As a gal from a small town in South Carolina, I can say if you dream of living in a small town in the South, especially one with less than 500 residents, you'd better not mind everybody knowing your business. And expect just about everybody in town to be related by birth, marriage or divorce. I am a proud Southerner now living in a small town in OH, which presents a different set of problems. In my experience, to survive in a small town, make it close to a big city.
Yup! You’re right, I could never compromise that. I’d rather pay a lot more to not know everyone and have them be in my business. Maybe cause I grew up in the city and can’t get used to little towns for that same reason (everyone knowing each other)
I appreciate anonymity so I could never enjoy a super small town, even if it was beautiful and charming, the people with nothing better to do but stick their nose in everyone's business would kill it for me. I live in a town outside of Charlotte. I actually want to be right in Charlotte but have to afford it first.
I live in a small town in Ohio and love it. I was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and so happy at 24 years old left that place. Now 63 years old I love the Amish buggies and small town experience. My neighbors mind their own business but watch out for each other.
@@angelamartzen7499 Charlotte is a great city, but as much as I'm not happy in a small town, I don't particularly enjoy big city living either. Have relatives in Matthews. Friends in Huntersville, others at Lake Norman and all along the I-85 corridor to Greenville, SC, and on to Atlanta. Talk about a big city that will make you bonkers, Atlanta's the place.
One of the reasons that North Carolina has so much Healthcare is the colleges. A lot of the University of North Carolina colleges have medical schools, and that's not to mention the private universities like Duke. Also, the Research Triangle Park employs a large chunk of the state's population and there are a few hospitals and clinics associated with those companies.
Fun Fact: Charlotte is the largest US city without a MD/DO program. NC ranks 28th in doctors per capita and 37th in MD/DO students per capita. While NC is 9th per capita in number of physician assistants. The reason there is somewhat adequate healthcare is actually the amount of APPs in the state.
There are 5 Med schools in NC but only 2 are part of the UNC system, so 2 of 16 would not be considered "A Lot". The Hospitals tied to RTP companies is not accurate either. There may be some collaboration between some of the hospitals and some of the drug/medical companies in and around RTP but making reference that those ties really benefit the healthcare in the area is a stretch. I've lived in NC for my whole life and most of it in the RTP area.
@@caw7007 yes. UNC and ECU with the med schools. NC State has the Vet school. Duke / Wake Forest are the other 2 and they are private schools. Campbell has an Osteopathic School of Medicine and its private also. So only 2 med schools in the UNC system of schools.
My daughter was born in Clyde. I lived there 17 years. I wish I never left. One thing about the mountains is the snow, and losing power for weeks at a time so you will need alernate ways to heat your home. We heated with wood and I would cook on the stove and use the snow for my fridge. Best years of my life❤
I get scared when I think about retirement. My apologies to everyone who have retired and filing social security during this time after putting in all those years of work just to lose everything to a problem you weren't to blame for.it's especially difficult for people who are retired.
True, It has never been tougher to understand how to build your money after retirement than it is right now with the inflation. You can experience a completely varietied market passively by employing a successful portfolio-advisor.
Even if you're not skilled, it is still possible to hire one. I was a project manager and my personal portfolio of approximately $850k of my retirement pension took a big hit in April last year due to the crash. I quickly got in touch with a financial-planner that devised a defensive strategy to protect my funds and make profit from my portfolio this red season. I've made over $250k since then
Grew up in Brevard NC. The retirees came in and raised the property value so much that locals are forced to move from the places they grew up because they cant afford it anymore. And the police department only reports 14 percent of the crime in the area. People won't visit there and pay money to the small economy there on vacation if they knew how bad it actually was. They do not want or need people
"The retirees came in and raised the property value" Don't you mean the locals raised the prices and the retirees paid them. Or do you mean the new retirees improved the place and the value increased?
@@williamrudolph3481 lmao right ? How do the people buying raise the prices ? It’s the locals if the locals didn’t jack the prices up the retirees would definitely rather pay the lower price.
Pittsboro NC is adorable (I have relatives there). Not far from Raleigh/Durham, it has adorable shops on a main street, some art galleries, a natural food store, and beautiful forest around it. Really lovely place. Probably not a lot going on for young people, but seems like it would be a nice place to retire to. Some friends of ours moved from San Fransisco to Asheville about 25 years ago and never regretted it. They love Asheville.
John, it used to be exactly like you described, that is before the Yankees came and made it as much like the places they came from as possible. Now it's ruined, but they're happy, and that seems to be what really counts! I'm a 67yr old native of Brevard, and now I dread even going into town because of them! Damn them for ruining my hometown!
Wish Briggs would do a series of good small towns with populations of around 5,000-15,000. Less than 5k, often makes it difficult to fit in. People see new comers as outsiders.
THIS! I moved to a town of 10k in California and even that size got frustrating…. one rumor from an embittered whom ever could cost you friends and other relationships. All it takes is one whacko jacko
Seriously, Seven Devils is barely a "bump in the road". About 1/2 of the towns mentioned have only a few hundred residents. I'm 58 & have lived in NC most of my life and never even heard of some of these. Not sure what the point of most of this video was. Yes, they're on GoogleMaps, but so is my house.
Totally agree I’m from a small town and I was facing the wrath of my parents life and that was annoying for people to think they know me just because they know my parents it was awful ! So glad I left that place !!!
Great list Briggs!! Very worthy places to retire or "bring a job" with you to. Brevard is a great choice! My Dad and Step-Mom retired there in the 90's, they loved it for the next 25 years.
I lived in Brevard for about three years and moved back up North 20 years ago. Nice town and nice people, laid back and not much to do but I did enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It was a good place to get quiet in my soul, finish my writing degree and most of all reaffirm my faith in human nature. It has changed somewhat since I last visited it several years ago.
@@erosleroi7638 Sorry but the whole state is depressing. Born and raised in Raleigh and been to 90% of the cities and towns in the state. I hate to say it but 3 years from now Texas will be my new home and I can’t wait.
Love that place. Close to so much. Waynesville is awesome. This is one of the areas me and my husband would absolutely LOVE to live. Just can't afford the high real estate either it be land or home with land. That has been our dream. Sadly we will probably never be where are hearts truly are.
Nice overview of Brevard. Only problem with Transylvania Regional Hospital is that it was recently bought by HCA. I moved here a few years ago when we had to put my mother in a home. Pretty much a tourist town. Many people (like me) retiring here. I live on a creek and it is beautiful. Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. 30 minutes to Asheville.
He left out the fact that the locals cant afford to live there anymore because of all of the retirees buying all the property there. And the fact you'll get some tire changing experience with the conditions of the roads
Pretty cool that when I voted for small towns in NC on your poll, that you picked Brevard and that's where I'm from. I was curious if it would ever make the list. This town lives/dies off of the white squirrel theme, so you definitely got that correct. Thanks, Briggs!!
Amen! They've totally ruined my hometown of Brevard, and I despise them for it. They generally have the personality of a rattlesnake, and the few who don't, have one of a rock! They have no ethics, no manners, and no respect for the land or the owners of it. Other than that, they're perfect.
Y’all are welcome to check out Morganton. Just up I40 from Hickory and not too far below Asheville - Black Mountain. We were made sorta kinda famous for Lake James and Table Rock 🪨 in the movie;” Last of the Mohicans”. We also have our State School for the Deaf as well as Broughton.
Century Link seems to universally suck everywhere. A friend of mine has Century Link in Winter Park, Florida and it took several service calls just to get her land line to reasonably work again. One workman completely botched the job and finally another one finally did it right. Rumor has it there are 2 guys doing repair in the city.
Beautiful to see Seven Devils/Foscoe on the list. Real estate is obviously tight up here but expand your search within the county and next county. It’s all rural.
