Small town recommendations (Waynesville, Mount Airy, Brevard: home, school, live in)

[displaced.highlander]

A frequent request I see from folks is for recommendations of a small town in which to relocate in North Carolina, especially for those with children. I'm a North Carolina native (as are all my families for the past 250+/- years). Having traveled across NC throughout my life, having met folks from across NC, and having lived, worked, and gone to school at various places across NC, below are where I would move to if I were picking a place in North Carolina. (I live in NC, but not in one of the following places)...

Bertie County, Coastal Plain
Brevard, Transylvania County, Mountains
Coumbia, Tyrrell County, Coastal Plain
Duplin County, Coastal Plain
Hyde County, Coastal Plain
Martin County, Coastal Plain
Mount Airy, Surry County, Mountains/Piedmont
Mount Gilead, Montgomery County (western portion), Piedmont/Uwharries
Seagrove, Randolph (southern portion), Piedmont/Uwharries
Waynesville, Haywood County, Mountains

(Try W3 searching the places above for more information)

There are several other places I would recommend, but such are very rural and might not be the easiest relocation experience (because of the very rural nature).

Though most all of NC is growing - some areas very rapidly - the Piedmont region and the Coastline are growing the fastest. If you move to those areas, you are far more likely to experience the "constant pains" of growing areas and probably will not turn out to be a "true small community experience" for you or your children. So, the places above are not hot spots for young singles or retirees, which is one reason these places are well suited for folks raising kids and those looking to put down roots.

And, if you do relocate, please - be a good neighbor to your neighbors (that includes smiling and waving at folks you haven't yet met).

[RuralCoastalGuy]

Displaced Highlander:

Partly quoting your recent post...

"...And, if you do relocate, please - be a good neighbor to your neighbors (that includes smiling and waving at folks you haven't yet met). "

Great advice. When we relocated here over 10 years ago one of the first things that impressed us was the fact that everyone waved, especially when in the rural areas. Now that we live in a very rural area we wave at everyone that passes by us when at home and on the roads. Reminds us of the days when everyone knew everyone else..