the big cities are great, with easy access to amenities, high-end restaurants, and plenty of jobs. But it’s not like you can’t find those things outside the city limits. Plus, crowded spaces and a fast pace can make life a bit claustrophobic — and it can be tough to get out into the great outdoors, sometimes at least a 30-minute drive out of town.

Enter North Carolina small towns. 

Small towns are a great alternative to the busier pace of life in a big city and offer all kinds of perks, including a more affordable lifestyle, a tighter-knit community, easy access to outdoor activities, and the chance to have a better quality of life. Quite literally, they’re a breath of fresh air. 

Nearly 11 million residents live in North Carolina, which currently has a growth rate of about 1.3 percent — the 9th-fastest in the nation. So the word is out about the state. People from all over the U.S. are flocking to NC in search of greener pastures — and mountains and beaches.

The Best Small Towns in North Carolina — FAQs

Q: Where is the best small town in North Carolina?
A: It’s hard to say, as it all comes down to personal preference when you’re considering the best small town in North Carolina to live. But we’re partial to Blowing Rock for its sweet downtown and spectacular mountain views.

Q: What is the prettiest town in North Carolina?
A: It’s like choosing your favorite child! But thanks to its amazing mountain views and charming downtown, Boone, NC, is our pick for one of the prettiest small towns in the state.

Q: What is the most quaint town in North Carolina?
A: We’re sure there will be contention over the “most quaint” moniker, but if you’re looking for a quaint countryside town in North Carolina, you can’t go wrong with Beaufort. With its waterfront views and easygoing lifestyle, it’s hard not to fall in love.

Q: What is the nicest town to live in North Carolina?
A: There are simply too many to choose from. But Sylva, NC, is one of the nicest small towns in North Carolina, tucked away at the foot of the Smokies. You can say goodbye to traffic jams and crowded spaces — although it’s a popular destination for leaf-peepers in the fall, when the mountains explode into vibrant color, so keep that in mind.

Q: What are the safest towns in North Carolina?
A: Some of the safest towns in North Carolina, according to Niche, include Sylva and Manteo — and they’re also some of the best small towns to live in North Carolina, so you can’t go wrong.

Q: What part of North Carolina is the best to live in?
A: From the Outer Banks to the heart of the Smokies, there aren’t many areas in North Carolina that we wouldn’t want to consider home. Seaside lovers will be happiest along the eastern shore. And mountain climbers — or even just mountain-view appreciators — should look into the dozens of gorgeous small towns in the western part of the state.

12 of the Best Small Towns in North Carolina

There are close to 500 small towns in North Carolina to choose from, but we’ve narrowed that list to a few that would be perfect for raising a family, retiring, or simply getting away from it all. Here are our picks for the best small towns in North Carolina.

The boating lifestyle is one of the many charms of Washington, one of the best small towns in North Carolina.

1. Washington, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,050
  
• Average home value: $236,100
• Great for: Friendly communities, beach access, vibrant downtown

If you’re on the hunt for a beautiful spot by the beach in one of the small towns in NC, look no further. This charming town also goes by the moniker “Little Washington” and is known as one of the friendliest places to live in the state. Residents make it a point to make all their neighbors and visitors feel welcome. If you’re looking for a slower pace of life, you’ll love taking walks along the Palmetto Boardwalk or through one of the many parks in the area. 

On the nearby Pamlico River, you’ll have ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. And in the thriving downtown area, the arts take center stage in a collection of galleries and studios, as well as the historic Turnage Theatre. As for dining, The Hackney is a favorite for seafood and other locally sourced delights in a restored 1920s-era bank building. Whether you’re looking to stay active in retirement or make a fresh start in a small town near the water, Washington could be just what you’re looking for

2. Manteo, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $509,800
• Great for: Retirees, tourism industry professionals, beach bums

North Carolina’s Outer Banks region is one of the most popular places to vacation in the U.S. The tourists aren’t wrong. This town on Roanoke Island is a small, beautiful beach community that’s big on natural beauty, charm, and walkability. And while a lot of the Outer Banks vacation rentals are vacant in the off-season, residents live here year-round. 

An added bonus? This island has a haunted history. The original Roanoke Colony of English settlers, who arrived in Manteo in 1587, vanished without a trace three years later. To this day, visitors report mysterious lights and voices emanating from the woods near where the colonists settled, and the ghost of Virginia Dare — the first English child born in the Americas — allegedly appears as a ghostly white doe that wanders the island.

In a nod to that intriguing history, one of the best local restaurants is 1587 Restaurant, in the Outer Banks Inn, where you’ll find upscale dining with gorgeous waterfront views. You’ll find a more casual setting at Ortega’z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar, the local go-to for margaritas and tacos. 