I’ve been all over in the state of NC, grew up in Greenville and, graduated from ECU now live in the RTP area for work. I can highly agree with number 1 Davis Nc. I spent almost all of senior year in college taking the ferry they have in town to go to cape lookout 😅. Mountains are nice but the beaches are where it’s at. I will say insurance on those houses will be high due to frequent hurricanes we have lately. As much as I love traveling around the world, NC is just super nice. Thanks for the video Briggs!
We love Burnsville and it is a really great art community. Since we are only 40 minutes from Asheville, it is a great location. Since our parents have passed away, we actually have two houses that we are fixing up to sell. A 5 bdrm, 2 bath with a mother-in-law suite rock house and a 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin outside of town. And the temperature in Burnsville is great. We never get over 90 in the Summer and we have snow in the winter. What a wonderful place to live.
I live near Bennet in Chatham County, NC. You said that Asheboro is the only nearby place to get medical care. You totally overlooked Siler City, which has a newer hospital and lots of doctors who are affiliated with the UNC Heath Care system.
Please don't move here to NC. It's too crowded as it is and yuppies are driving the real estate prices up so high, locals are being pushed out. Go somewhere else that isn't already too crowded.
I live in Asheville. It is no longer affordable or safe. Crime rates have risen to the point I no longer, living alone, feel safe. Downtown is a mess. Drugs, needles litter the sidewalks. The homeless population doubled last year and housing is very expensive. I'm moving as soon as I can.
@@terryskidmore6739 Weaverville is just north Asheville now too, and in the past 5 years have grown exponentially and continues to grow especially since they put in those apartments and town homes. I too am moving as quickly as I can. It's depressing it's been my home for so long g but I can't afford it anymore.
@@johnmiller1578 I love Bakersville. My husband and I were considering a nicely remodeled older 2/2 in town with an asking price of $119,000. Unfortunately my husband passed away in November. I am regrouping and hope to move North of AVL as soon as possible.
Wow, my grandparents actually live in Burnsville! And I have to agree, Burnsville is a great place to retire, it is absolutely beautiful up there in the summer.
Thanks a lot. Now I know why we've been over run with out-of-towners. It won't be long before they take the charm right out of our mountain town wanting to HAVE/ADD/BUILD all their city creature comfort big box stores. We like things just the way they are. PEACEFUL!
Wow, great places you came up with. In the various states you have covered so far, all of these little places have been really solid places to live for a retired person!!
Always loved Davis when I visited relatives in Moorehead City. Went through there on our way to Sea Level and the Ferry. Love eastern NC where my father was from.
So glad you put one of those great coastal towns on the list. In 2021 I rode my Tricycle all the way up the coast taking the Ferries from island to island I had a blast the people were great and the views are awesome. My favorites were Orcacoke and Surf City. I watch "On this day" everyday and watch "According to Briggs" quite a lot. Keep up the great work. Love your channels.
Do NOT come here and RUIN what we have. If you can behave like a human and not expect the world to revolve around you then come on down BUT expect to work hard if you want a rural life.
@@SpentShellsNC yea but it’s no worst than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. I’ve lived in multiple states and 1 other country and Forest city’s meth problem is practically nothing compared to those places.
I live in Murphy, NC, in the western mountains. It is a beautiful area, especially in the fall. Sometimes the winters can be a challenge, but having four seasons is nice.
I’ve researched land all over the state. If you are going for acreage level enough to do a little organic farming and best prices, Murphy is where you want to look.
As someone who has lived almost their entire life in Burnsville you did good research its your basic boring mountain town but it's becoming more urban over time.
Me too! My family has deep roots here... I live in the house my great grandpa built in 1912 and my grandpa's family came to NC in the 1700s. I can't imagine living anywhere else!
Is there no money in these towns why they won’t add those things? And is that ok with most the locals? I’m planning on moving to NC next year but can’t decide on where to move to or close to..
The eastern part of the state is where the most farms and military bases are and all the beaches but the state sends most of the money to the worthless urban areas where the people have no morals
35 years in western nc. I took my family and left. My hometown lost its structure and culture when it was over ran with transplants. Rip Jackson county
Good video sir you did Bennett a small disservice it's 45 minutes from Uwharrie national forest witch has more trail's streams creek's and lake's than you can shake a stick at. Also 30 minutes from Pinehurst/Aberdeen the whole area is a golf resort the PGA and USGA are down every 5 years or so
Hey Briggs, how about a video about extreme rural places where you can buy land for dirt cheap and be able to do whatever you want and not be bothered by the local sheriffs because you have a van parked on your lot and you’re sleeping in it. Well this video was fun to watch, telling me that there are nice places to buy for 350,000 in North Carolina really means nothing for me even if I had that money because if I had that money I sure as hell am not going to live in seven Devils, North Carolina
I get you. If you have that kind of money to spend on a home, you can be happy and comfortable about anywhere. I'm nowhere near that range. How about some really cheap rentals?
problem with cheap places to live is the crime and poverty that comes with it. There are some extremely rurals areas where Home values are absurdly low. Lots of crime and really terrible internet options are a huge problem.
My husband and I moved to North Carolina in the summer of 2020. We are on social security. We had a small down payment to place a down payment on a new built home. Almost 1 ac. Near several Appalachian mountain towns. Two being Polkville and Caser. We are near everything. We travel mainly mountain roads. Our House was $161,000. Our mortgage is $764.00. All of the areas you showcase on your utube station is overly expensive to any retirees that we know. I suggest you travel to places like lawndale, fallston, hickory to name a few. Although right now real estate is high in some areas, there are great deals out there. What is more, these towns have the sweetest people living in them. Beautiful rural roads and land. Perhaps you should look in the areas mentioned above.
Can I ask what town you moved to ? My husband and I are retiring soon too, moving from NJ. It’s gotten so expensive here, our taxes are over $13k a year ! We’re looking forward to slowing down and getting out of this state.
@@patriciaantonucci-walsh3139 probably isn't an actual town. NC is extremely rural and lots of people live in places that aren't populated enough to be towns.
NC is ranked 8th or 9th by population now, depending on source of statistics; that is an indication of how fast the state is growing. I don’t see much good coming from the influx, other than my house being worth twice what I paid 16 years ago. A small town may be a good move. I live in a mid-sized town near I-40/85 and am now surrounded by apartment complexes instead of forest.
Blowing Rock is anything but affordable. Don't get me wrong, I love the town, but most homes sell for $600k plus. Murphy is really neat, we have a place in West Jefferson, and we looked at Mount Airy, but wanted elevation, and didn't want such a large Town. I haven't been to Seagrove in 20+ years - I may need to take a trip.
I was 8 days in Transylvania Regional Hospital and had excellent care! It couldn’t have been better! Food was so good...I’d go to their cafeteria for lunch! Brevard is fortunate to have such a beautiful, nice and excellent hospital!
@@peggysouther4484HCA has ruined Transylvania Regional Hospital. They did the same thing to Mission Hospital in Asheville. They put a much higher value on money than the health of their patients. Every Healthcare system they've bought has suffered as a result of their greed!
Mt. Airy, Nc is also a nice small town with a major hospital, along with a lot of stores and restaurants that you wound not normally find in a town of it’s size. It also have a really nice well kept down town, it also has a ton of affordable real estate in or right out side city limits.
@@ironfist458 I agree. Funny how the 2 places that fought for/against racism (the north and south during the civil war) are the most racist places in America. Obviously the south is, but the north shouldn’t be
Crime is a huge issue. So is lack of decent internet. All those towns you mentioned are being inundated with people moving in from across the USA and the world.
WNC is my favorite part of America. I went to elementary and middle school in Asheville. Sold roofs and gutters there for years. Got to drive down the most beautiful coves. ❤
Im moving to the Asheville location from rural Maine in a few months. My wife got a job offer in Asheville that was too good to refuse, and I'm hoping to stay outta the city as much as possible as I detest them. This video was helpful.
