We set out to find the best towns in the southern mountains by using both existing and new research. Here’s how we went about it.
• Accolades: Each town has at least two accolades from recognized ranking or rating sources since 2000. Our sources include the following books, as well as several magazines and web sites:
“Where to Retire” (Howells, 2003)
“America’s 100 Best Places to Retire” (Armstrong, 2003)
“Retire in Style” (Bland, 2002)
“National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes” (Noe, editor, 2000)
“50 Best Small Southern Towns” (Sweitzer and Fields, 2001)
“Cities Ranked & Rated” (Sperling and Sander, 2004)
• Community-based recognitions: Every town has at least two additional tributes, such as a magazine article, or art or travel award.
• Continuing education/cultural activities: College towns make up the majority of our list. In addition to offering degree programs and classes to adults looking to further their education, schools provide theater, arts, recreation and sports venues. Many of the towns that can’t claim themselves as home to a college make up for it with community theaters, music halls and art centers. And because every selection is within close distance to a city, taking a course is not far out of reach.
• Health care: Hospitals and health centers are a necessity for everyone, so every town on our list is within close proximity to at least one full-service hospital.
• Recreational activities for all ages: The communities that made our list offer everything from community centers and sports facilities to recreation and athletics programs for children and adults. One or several golf resorts or country clubs are located in each selection.
• Transportation access: All 23 towns are within 65 miles of a major or regional airport, and many offer Amtrak, public transportation systems and general aviation airports.
• Fine dining: All 23 towns offer at least two upscale restaurants for your dining pleasure.
• Festivals/town events: Although all of our picks have more than two annual festivities, we give you the top two most attended for each.
• Up-to-date: City and county newspapers, as well as the closest metropolitan newspapers are available for delivery in all 23 towns.
• Proximity: If the selection is not a metropolis itself, it is within at least 65 miles of one.
• Climate: Though the southern mountains region is known for its pleasant climate and four seasons, elevation, geography and specific location change weather slightly from town to town. We include average high and low temperatures for January and July for each entry.
• Southern Appalachians: All 23 towns are located in the Southern Appalachians region of the United States. They share roughly the same climate and terrain.
—JB
TOP 23 MOUNTAIN TOWNS From the Winter 2005 Issue
Our goal was simple: to find the very best cities, towns and areas in the Southern Appalachians for relocation, retirement or second-home living. Our research staff has come back with the results: the 21 municipalties (plus two bonus areas not incorporated as such) that offer the very best for those looking to build a new life in the mountains – a life with a fine home and great amenities, plus ample educational, recreational and cultural activities. The cities and towns are presented here and on pages 64-71 in alphabetical order.
As part of America’s largest generation, he or she is among a burgeoning crowd that demands more for itself. More time, a major movement as professionals retire at the earliest age in history. More space, a growing trend that’s seen nearly a half-million people became second-home buyers in 2003 with 30 million more expected over the next decade. More enjoyment, a lifestyle decision fueled by the flood of executives, business owners and families who shed the nation’s mega-cities for the good living of gentle places and spaces.
No wonder then that – located within a day’s drive of half of America’s population – nothing beckons newcomers more brightly than the Southern Highlands.
What explains this magical migration?
The fact that everything’s here in the Southern mountains.
It starts with the desire for a simpler, stress-free life. Something we find in the beauty of the landscape, a safe haven that repels nature’s disasters that destroy beaches and flat lands, and the calming charm of Main Street America.
But there’s more: Summer days that rarely get above 82 degrees. Four distinct and breathtaking seasons. Classic yet affordable housing. And, making the move ever more desirable, a reduced cost of living.
Finally, there’s the icing on the cake for every city dweller who ever had to deal with rush-hour tangles or walk urban sidewalks after dark: The grand relaxation of driving without congestion and communities where crime is something you read about or see on TV.
That’s the Southern Highlands, the Southern Appalachians that rise in the west from the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont to the highest peaks in the Eastern United States. This ancient mountain range sprawls across a region of eight states… from the Maryland panhandle to the slopes of North Georgia and East Tennessee… and includes America’s two most visited national parks, the Smokeys and the Blue Ridge Parkway plus such treasures as the verdant Shenandoah Valley, the fabled Appalachian Trail and the breathtaking Biltmore House.