3. Sylva, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900 
• Average home value: $318,600
• Great for: Newlyweds, college students, mountain views

This dreamy North Carolina mountain town is nestled at the foot of the Smokies, just an hour away from Asheville. In Sylva, life is all about the outdoors. Residents love that this small community is very tightly knit and welcomes everyone, from retirees to young professionals just starting out. 

The town is walkable and prides itself on efforts to ensure the downtown district is eco-friendly. You can choose to spend the day enjoying local breweries on the Ale Trail, or stroll along historic Main Street and pop into one of the 20 charming restaurants and cafes for a bite. And of course, the main attraction: nature! Put on your hiking boots and head to the Nantahala National Forest, or hop in a kayak on the Tuckasegee River. 

Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is a thriving tourist destination — and a great place to live year-round. 
(Source: Chetola Resort and Spa via Facebook)

4. Blowing Rock, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $712,200
• Great for: Wine enthusiasts, hospitality industry, easy highway access

Blowing Rock is your quintessential North Carolina mountain town. Located along the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock offers all the best small towns in North Carolina have to offer. Nestled in the mountains, this cozy haven could be a great spot to retire or start a new job in the thriving hospitality industry. With wineries, spas, and hotels all over the area, you’re sure to find the perfect job. As for dining, locals love Twigs, an elegant spot popular for special occasions — and the occasional impromptu date night.

Residents and visitors alike come to Blowing Rock for the beautiful outdoors, including parks, mountain trails, and the Moses Cone Manor, the 3,600-acre estate of a former textile tycoon. Hop on one of the horses for a leisurely stroll around the grounds. 

5. Mount Airy, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $195,000
• Great for: Retirees, strong communities, relaxed pace of life 

Fans of The Andy Griffith Show know that Mount Airy was the inspiration for Mayberry, the impossibly quaint small town where all kinds of hijinks happened — and were resolved within the half-hour. In real life, this small town with a slower pace of life is perfect for retirees, with lots of opportunities to get involved in the community and outdoor recreation. And a bonus: North Carolina has some of the best tax benefits for seniors, including a flat-rate income tax and tax-exempt Social Security benefits. 

You’ll enjoy the historic layout of the town and marvel at how well it’s kept the original Mayberry appearance, and in case you’ve forgotten, the Andy Griffith Museum has all the details. For outdoor fun, mountain trails are also everywhere along the Blue Ridge Parkway, just 14 miles north, and local parks and greenways in town offer paths of their own. 

6. Winterville, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $625
• Average home value: $277,700
• Great for: Families, suburban feel, boating and kayaking, watermelons

This spacious community is located within the Greenville Metro Area, which means there are plenty of great jobs just a short distance away. But like so many of the best small towns in North Carolina, Winterville itself has attracted an influx of families, drawn by the good schools, strong community bonds, and its reputation as a safe place to raise kids. 

Annual festivals in this picturesque Eastern North Carolina community include the Watermelon Festival, a nearly 40-year summertime tradition with live music, attractions, and, naturally, lots of watermelon. Trails and greenways stretch out from Winterville Park, a 20-acre hub of sports fields, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. Local boaters and swimmers love the Tar River, a 200-mile waterway that runs through town, and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean is just 80 miles away.

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7. Beaufort, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,000
  
• Average home value: $395,300
• Great for: Southern charm, waterfront views, schools

Beaufort, a coastal gem and one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, is known for its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront, and southern charm. The downtown area features historic homes, quaint shops, and local restaurants like The Spouter Inn, known for seafood and harborside dining. Visitors can explore the town’s history at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, home to artifacts from the infamous Blackbeard’s ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. Also on the waterfront’s Front Street is Taylor’s Creek, where eagle-eyed explorers can perch and catch a glimpse of wild horses across the water on Shackleford Banks. 

Housing in Beaufort ranges from charming historic homes to modern rentals that cater to visitors, mainly in the summer months. For golf enthusiasts, the North River Golf Club just outside town has resort-style amenities like a clubhouse and pool in a master-planned community. But the heart of Beaufort is its historic downtown, where beautifully restored 18th- and 19th-century homes feature iconic southern architecture like wraparound porches. 

8. Boone, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,625
  
• Average home value: $475,200
• Great for: Students, families, retirees, winter sports, hiking

Named for the legendary explorer, Boone is a picturesque town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to Appalachian State University. Whether you’re a student, a retiree, or a family looking for an adventurous change of pace, you’ll find an abundance of charm, outdoor fun, and Appalachian culture. Boone offers a mix of stunning natural beauty — with nearby ski resorts including Sugar Mountain and Appalachian Ski Mountain -– and a vibrant local scene brimming with arts and music.