You missed one of the best, New Bern. Its in the middle of the state about 20 miles from the coast and has a population of about 30 thousand people. It a historical town (founded in 1710) and use to be the capital of North Carolina and was the home of the ruler of the Carolina territory, before the U.S. was founded. It is very popular with retirees and has great hearth care and good shopping.
I recommend Apex, Holly Springs, or Fuquay Varina, very good areas to live. Good economy, great law enforcement and emergency services. Living cost isnt too high. They have awesome schools and the crime rate is low.
I agree I live in that area and love it and am originally from Raleigh. I can see why they wouldn't be on his list though the populations are high there are alot of people out here and they are not really rural at all anymore very much suburban. In addition the current median home price is in the $500,000 and demand is high so it's also not cheap.
I used to live in the 40/42 area, Garner/Raleigh. It was pretty nice with easy access to good shopping and the airport. Fuquay has (or had ) a great thrift store named Angel something.
Honest review of Brevard: (as a young resident who is temporarily living there) Brevard is a good place to visit or retire but not for younger people. It's very boring if you are not outdoorsy, little diversity, the schools are in bad shape (the high school looks very run down) the weather can go from extremely cold to hot and humid and then rainy at the same day. Also it's getting a little more pricy with utilities and housing which has led to many residents not liking people from New York and Florida which tend to be the most common transplants. Not a lot of jobs tbh as well, and a lot of the young people are moving out. For its pros: it's safe, housing is not extremely expensive, some people are very hospitable, there is a good college, the downtown and the area is beautiful Def love the white squirrels.
Mt. Pleasant, NC is really reinventing itself. So nice to see the small town coming back to life! Sorry for releasing the small town to your channel but it would have been nice to see it on your list.
I was born and raised in Asheville after several generations. I hate to see these videos sending more people. It's already ruined. Don't bother moving here. The cost of housing is already ridiculous. If you're from here, you can't afford much anymore.
@@Ralphbros24 No, the mayor and city counsel are mostly Democrats and treat their police dept like crap. Homeless camps have moved in. My mother still lives there and is afraid to go to the mall near downtown.
The four lane road between Burnsville and Spruce Pine is completed so I expect Burnsville to go through some growing pains over the next decade or so. I don't know how many more years it may fit the "small town" category. I used to live in Yancey county and it used to be extremely nice. Today I just live down the mountain from there and still visit often. It's not quite as nice as it used to be. To many outsiders trying to push their way (and ways) into the community. If you're not willing to take up the culture and lifestyle of rural mountain living just please find somewhere else to go. One of the reasons areas like this are so attractive to outsiders is because of the culture and lifestyle that ALREADY EXISTS there. However if people come here and continually try to change things, then pretty soon the place will be no different than where they left from. If you like the lifestyle and culture the way it is where you're already at, then please stay where you're at.
I am one of those people you call "outsiders" and i been here for 20 years and that's why Spruce pine or Burnsville will never have shit but churches and religious opinions trying to control the town its time for a change and time to catch up to the real world we aren't living in the 1940's and 50's anymore you don't like new things you move.. being religious bigots isn't culture. flying a rebel flag from your hillbilly truck isn't culture..and judging outsiders you don't like isn't Christian.
@@flawdakracka I'm sitting here with a Vikings World Tour tee shirt and a Thor's hammer necklace on. I'm a agnostic /semi nihilistic that's lived here since childhood. I'm 56 and ever had any problem with my Christian neighbors and friends. I don't own a truck nor a confederate flag. I do however like the woodlands left alone and open for us to hunt, fish, and hike on instead of being posted. Religious people also mostly aren't bigots. They just adhere to their beliefs, no different than anyone else with strong beliefs does. Not everyone is a RADICAL evangelist. They do exist but it's not everyone. A person isn't a bigot just because they don't personally accept things they believe are wrong.
I bought a cabin on Iron Mountain near Buladean 9 years ago. Burnsville is the nearest town and a beautiful town at that. I tell all my Floridiot friends, "if you come to the mountains, leave all you knew about Florida there". DO NOT Florida these mountains. Leave it alone. These folks know what they are doing!
As a resident of Yancey County, I can say out of state people are just the worst when it comes to trying to change things. Which is why I live in the outskirts of Burnsville, where nobody can bother me. I have my unique quirks here and there, such as me wanting to get a caiman as a pet to having redwood trees and a Japanese cherry tree and being a dinosaur fanatic, I’m perfectly happy the way Yancey is and don’t like out of state people trying to come upon my turf. If ya visit, don’t try and do things your way. A lot of people don’t like that.
Local culture? In Yancey? No. Locals around here are scared of culture. They hate everyone that isn't them. And whatever you do, don't get stuck in a conversation with a local. You will hear their life story...twice. And if you need work done, better do it yourself as the locals will try their best to rip you off. Sad.
I have to share this one! One of my niece's lives in North Carolina and one of my sister's wants to go to South Carolina. This ain't South but it's close!
Left NJ 15yrs ago yesterday for South Carolina. Spent nearly 12.5yrs just over the SC/NC stateline 20min from Uptown Charlotte, NC & past 2.5yrs along the coast just outside Myrtle Beach. I've spent the past 15yrs as an on-site technician driving through over 20 counties in both states. Both states are great, I have relatives in multiple areas of NC. SC tends to be better on taxation, as well as closer to my personal politics (borderline libertarian). IMO both states have a lot to offer, certainly don't miss NJ.
Just wondering why spruce pine and bakersville didn't make the list. They both lie between burnsville and boone. Blue Ridge regional hospital is in spruce pine .
Spruce Pine has always been my favorite mountain town in NC..live about an hour and 45 min away. I would love to move here in a few years, but the cost of living seems to be making this dream unreachable. Currently our town we are in now is booming, but it use to be an old textile community. Too close to Charlotte for me now. Hoping my dream happens.
Brevard, NC, I had a plate of the white squirrel with cat head biscuits, and it was great. Seven Devils don't have a thing under $1M. You should have done Foscoe, NC. More to offer and only 1300 people.
Hi Briggs. I'm really enjoying these videos. Looking at retirement in a year or so and some of these places interest me. Thanks and have a great weekend.
As the story goes when my mom escaped communist Cuba in 1961 she more or less ran for her life...lloll...and landed in Mexico city... Then got her visa to Indiana. Then she went to college in Ashville and picked cotton in Ashville in the summer.
Most of us Yankees came down here to serve stationed on one of the large military bases got established bought a home and didn’t want to fully move there established family
As a Relocation Specialist and Statistical Analyst since 1985, I totally disagree with you that there are few high quality small towns in NC. In fact, NC has possibly the best selection of small towns spread evenly across the state of any state in the nation. The mid eastern region of the state does have a good bit of pretty poor areas. But the rural areas in pretty much the rest of the state does not. A national “poverty rate” is a poorly developed metric, because the cost of living and salaries varies wildly from state to state, and even from community to community within each state. Buying Power (income vs. cost of living) is a much better yard stick. $40k per year is going to go much farther in NC than in CA. A flat national poverty rate takes none of that into consideration. Too, most crime happens in certain areas of a town and the perpetrator and victim usual know each other. Random crime statistically is less than half in nearly any small town. As long as you use good wisdom, you will generally have no problems whatsoever. Perspective and context is key. Having said to that, the small town/rural areas in NC of Brevard, Highlands, Bryson City, Banner Elk, West Jefferson (mountains)…..Tryon, Rutherfordton/Forest City, Wilkesboro, Mt. Airy (foothills)…..Southern Pines/Pinehurst (Piedmont)…..New Bern, Morehead City/Beaufort, Washington/Bath, Edenton, Manteo/Roanoke Island (coastal plains) are awesome. All of these areas are outside of any metro area, rank well against any other small towns in the nation, and have a Buying Power score better than the national average. If you’re going to do these types of videos, it’s really important to make sure you have the correct information that you giving viewers.
