Some people love the city life. The hustle, bustle, bright lights, constant noise and constant people. Others, not so much. Some prefer a quiet, simple life tucked away in the woods, by the beach, or in the countryside. As a writer, of course I dream of someday owning a quiet cabin high on a mountain, away from it all.
Luckily, in North Carolina, this dream can easily become reality. While the idea of packing up and finding an ‘affordable’ secluded home seems unrealistic, my main motto is if you can dream it you can definitely do it. Ready to step away from reality? These ten charming towns in North Carolina have both a ‘town’ feel but super seclusion is still an option.
- Saluda
Flickr / Frank DiBona
Flickr / Barry Peters 40 miles outside of Asheville, you’ll find Saluda. This quaint town has a population of 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. Right outside of town are a vast expanse of mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails to explore. Saluda is the perfect place to hideaway with a town nearby.
- Edenton
Flickr / -ted
Flickr / Mark Edenton is rich with history. As one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, the beautiful architecture will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The fairly low population of just above 5,000 means you’ll get a small town feel in a great location along the Albermarle Sound.
- Tryon
Flickr / dougprowse
Flickr / Frank DiBona Birthplace of Nina Simone, 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, Tryon can be your getaway from it all.
- Rodanthe
Flickr / John Blue
Flickr / Bill Dickinson This charming Outer Banks town has a literary connection for good reason. As a less inhabited seaside destination, with a year-round population of just 339, residents can enjoy quiet beaches, kayaking, and life away from the rest of the world.
- Southport
Flickr / frumpyfairy
Flickr / Nathan Firebaugh While Southport is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan area, this quaint town with a population near 3,000, 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.
- Blowing Rock
blowingrocknc.com
Flickr /John McTarnaghan In Blowing Rock, you’ll find beauty within the town and right outside as well. Tucked away in the mountains, with a population of just above 1,000, Blowing Rock offers charming streets, delicious restaurants, and breathtaking mountain views.
- Bald Head Island
Flickr / Lee Ruk
Flickr / Luke Wiseley If you’re idea of getting away from it all involves a cold drink in hand and a sandy beach, Bald Head Island could be for you. Accessible by boat, only golf carts are allowed on this 13,000 acre island. Join the 300 full-time residents and you’ll find an array of cute, coastal houses, golf courses, resorts, and restaurants.
- Little Switzerland
Flickr / Joe Flood
Flickr / Tess Shebaylo Nestled deep in the mountains, Little Switzerland gives you all the peace, quiet, and solitude you desire. One of the more remote on this list, with an actual population of only 38, Little Switzerland is for the true introvert.
- Hot Springs
Flickr / David Wilson
Flickr / anoldent With the Appalachian Trail running right through the downtown area, there’s no denying Hot Springs is remote. While best known for its mineral hot springs, setting up shop here is guaranteed to give you a peaceful, serene, and adventurous life. With only 800 residents, the town remains small, but the activities you can participate in, from rafting on the French Broad, to hiking all day, will keep you busy.
- Corolla
Flickr / sugargliding
Flickr / Steve Vilnit If you want to be wild, free, and remote like the Corolla wild horses, set your sails here. While the summer population can skyrocket, a year-round residence here is quiet, remote, and you’re only surrounded by 500 other full time residents. Rent your beach cottage in the summer to gain some seclusion during the winter.
Where would you call home? Do any of these places speak to the inner-introvert in you? Tell us in the comments.
Flickr / Frank DiBona
Flickr / Barry Peters
40 miles outside of Asheville, you’ll find Saluda. This quaint town has a population of 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. Right outside of town are a vast expanse of mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails to explore. Saluda is the perfect place to hideaway with a town nearby.
Flickr / -ted
Flickr / Mark
Edenton is rich with history. As one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, the beautiful architecture will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The fairly low population of just above 5,000 means you’ll get a small town feel in a great location along the Albermarle Sound.
Flickr / dougprowse
Birthplace of Nina Simone, 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, Tryon can be your getaway from it all.
Flickr / John Blue
Flickr / Bill Dickinson
This charming Outer Banks town has a literary connection for good reason. As a less inhabited seaside destination, with a year-round population of just 339, residents can enjoy quiet beaches, kayaking, and life away from the rest of the world.
Flickr / frumpyfairy
Flickr / Nathan Firebaugh
While Southport is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan area, this quaint town with a population near 3,000, 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.
blowingrocknc.com
Flickr /John McTarnaghan
In Blowing Rock, you’ll find beauty within the town and right outside as well. Tucked away in the mountains, with a population of just above 1,000, Blowing Rock offers charming streets, delicious restaurants, and breathtaking mountain views.
Flickr / Lee Ruk
Flickr / Luke Wiseley
If you’re idea of getting away from it all involves a cold drink in hand and a sandy beach, Bald Head Island could be for you. Accessible by boat, only golf carts are allowed on this 13,000 acre island. Join the 300 full-time residents and you’ll find an array of cute, coastal houses, golf courses, resorts, and restaurants.
Flickr / Joe Flood
Flickr / Tess Shebaylo
Nestled deep in the mountains, Little Switzerland gives you all the peace, quiet, and solitude you desire. One of the more remote on this list, with an actual population of only 38, Little Switzerland is for the true introvert.
Flickr / David Wilson
Flickr / anoldent
With the Appalachian Trail running right through the downtown area, there’s no denying Hot Springs is remote. While best known for its mineral hot springs, setting up shop here is guaranteed to give you a peaceful, serene, and adventurous life. With only 800 residents, the town remains small, but the activities you can participate in, from rafting on the French Broad, to hiking all day, will keep you busy.
Flickr / sugargliding
Flickr / Steve Vilnit
If you want to be wild, free, and remote like the Corolla wild horses, set your sails here. While the summer population can skyrocket, a year-round residence here is quiet, remote, and you’re only surrounded by 500 other full time residents. Rent your beach cottage in the summer to gain some seclusion during the winter.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