Boone’s quaint downtown is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, including Stick Boy Bread Company, famous for its freshly baked goods, and The Local, where locals (naturally) enjoy upscale comfort food, cocktails, and live music. 

Housing is a mix of single-family homes, vacation cabins (and luxury estates), and rentals that cater to students and faculty. Boone’s popularity as a vacation destination has boosted costs considerably in recent years, but there are still some affordable options for families and retirees looking for an outdoor-centered lifestyle in the heart of the North Carolina mountains.

9. Pineville, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $399,200
• Great for: Proximity to Charlotte and South Carolina, theme parks, wide-open spaces

If you’re interested in being close to a big city but not in the city itself, consider moving to Pineville. A standout among all the cute towns in North Carolina, this charming burg is located just 20 minutes from Charlotte, NC — and it’s the perfect place to call home if you’re a commuter. But even if you’re not, this charming community is a great place to raise a family. Right on the South Carolina border, Pineville boasts plenty of outdoor space to roam around, including Lake Park, where locals and visitors enjoy fishing, walking trails, and playgrounds for the kids. 

Pineville’s historic downtown district is teeming with local businesses and restaurants of all kinds. The Garrison is a favorite, a two-story destination for dining and cocktails indoors and out. And like a lot of North Carolina spots, evidently, The Garrison is reportedly haunted by a friendly resident ghost. (We can’t guarantee anything, but ask the bartender.) 

Bass Lake is a hub of recreational activity in charming Holly Springs.
(Source: Bass Lake Park via Facebook)

10. Holly Springs, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $575,400
• Great for: Quality of life, festivals, neighborly vibe

Raleigh is a wonderful, bustling city to live in, but for a less-hectic vibe that’s still near the big-city amenities, consider Holly Springs — rated the No. 6 best place to raise a family in North Carolina. This little community, named for the once-abundant natural springs in the area, takes great pride in the quality of life of all residents. Like many of the best rural towns in North Carolina, Holly Springs has neighbors who know each other and enjoy interacting and caring for each other. Community festivals to look forward to every year include HollyFest and Bass Lake Day at the town’s central park. 

With highly rated schools and all kinds of recreational activities available, it’s easy to see why Holly Springs is so popular with families. Downtown has undergone a transformation in recent years, with local favorites including The Mason Jar Tavern, known for southern dishes and craft beer. And the Holly Springs Cultural Center hosts art exhibits, live performances, and special events. Local and regional artists are in the spotlight here, giving residents the chance to shine.

11. Belmont, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $409,300
• Great for: Commuters, retirees, parks

Belmont is a terrific North Carolina small town just 15 miles outside of Charlotte in Gaston County. With a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, Belmont has become a destination for retirees and working professionals who commute into Charlotte. Residents take pride in their immaculate city streets, a fun business district, and parks like the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, a 380-acre oasis of seasonal blooms and gorgeous walking trails.  

Belmont’s easy access to the mighty Catawba River attracts residents who love to spend their time outdoors. The U.S. National Whitewater Center, just a short drive away, offers adventures for visitors including kayaking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. For folks who enjoy a quieter lifestyle, the luxury-planned community of Reflection Pointe on Lake Wylie is an option. Other housing choices in Belmont include historic mill homes, once occupied by workers from the textile plant that founded the town, and spacious single-family homes spread out across the community.

12. Cary, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $620,600
• Great for: Families, retirees, dining, outdoors, proximity to Raleigh

Okay, so Cary isn’t exactly a small town, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it. Just a short drive from the capital city of Raleigh, Cary rates as the No. 1 best place to live in the state for 2024, according to Niche. And the residents pride themselves on maintaining small-town values. Cary’s own downtown has been revitalized recently to enhance the charm and history of the quaint local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Popular spots for locals include Chocolate Smiles, a family-owned candy shop that’s been around since 1984, and Pizzeria Faulisi, known for its wood-fired pizzas (of course). 

Yes, Cary has grown in recent years (and so have its home prices), but it certainly retains that charming small-town vibe and friendliness. Neighbors often get together in the Downtown Cary Park, a seven-acre community hub in the center of town, for events like live music, Christmas festivals, and summer picnics.  

When you find the right home in one of the best small towns in North Carolina, PODS can help you move with a portable moving container.

PODS Can Help You Make the Move to a Small Town in North Carolina

No matter what type of town in North Carolina you choose to move to — near the beach, in the mountains, or outside the city — PODS is here to help you each step of the way. Use a PODS storage container to load up your belongings on your own schedule. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new North Carolina home, or you can store your items in a secure facility until you’re ready to unload. And no need to rush — a month of storage is built in when you move to North Carolina with PODS!

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Rent.com, ApartmentHomeLiving.com, and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.