Please, as a Brevard native, I beg you, please don't come here! Transplants have already ruined it for everyone, and more will make it uninhabitable! If you insist on coming, please try to assimilate, rather than dominate, because it will only make you even more hated, if that's possible. Thank you.
You probably hear this a lot but, Just make sure not to bring the same politics with you! That's probably the biggest worry about people moving to North Carolina & other such states.
Edenton, N.C sits on several rivers and the Albemarle Sound and is very beautiful. Northerners, please stay away and don't bring your crap to screw it all up!
I just spent time in Seven Devils this year and last year I was in Burnsville. Both are really nice. I have 2 suggestions for these rural areas. First, please know that these areas are politically conservative and they like it that way. Second, look into getting an AirBnB or Vrbo for a few days before moving so you can really look at the area. I love it there, but it isn't for everyone. They are historical and laid back. The people are usually polite and love old, traditional ways. If you can agree to disagree then you'll be fine. Also, there are probably places that would be great "fixer uppers". I live in a small town north of Charlotte. I love my state!!
@@kinghenry7888 so you're one of THOSE people. The kind that hate others because they don't think like you. Hmmm.... noted. However, I was talking about rural areas in general throughout the state, not just one or two towns. You also can't judge an entire town by your own neighborhood. Says alot about you though. Have a nice day.
@@keithsw2566 Like I said before, I wasn't talking about these 2 places specifically. I said "these rural areas" as in all the rural areas of NC. Yes, there have been alot of liberals move to what was traditionally conservative areas due to schools, recreation, or what have you. However, most of us in rural areas enjoy our guns, our Christianity and our lower taxes. Things that are on the Conservative platform.
As a gal from a small town in South Carolina, I can say if you dream of living in a small town in the South, especially one with less than 500 residents, you'd better not mind everybody knowing your business. And expect just about everybody in town to be related by birth, marriage or divorce. I am a proud Southerner now living in a small town in OH, which presents a different set of problems. In my experience, to survive in a small town, make it close to a big city.
Yup! You’re right, I could never compromise that. I’d rather pay a lot more to not know everyone and have them be in my business. Maybe cause I grew up in the city and can’t get used to little towns for that same reason (everyone knowing each other)
Calabash is built up now it’s not really small no more it’s so sad to see look it up on google and look at the satellite view
I appreciate anonymity so I could never enjoy a super small town, even if it was beautiful and charming, the people with nothing better to do but stick their nose in everyone's business would kill it for me. I live in a town outside of Charlotte. I actually want to be right in Charlotte but have to afford it first.
I live in a small town in Ohio and love it. I was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and so happy at 24 years old left that place. Now 63 years old I love the Amish buggies and small town experience. My neighbors mind their own business but watch out for each other.
@@angelamartzen7499 Charlotte is a great city, but as much as I'm not happy in a small town, I don't particularly enjoy big city living either. Have relatives in Matthews. Friends in Huntersville, others at Lake Norman and all along the I-85 corridor to Greenville, SC, and on to Atlanta. Talk about a big city that will make you bonkers, Atlanta's the place.
One of the reasons that North Carolina has so much Healthcare is the colleges. A lot of the University of North Carolina colleges have medical schools, and that's not to mention the private universities like Duke. Also, the Research Triangle Park employs a large chunk of the state's population and there are a few hospitals and clinics associated with those companies.
Fun Fact: Charlotte is the largest US city without a MD/DO program.
NC ranks 28th in doctors per capita and 37th in MD/DO students per capita. While NC is 9th per capita in number of physician assistants. The reason there is somewhat adequate healthcare is actually the amount of APPs in the state.
There are 5 Med schools in NC but only 2 are part of the UNC system, so 2 of 16 would not be considered "A Lot". The Hospitals tied to RTP companies is not accurate either. There may be some collaboration between some of the hospitals and some of the drug/medical companies in and around RTP but making reference that those ties really benefit the healthcare in the area is a stretch. I've lived in NC for my whole life and most of it in the RTP area.
@@allenoakley1799 are you including East Carolina in the UNC system medical schools?
@@caw7007 yes. UNC and ECU with the med schools. NC State has the Vet school. Duke / Wake Forest are the other 2 and they are private schools. Campbell has an Osteopathic School of Medicine and its private also. So only 2 med schools in the UNC system of schools.
Winston Salem NC has Baptist and there is a big one in Asheville Mission?
My daughter was born in Clyde. I lived there 17 years. I wish I never left.
One thing about the mountains is the snow, and losing power for weeks at a time so you will need alernate ways to heat your home.
We heated with wood and I would cook on the stove and use the snow for my fridge. Best years of my life❤
I get scared when I think about retirement. My apologies to everyone who have retired and filing social security during this time after putting in all those years of work just to lose everything to a problem you weren't to blame for.it's especially difficult for people who are retired.
True, It has never been tougher to understand how to build your money after retirement than it is right now with the inflation. You can experience a completely varietied market passively by employing a successful portfolio-advisor.
Even if you're not skilled, it is still possible to hire one. I was a project manager and my personal portfolio of approximately $850k of my retirement pension took a big hit in April last year due to the crash. I quickly got in touch with a financial-planner that devised a defensive strategy to protect my funds and make profit from my portfolio this red season. I've made over $250k since then
Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular manager?
SONYA LEE MITCHELL is the manager I use. Just research the name. You'd find necessary details to set up an appointment.
Just ran an online search on her name and came across her websiite; pretty well educated. thank you for sharing.
Grew up in Brevard NC. The retirees came in and raised the property value so much that locals are forced to move from the places they grew up because they cant afford it anymore. And the police department only reports 14 percent of the crime in the area. People won't visit there and pay money to the small economy there on vacation if they knew how bad it actually was. They do not want or need people
lol good try
"The retirees came in and raised the property value" Don't you mean the locals raised the prices and the retirees paid them. Or do you mean the new retirees improved the place and the value increased?
@@williamrudolph3481 lmao right ? How do the people buying raise the prices ? It’s the locals if the locals didn’t jack the prices up the retirees would definitely rather pay the lower price.
I still live here and know what you are talking about.
Pittsboro NC is adorable (I have relatives there). Not far from Raleigh/Durham, it has adorable shops on a main street, some art galleries, a natural food store, and beautiful forest around it. Really lovely place. Probably not a lot going on for young people, but seems like it would be a nice place to retire to.
Some friends of ours moved from San Fransisco to Asheville about 25 years ago and never regretted it. They love Asheville.
Great job on NC! How about doing a top 10 to buy “UNRESTRICTED” property? You know, put a RV on it or tiny house, and do whatever the heck you want!
Yes that's what I'd like to know as well
Yes, that would be great! I'm so tired of restricted HOA properties!!!
John, it used to be exactly like you described, that is before the Yankees came and made it as much like the places they came from as possible. Now it's ruined, but they're happy, and that seems to be what really counts! I'm a 67yr old native of Brevard, and now I dread even going into town because of them! Damn them for ruining my hometown!
Everything around Boone is expensive. Boone is really nice. As a result, it and most towns nearby are expensive.
I love living in NC. Most of our vacations we never have to leave the state.. 🖤
Please, STOP encouraging people. Most of is wanted our home the way they WAS before people starting moving here.
There's already to many here.
@@1-God1-Truth1-Life1-Forever With all due respect, this is a misconception. Things don't work that way.
Tell me about it! You live in the most beautiful and charming state in the U.S.
Thanks for advertising our well hid secrets. We like our small towns and want to keep them that way!
Exactly
Wish Briggs would do a series of good small towns with populations of around 5,000-15,000. Less than 5k, often makes it difficult to fit in. People see new comers as outsiders.
THIS! I moved to a town of 10k in California and even that size got frustrating…. one rumor from an embittered whom ever could cost you friends and other relationships. All it takes is one whacko jacko
Seriously, Seven Devils is barely a "bump in the road". About 1/2 of the towns mentioned have only a few hundred residents. I'm 58 & have lived in NC most of my life and never even heard of some of these. Not sure what the point of most of this video was. Yes, they're on GoogleMaps, but so is my house.
Totally agree I’m from a small town and I was facing the wrath of my parents life and that was annoying for people to think they know me just because they know my parents it was awful ! So glad I left that place !!!
Great list Briggs!! Very worthy places to retire or "bring a job" with you to. Brevard is a great choice! My Dad and Step-Mom retired there in the 90's, they loved it for the next 25 years.
@@cindy9032 It's not anymore? I haven't been since they both passed a few years ago. Well that stinks.
I lived in Brevard for about three years and moved back up North 20 years ago. Nice town and nice people, laid back and not much to do but I did enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It was a good place to get quiet in my soul, finish my writing degree and most of all reaffirm my faith in human nature. It has changed somewhat since I last visited it several years ago.
@@erosleroi7638 Sorry but the whole state is depressing. Born and raised in Raleigh and been to 90% of the cities and towns in the state. I hate to say it but 3 years from now Texas will be my new home and I can’t wait.
absolutely have to make sure you have access to good internet first. It is a real problem is some of these more rural areas.
TGIF. Spending Friday with Briggs is the best way to start the weekend. Thanks Briggs.
Thanks Denzel
You're always welcome.
More like "TGIBD", am I right? I love Briggs Day!
Hell yeah
9:22 Roller skating rinks are still around (at least here)! Ever been to United Skates of America? Quite nice!
the kids love them, and there is an inline skate hockey league.
Another great place in the western mountains is a town called Maggie Valley. I lived there for 2 years and it is now on my short list for retirement
Love that place. Close to so much. Waynesville is awesome. This is one of the areas me and my husband would absolutely LOVE to live. Just can't afford the high real estate either it be land or home with land. That has been our dream. Sadly we will probably never be where are hearts truly are.
no no no....we have enough of you people...go ruin Tennessee.
Nice overview of Brevard. Only problem with Transylvania Regional Hospital is that it was recently bought by HCA. I moved here a few years ago when we had to put my mother in a home. Pretty much a tourist town. Many people (like me) retiring here. I live on a creek and it is beautiful. Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. 30 minutes to Asheville.
He left out the fact that the locals cant afford to live there anymore because of all of the retirees buying all the property there. And the fact you'll get some tire changing experience with the conditions of the roads
Damn you’re close then
I stumbled upon Brevard last Jan '22. Sure has a quaint kinda storybook feel. Lovely and I will get back. Pigsah 'The Promised Land.' BEAUTIFUL !!!
We live in the United States of America. We are free to decide where we want to live regardless of your territorial snobbery. Just sayin.
@@kookietherapy9398Sadly, the quaint storybook feel was ruined by transplants years ago, believe me, as a Brevard native, I know.
Pretty cool that when I voted for small towns in NC on your poll, that you picked Brevard and that's where I'm from. I was curious if it would ever make the list. This town lives/dies off of the white squirrel theme, so you definitely got that correct. Thanks, Briggs!!
Developers and huge influx of people are ruining our beautiful mountain town 😠 😢
I never did see an actual white squirrel, but I had my dog w me,... and she would have gone ape shit.🐾🐾😄 RESPECT !!!
@@cherylheywood7902 Liberals
I am so proud to be a born-and-bred North Carolinian. small town communities are a dream come true for me
Beautiful state.......
Very lucky
57 years in NC. Was a dream until all the NY and California people moved here the last few years!!!
Amen! They've totally ruined my hometown of Brevard, and I despise them for it. They generally have the personality of a rattlesnake, and the few who don't, have one of a rock! They have no ethics, no manners, and no respect for the land or the owners of it. Other than that, they're perfect.
I would put New Bern and Beaufort on the list.
New Bern is not rural, at all
Y’all are welcome to check out Morganton. Just up I40 from Hickory and not too far below Asheville - Black Mountain. We were made sorta kinda famous for Lake James and Table Rock 🪨 in the movie;” Last of the Mohicans”. We also have our State School for the Deaf as well as Broughton.
Ahh yes, broughton. The overrun crazy house 😂
Lived there for over 2 decades and I finally moved out from there! There’s nothing in Morganton except some family members.
Century Link seems to universally suck everywhere. A friend of mine has Century Link in Winter Park, Florida and it took several service calls just to get her land line to reasonably work again. One workman completely botched the job and finally another one finally did it right. Rumor has it there are 2 guys doing repair in the city.
Beautiful to see Seven Devils/Foscoe on the list. Real estate is obviously tight up here but expand your search within the county and next county. It’s all rural.
We vacationed out to New Bern, Moorehead City and Beaufort in the Spring. We loved it and hope to venture out the way to find a home soon.
Eyyyy, this is the one I've been waiting for!
I’ve been all over in the state of NC, grew up in Greenville and, graduated from ECU now live in the RTP area for work. I can highly agree with number 1 Davis Nc. I spent almost all of senior year in college taking the ferry they have in town to go to cape lookout 😅. Mountains are nice but the beaches are where it’s at. I will say insurance on those houses will be high due to frequent hurricanes we have lately. As much as I love traveling around the world, NC is just super nice. Thanks for the video Briggs!
The mountains are great!!
We love Burnsville and it is a really great art community. Since we are only 40 minutes from Asheville, it is a great location. Since our parents have passed away, we actually have two houses that we are fixing up to sell. A 5 bdrm, 2 bath with a mother-in-law suite rock house and a 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin outside of town. And the temperature in Burnsville is great. We never get over 90 in the Summer and we have snow in the winter. What a wonderful place to live.
Great! Let me buy one! =)
I grew up in Celo, looking now to move back to the area. If either of your places have some acreage, I’m interested!
@@sreneethomas We have a log cabin on 7 acres that we haven't even put on the market yet.
Don't sell out a nice town unless you want to look like Asheville
@@reginaldvickers8453 if you plan on selling, I’m possibly interested!
I live in New Bern NC for 9 years and that one of the best places I ever lived in the United States.
I live near Bennet in Chatham County, NC. You said that Asheboro is the only nearby place to get medical care. You totally overlooked Siler City, which has a newer hospital and lots of doctors who are affiliated with the UNC Heath Care system.
Please don't move here to NC. It's too crowded as it is and yuppies are driving the real estate prices up so high, locals are being pushed out. Go somewhere else that isn't already too crowded.
I live in Asheville. It is no longer affordable or safe. Crime rates have risen to the point I no longer, living alone, feel safe. Downtown is a mess. Drugs, needles litter the sidewalks. The homeless population doubled last year and housing is very expensive. I'm moving as soon as I can.
I’ve been having your same problem in southern cali. I feel your pain. Everything is a million dollars. Expect some new comers bc they’re coming
@@terryskidmore6739 Weaverville is just north Asheville now too, and in the past 5 years have grown exponentially and continues to grow especially since they put in those apartments and town homes. I too am moving as quickly as I can. It's depressing it's been my home for so long g but I can't afford it anymore.
@@johnmiller1578 I love Bakersville. My husband and I were considering a nicely remodeled older 2/2 in town with an asking price of $119,000. Unfortunately my husband passed away in November. I am regrouping and hope to move North of AVL as soon as possible.
Yeah Asheville was lost a long time ago. Last time I went I saw high school aged kids shooting up heroine at the mall. 😂
Wow, my grandparents actually live in Burnsville! And I have to agree, Burnsville is a great place to retire, it is absolutely beautiful up there in the summer.
I stayed at a B&B up there and woke up on July 4th with frost on the ground
Thanks a lot. Now I know why we've been over run with out-of-towners. It won't be long before they take the charm right out of our mountain town wanting to HAVE/ADD/BUILD all their city creature comfort big box stores. We like things just the way they are. PEACEFUL!
It’s crazy that everyone wants to talk about the middle and eastern part of the state, but this video sheds some light over here 😌❤️
Wow, great places you came up with. In the various states you have covered so far, all of these little places have been really solid places to live for a retired person!!
Always loved Davis when I visited relatives in Moorehead City. Went through there on our way to Sea Level and the Ferry. Love eastern NC where my father was from.
So glad you put one of those great coastal towns on the list. In 2021 I rode my Tricycle all the way up the coast taking the Ferries from island to island I had a blast the people were great and the views are awesome. My favorites were Orcacoke and Surf City. I watch "On this day" everyday and watch "According to Briggs" quite a lot. Keep up the great work. Love your channels.
Jason Becker I am 55 years old been going to surf city and Topsail Island since 1973 and it is still awesome to this day
Do NOT come here and RUIN what we have. If you can behave like a human and not expect the world to revolve around you then come on down BUT expect to work hard if you want a rural life.
Was thinking the same thing.
That hilarious. I live in West Texas and say the same thing. If ya can't act like ya got some damn sense, just stay where you are 😳
Came in 1984. When in Rome do as the romans. I love NC, LEFT MY NJ roots and never looked back
This guy is evil...move somewhere else.
Bruh, you don't own the south and dam sure not the boss of who comes and goes or how they behave whilst there. 🤣💯
I really enjoy Forest City. It’s tiny but growing. About an hour away from Asheville, Charlotte, ,Morganton and Spartanburg.
Yes!!
Definitely like living in Forest City.
Great place for meth heads too 😂
@@SpentShellsNC yea but it’s no worst than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. I’ve lived in multiple states and 1 other country and Forest city’s meth problem is practically nothing compared to those places.
Thanks!
Hey you, good to see you here.
@@noreenn6976 wow I didn't know you came here... this is good
@@sonnygirl8358 once in a while.
I live in Murphy, NC, in the western mountains. It is a beautiful area, especially in the fall. Sometimes the winters can be a challenge, but having four seasons is nice.
We just bought some land over there (I live in coastal NC) and I hope it was worth it.
@@Fusion_4000 plenty of dumb tourists here on the coast.
I’ve researched land all over the state. If you are going for acreage level enough to do a little organic farming and best prices, Murphy is where you want to look.
I just moved to Murphy last week. Very pretty
How bad is the winter in Murphy?
I fell in love with Boone. A friend of my has a house at the very top of a mountain, accessible only by a road that winds round and round.
Beautiful place, but full of hippies and Yankees.
As someone who has lived almost their entire life in Burnsville you did good research its your basic boring mountain town but it's becoming more urban over time.
Born and raised in NC. I absolutely love it here.
have you ever been across state lines or are you just content where you are?
I’ve been across state lines but I’m content living here for life.
Me too! My family has deep roots here... I live in the house my great grandpa built in 1912 and my grandpa's family came to NC in the 1700s. I can't imagine living anywhere else!
1 town on the eastern end of the state...I'm not surprised. Eastern NC has struggled for decades 😔
What do you think they need to fix it?
@@tafdirty better infrastructure. Roads, schools, internet, etc.
Is there no money in these towns why they won’t add those things? And is that ok with most the locals? I’m planning on moving to NC next year but can’t decide on where to move to or close to..
The eastern part of the state is where the most farms and military bases are and all the beaches but the state sends most of the money to the worthless urban areas where the people have no morals
@@eagledrive. And they have morals in opiod infested Western,NC? I'm asking for clarity
Another Briggs vid in my feed! I think you're out of the doghouse! Rewatching to support you!
I hope so.
35 years in western nc. I took my family and left. My hometown lost its structure and culture when it was over ran with transplants. Rip Jackson county
Same here, I was raised in southern Jackson County, left in 1990.
Good video sir you did Bennett a small disservice it's 45 minutes from Uwharrie national forest witch has more trail's streams creek's and lake's than you can shake a stick at. Also 30 minutes from Pinehurst/Aberdeen the whole area is a golf resort the PGA and USGA are down every 5 years or so
Hello Briggs! Oh I am the first comment for once. LOL First viewer too.
Congrats 🎉👏🙂👍
Going there next week, plan to stop by some of these. Thanks Briggs
One thing i miss from NC is the ingles stores. Leggit one of the best rotisserie chicken ive had.
There used to be one in town called Elkin I don’t know if it’s still there or not
I always go to Ingles when I want the best subs... Something about the boars head meats... So good
I make chicken salad with mine. Just get it when its fresh.
@@ozzy7109 yes they are I also really liked there Gelato
@@Itsmeagain828 yes my mom would also do that. She also she would by an extra chicken and make fried taquitos
11:26 mentions my hometown of asheboro. I've been through Benitt several times and it's a great little town.
Hey Briggs, how about a video about extreme rural places where you can buy land for dirt cheap and be able to do whatever you want and not be bothered by the local sheriffs because you have a van parked on your lot and you’re sleeping in it. Well this video was fun to watch, telling me that there are nice places to buy for 350,000 in North Carolina really means nothing for me even if I had that money because if I had that money I sure as hell am not going to live in seven Devils, North Carolina
I get you. If you have that kind of money to spend on a home, you can be happy and comfortable about anywhere. I'm nowhere near that range. How about some really cheap rentals?
Check out southern living he is true
Check out Fines Creek in Haywood County, NC
problem with cheap places to live is the crime and poverty that comes with it. There are some extremely rurals areas where Home values are absurdly low. Lots of crime and really terrible internet options are a huge problem.
He did one ..look up Briggs video best towns to live off the grid . They are in the Midwest.. the Midwest is vast and they encourage homesteading
Property in the western part of the state usually comes with acreage because there are just fewer buildable sites in the mountains.
My husband and I moved to North Carolina in the summer of 2020. We are on social security. We had a small down payment to place a down payment on a new built home. Almost 1 ac. Near several Appalachian mountain towns. Two being Polkville and Caser. We are near everything. We travel mainly mountain roads. Our House was $161,000. Our mortgage is $764.00. All of the areas you showcase on your utube station is overly expensive to any retirees that we know. I suggest you travel to places like lawndale, fallston, hickory to name a few. Although right now real estate is high in some areas, there are great deals out there. What is more, these towns have the sweetest people living in them. Beautiful rural roads and land. Perhaps you should look in the areas mentioned above.
The locals can't afford to live here anymore.
Can I ask what town you moved to ? My husband and I are retiring soon too, moving from NJ. It’s gotten so expensive here, our taxes are over $13k a year ! We’re looking forward to slowing down and getting out of this state.
@@patriciaantonucci-walsh3139 probably isn't an actual town. NC is extremely rural and lots of people live in places that aren't populated enough to be towns.
NC is ranked 8th or 9th by population now, depending on source of statistics; that is an indication of how fast the state is growing. I don’t see much good coming from the influx, other than my house being worth twice what I paid 16 years ago. A small town may be a good move. I live in a mid-sized town near I-40/85 and am now surrounded by apartment complexes instead of forest.
What about
West Jefferson & Jefferson City
Seagrove
Mount Airy
Blowing Rock
Murphy
There's a lot of places in NC that are Awesome towns !!
Mt airy is a shitty ass town and number 1 in the USA for opioid and heroin usage. Also the racists breed there
Blowing Rock is anything but affordable. Don't get me wrong, I love the town, but most homes sell for $600k plus. Murphy is really neat, we have a place in West Jefferson, and we looked at Mount Airy, but wanted elevation, and didn't want such a large Town. I haven't been to Seagrove in 20+ years - I may need to take a trip.
@@Xander-dx6mw
Yeah I know Blowing Rock is expensive but it's a Beautiful place and Great People.
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫 we full
@@sandradee8880
Yeah I know but it's frustrating when the Truly Awesome Places don't get recognized.
BAD JOKE TIME!!!! Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, NC. Small hospital but they have one hell of a blood bank!!! Sorry, I just had to.
I was 8 days in Transylvania Regional Hospital and had excellent care! It couldn’t have been better! Food was so good...I’d go to their cafeteria for lunch! Brevard is fortunate to have such a beautiful, nice and excellent hospital!
@@peggysouther4484HCA has ruined Transylvania Regional Hospital. They did the same thing to Mission Hospital in Asheville. They put a much higher value on money than the health of their patients. Every Healthcare system they've bought has suffered as a result of their greed!
😂.
Mt. Airy, Nc is also a nice small town with a major hospital, along with a lot of stores and restaurants that you wound not normally find in a town of it’s size. It also have a really nice well kept down town, it also has a ton of affordable real estate in or right out side city limits.
Annnd, it's the hometown of Andy Griffith!
It’s also the number 1 county in all of the United States for opioid and heroine usage. My airy is also a very very racist town.
@@bigl2731 that’s the North and South. The Midwest and West Coasts are not.
@@ironfist458 I agree. Funny how the 2 places that fought for/against racism (the north and south during the civil war) are the most racist places in America. Obviously the south is, but the north shouldn’t be
Welcome to Mayberry, love it
As a native North Carolinian now living in PA, thank you so much for pronouncing “Appalachian” correctly.
Well there is a lot more rural towns in North Carolina. Like Angier, Benson, Smithfield, Apex, Willow Spring, Fuquay, and Pittsboro.
Angier is changing. Apex ain’t a small town culturally neither is Fuquay. Pittsboro is changing as well
Crime is a huge issue. So is lack of decent internet. All those towns you mentioned are being inundated with people moving in from across the USA and the world.
Good morning Briggs. Have a nice day 🇺🇸🪖👮♂️
HAPPY FRIDAY BRIGGS!!😃👍🌴
Haywood Regional Medical Center located right next to the dump. Classy.
Thank you for your video. What about Blowing Rock- it is much nicer than Seven Devils.
WNC is my favorite part of America. I went to elementary and middle school in Asheville. Sold roofs and gutters there for years. Got to drive down the most beautiful coves. ❤
Aey..the health care "here" in NC is great because Duke made everybody step up their game..everybody they did buy out of course!😘
Wilkesboro NC is also a really good decently small town with a decent amount of stuff to do either in the town or in North Wilkesboro
Especially when that nascar track is back… that place will be booming!
Wilkesboro is meth central lol. That place is terrible.
My hometown!
I agree 💯 I'm from Ashe county north Carolina
Yeah, we're full here on the coast...
Im moving to the Asheville location from rural Maine in a few months. My wife got a job offer in Asheville that was too good to refuse, and I'm hoping to stay outta the city as much as possible as I detest them. This video was helpful.
Look around the Mills River area. Close to A'ville, but "country setting".
You missed one of the best, New Bern. Its in the middle of the state about 20 miles from the coast and has a population of about 30 thousand people. It a historical town (founded in 1710) and use to be the capital of North Carolina and was the home of the ruler of the Carolina territory, before the U.S. was founded. It is very popular with retirees and has great hearth care and good shopping.
This place became a retirement town nothing for young people to do unless you call drinking something to do.
NEW BERN IS BIRTH PLACE OF PEPSI COLA.
Mountain home NC and Hendersonville are a great place also.
I recommend Apex, Holly Springs, or Fuquay Varina, very good areas to live. Good economy, great law enforcement and emergency services. Living cost isnt too high. They have awesome schools and the crime rate is low.
I agree I live in that area and love it and am originally from Raleigh. I can see why they wouldn't be on his list though the populations are high there are alot of people out here and they are not really rural at all anymore very much suburban. In addition the current median home price is in the $500,000 and demand is high so it's also not cheap.
I used to live in the 40/42 area, Garner/Raleigh. It was pretty nice with easy access to good shopping and the airport. Fuquay has (or had ) a great thrift store named Angel something.
@@imjusthereforthecomments4920 It's probably Guardian Angel Thrift and itstill here as far as I know.
Good video I've been to most of those mountain towns
Honest review of Brevard: (as a young resident who is temporarily living there) Brevard is a good place to visit or retire but not for younger people. It's very boring if you are not outdoorsy, little diversity, the schools are in bad shape (the high school looks very run down) the weather can go from extremely cold to hot and humid and then rainy at the same day. Also it's getting a little more pricy with utilities and housing which has led to many residents not liking people from New York and Florida which tend to be the most common transplants. Not a lot of jobs tbh as well, and a lot of the young people are moving out. For its pros: it's safe, housing is not extremely expensive, some people are very hospitable, there is a good college, the downtown and the area is beautiful Def love the white squirrels.
I am from there. I grew up in Rosman. Now that's lack of diversity.
“There”, not “ their”
completely agree from a young person who lives 30 min SE
Interesting thing is it's probably a safe place because there's little diversity. Facts.
Lack of diversity sounds awesome.
Bennett! My home town! Surprised it made the list but loved living there. I hope to return in my retirement years.
Never been through Bennett but my grandma's family is from Bear Creek and it is a great little area. Seems so peaceful in that area.
Mt. Pleasant, NC is really reinventing itself. So nice to see the small town coming back to life!
Sorry for releasing the small town to your channel but it would have been nice to see it on your list.
I agree Mt. pleasant is being built up Clinton as well I’m glad these small towns are improving
I love mount pleasant
Elijah, my son, just went there. He is 19 years old and I hope he is enjoying it.
I was born and raised in Asheville after several generations. I hate to see these videos sending more people. It's already ruined. Don't bother moving here. The cost of housing is already ridiculous. If you're from here, you can't afford much anymore.
@@Ralphbros24 No, the mayor and city counsel are mostly Democrats and treat their police dept like crap. Homeless camps have moved in. My mother still lives there and is afraid to go to the mall near downtown.
@@Ralphbros24 it's far left. It's turned into another artsy insane community. Avoid it at all costs, it's just as bad as san Francisco now.
Asheville is Hippie-ish, Woke, Ultra Left, Liberal and it's no surprise they have problems in a defund-the-police environment.
NORTH CAROLINA! We are getting closer and closer to the state I crave you talk about. Just one more step south...... (:
The four lane road between Burnsville and Spruce Pine is completed so I expect Burnsville to go through some growing pains over the next decade or so. I don't know how many more years it may fit the "small town" category. I used to live in Yancey county and it used to be extremely nice. Today I just live down the mountain from there and still visit often. It's not quite as nice as it used to be. To many outsiders trying to push their way (and ways) into the community.
If you're not willing to take up the culture and lifestyle of rural mountain living just please find somewhere else to go. One of the reasons areas like this are so attractive to outsiders is because of the culture and lifestyle that ALREADY EXISTS there. However if people come here and continually try to change things, then pretty soon the place will be no different than where they left from.
If you like the lifestyle and culture the way it is where you're already at, then please stay where you're at.
I am one of those people you call "outsiders" and i been here for 20 years and that's why Spruce pine or Burnsville will never have shit but churches and religious opinions trying to control the town its time for a change and time to catch up to the real world we aren't living in the 1940's and 50's anymore you don't like new things you move.. being religious bigots isn't culture. flying a rebel flag from your hillbilly truck isn't culture..and judging outsiders you don't like isn't Christian.
@@flawdakracka I'm sitting here with a Vikings World Tour tee shirt and a Thor's hammer necklace on. I'm a agnostic /semi nihilistic that's lived here since childhood. I'm 56 and ever had any problem with my Christian neighbors and friends.
I don't own a truck nor a confederate flag. I do however like the woodlands left alone and open for us to hunt, fish, and hike on instead of being posted. Religious people also mostly aren't bigots. They just adhere to their beliefs, no different than anyone else with strong beliefs does. Not everyone is a RADICAL evangelist. They do exist but it's not everyone.
A person isn't a bigot just because they don't personally accept things they believe are wrong.
I bought a cabin on Iron Mountain near Buladean 9 years ago. Burnsville is the nearest town and a beautiful town at that. I tell all my Floridiot friends, "if you come to the mountains, leave all you knew about Florida there". DO NOT Florida these mountains. Leave it alone. These folks know what they are doing!
As a resident of Yancey County, I can say out of state people are just the worst when it comes to trying to change things. Which is why I live in the outskirts of Burnsville, where nobody can bother me. I have my unique quirks here and there, such as me wanting to get a caiman as a pet to having redwood trees and a Japanese cherry tree and being a dinosaur fanatic, I’m perfectly happy the way Yancey is and don’t like out of state people trying to come upon my turf. If ya visit, don’t try and do things your way. A lot of people don’t like that.
Local culture? In Yancey? No. Locals around here are scared of culture. They hate everyone that isn't them. And whatever you do, don't get stuck in a conversation with a local. You will hear their life story...twice. And if you need work done, better do it yourself as the locals will try their best to rip you off. Sad.
Asheboro is where we relocated years ago....small town with great restaurants and rolling hills!
I have to share this one! One of my niece's lives in North Carolina and one of my sister's wants to go to South Carolina. This ain't South but it's close!
Left NJ 15yrs ago yesterday for South Carolina. Spent nearly 12.5yrs just over the SC/NC stateline 20min from Uptown Charlotte, NC & past 2.5yrs along the coast just outside Myrtle Beach. I've spent the past 15yrs as an on-site technician driving through over 20 counties in both states. Both states are great, I have relatives in multiple areas of NC. SC tends to be better on taxation, as well as closer to my personal politics (borderline libertarian). IMO both states have a lot to offer, certainly don't miss NJ.
Edenton, check it out. Moved there from Asheville. Small town charm.
Just wondering why spruce pine and bakersville didn't make the list. They both lie between burnsville and boone. Blue Ridge regional hospital is in spruce pine .
Spruce Pine has always been my favorite mountain town in NC..live about an hour and 45 min away. I would love to move here in a few years, but the cost of living seems to be making this dream unreachable. Currently our town we are in now is booming, but it use to be an old textile community. Too close to Charlotte for me now. Hoping my dream happens.
Brevard, NC, I had a plate of the white squirrel with cat head biscuits, and it was great.
Seven Devils don't have a thing under $1M. You should have done Foscoe, NC. More to offer and only 1300 people.
DO NOT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO COME HERE
Amen.
WE ARE FULL!!
It's happening all over the country ...people leaving NY, NJ, CA...And they've got $$$. Pretty sure I'm getting priced out of where I live, too.
@@eagleeye2300 it’s terrible we need to not encourage people to come at all cost
@@beverlyhill6783 same in Florida. Everyone coming here.
Hi Briggs. I'm really enjoying these videos. Looking at retirement in a year or so and some of these places interest me. Thanks and have a great weekend.
As an NC resident there are many more smaller towns that should have made the list, but he’s a west coaster and is not that familiar with this state
Which places would you have put on
I prefer the weather in the west. Hate 🥵 and humidity!
As the story goes when my mom escaped communist Cuba in 1961 she more or less ran for her life...lloll...and landed in Mexico city...
Then got her visa to Indiana. Then she went to college in Ashville and picked cotton in Ashville in the summer.
not really. Too much crime and lack of decent internet.
Great video! I just listed a property in the #1 rural town of NC - Davis NC!
As someone from NC we dont need anyone else and dont want em, thank you.
Way to many Yankees for me.
Most of us Yankees came down here to serve stationed on one of the large military bases got established bought a home and didn’t want to fully move there established family
Even ppl from other parts of the south?😅 I’m not moving there to make it more like California, I just need better job opportunities
If you're not growing you're dying!
Yeah for sure. We’re full
Thank you for sharing this with us
As a Relocation Specialist and Statistical Analyst since 1985, I totally disagree with you that there are few high quality small towns in NC. In fact, NC has possibly the best selection of small towns spread evenly across the state of any state in the nation. The mid eastern region of the state does have a good bit of pretty poor areas. But the rural areas in pretty much the rest of the state does not. A national “poverty rate” is a poorly developed metric, because the cost of living and salaries varies wildly from state to state, and even from community to community within each state. Buying Power (income vs. cost of living) is a much better yard stick. $40k per year is going to go much farther in NC than in CA. A flat national poverty rate takes none of that into consideration. Too, most crime happens in certain areas of a town and the perpetrator and victim usual know each other. Random crime statistically is less than half in nearly any small town. As long as you use good wisdom, you will generally have no problems whatsoever. Perspective and context is key.
Having said to that, the small town/rural areas in NC of Brevard, Highlands, Bryson City, Banner Elk, West Jefferson (mountains)…..Tryon, Rutherfordton/Forest City, Wilkesboro, Mt. Airy (foothills)…..Southern Pines/Pinehurst (Piedmont)…..New Bern, Morehead City/Beaufort, Washington/Bath, Edenton, Manteo/Roanoke Island (coastal plains) are awesome. All of these areas are outside of any metro area, rank well against any other small towns in the nation, and have a Buying Power score better than the national average.
If you’re going to do these types of videos, it’s really important to make sure you have the correct information that you giving viewers.
Thanks for taking time to inform us… helpful and wise
And it's BreVARD!!!
Please, as a Brevard native, I beg you, please don't come here! Transplants have already ruined it for everyone, and more will make it uninhabitable! If you insist on coming, please try to assimilate, rather than dominate, because it will only make you even more hated, if that's possible. Thank you.
Thanks Briggs.. a lot of nice choices.
Just bought a house in the Mt. Airy , NC area... Finally escaping Southern California!!!!
Hope you enjoy it. It’s about 10 miles from pilot Mountain and about 10 minutes from Virginia. My travels take me up that way about every two weeks
You probably hear this a lot but, Just make sure not to bring the same politics with you! That's probably the biggest worry about people moving to North Carolina & other such states.
Welcome to Surry County!
Mt. Airy is a nice area. Not too far from Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain and The Blue Ridge Parkway. Welcome to NC!
@@FrederickTheAnon14W Who in the hell are you or anyone else to tell someone how to vote?
This is the one I've been waiting for!
I always enjoyed watching The World according to Briggs please keep up the good work
Thanks for another great video. I can't wait to see Washington and Utah!
Edenton, N.C sits on several rivers and the Albemarle Sound and is very beautiful. Northerners, please stay away and don't bring your crap to screw it all up!
too late 😏
@@hammyk2372 haha....... yeah, he shouldn't have advertised!!
Thanks for the info, this is one state I am looking at moving to.
I just spent time in Seven Devils this year and last year I was in Burnsville. Both are really nice. I have 2 suggestions for these rural areas. First, please know that these areas are politically conservative and they like it that way. Second, look into getting an AirBnB or Vrbo for a few days before moving so you can really look at the area. I love it there, but it isn't for everyone. They are historical and laid back. The people are usually polite and love old, traditional ways. If you can agree to disagree then you'll be fine. Also, there are probably places that would be great "fixer uppers". I live in a small town north of Charlotte. I love my state!!
I live here, and none of my neighbors are conservative, but whatever keeps people away is fine with me.
@@kinghenry7888 so you're one of THOSE people. The kind that hate others because they don't think like you. Hmmm.... noted. However, I was talking about rural areas in general throughout the state, not just one or two towns. You also can't judge an entire town by your own neighborhood. Says alot about you though. Have a nice day.
Burnsville isn't conservative at all. I live there. I would say other than Asheville it's the most liberal city in WNC
@@keithsw2566 Like I said before, I wasn't talking about these 2 places specifically. I said "these rural areas" as in all the rural areas of NC. Yes, there have been alot of liberals move to what was traditionally conservative areas due to schools, recreation, or what have you. However, most of us in rural areas enjoy our guns, our Christianity and our lower taxes. Things that are on the Conservative platform.
I have learned to love Greenback,,Tennessee. .