Over the past few months, our editors have devoted themselves to in-depth investigation and research of the cities, towns and villages around us. To bring you the crème de la crème, we looked for the unique combination of elements that satisfy the hopes, dreams and needs of retirees and second-home buyers alike.
Not surprisingly, some of our choices have already been discovered by other publications. For instance, Asheville, N.C. has won kudos in “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire,” “America’s most Charming Towns and Villages” and the New York Times’ “Most desirable places to live.” Dahlonega, Ga. is listed in “America’s Most Charming Towns and Villages” and “50 Best Small Southern Towns,” and Abingdon, Va. rates a mention in “National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes.” Of course, there’s much, much more.
TOP 23 TOWNS Click on the town to read more or scroll down to see each listed.
The legendary Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va. has honed such stellar talents
as Gregory Peck and Patricia Neal.
Abingdon, Va. Click here or see the card on page 67.
Accolades “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages,” “National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes”
Abingdon is a premier location for outdoor recreation from the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian Trails to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area to several adult recreation and sports programs. In addition, as home of the state theater of Virginia, three art-exhibit venues and four nearby colleges, Abingdon also offers prime culture and education to its residents and visitors.
Accolades Where to Retire, “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire,” “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages,” “Cities Ranked and Rated” #8, New York Times Harris Poll 2002 list of most desirable places to live, Milken Institute #88 top 200 best places (metro) 2002, AARP magazine 15 top dream towns, MSN Money – one of the top 10 towns for 2nd-home investment
With seven area colleges and universities, Asheville is an educational and cultural hotspot. Its transportation and health-care systems are among the best on our list, making “the Paris of the South” a longtime favorite among second-home investors and retirees.
Accolades “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” Men’s Journal #8 best places to live 2002
“The most wired city in America” is connected by more than just the Internet – its public transportation is top-notch, too. The Blacksburg Transit bus system transports people around town, while the Smartway Bus takes them from Blacksburg to Roanoke and Home Ride of Virginia provides transportation to various points in the state. Virginia Tech provides various cultural activities as well as a youthful feel to the town.
Accolades Where to Retire, “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns”
Blowing Rock and Boone offer the most variety of recreational activities on our list, ranging from snow skiing at one of four resorts to fishing to year-round sports programs for children and adults, and many more. The towns are known for their countless dining options, with more than 70 restaurants in Boone alone. The towns are centered an hour drive from three metro areas, Johnson City, Asheville and Winston-Salem.
Accolades “Retire in Style,” Where to Retire, “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire,” “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages”
Because Brevard is only 35 miles from Asheville, the excellent health care, transportation, education and cultural events of the bigger city are available to people who prefer a small-town atmosphere. Brevard has plenty of recreation with 12 golf courses, 18 tennis courts and prime trout fishing. Brevard is an upscale residential community.
Accolades “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire” – one of 10 best undiscovered places, “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages,” “National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes,” Outside magazine – best towns 2004 (America’s top dream towns) and one of 16 outside towns worth discovering, Retirement Lifestyles magazine #1 in top 10 of the Carolinas
The Cashiers/Highlands is nationally acclaimed for fine dining. In addition, the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Medical Clinic is linked with regional facilities to provide specialized care, locally.
Accolades Where to Retire, “Cities Ranked and Rated” #210, Forbes #111 best places 2004, CNN Money best places to retire and live 2004, Milken Institute #140 of top 200 best places (metro) 2002, seniors-place.com Retirement Havens best places to retire in the eastern region
Chattanooga’s comeback from a rundown, polluted city to a thriving metropolis with a beautiful city center and surrounding upscale neighborhoods, now sets it among ENN.com’s top 10 environmentally friendly cities. Its health care system exceeds our criteria with five major health facilities including specialists in all fields.
Accolades “Cities Ranked and Rated” #1 best city to live in USA and Canada, Money magazine best places to live 2000 and 1999, Reader’s Digest top 10 places to raise a family, A&E television #6 best place to live in America, Men’s Journal #3 best small city to live 2004, Modern Maturity most alive places to live #2 college town
Charlottesville is Cities Ranked and Rated’s number-one place to live in America and Canada. As this town collects the most accolades and recognition on our list, one can easily see why we chose it too. Charlottesville is a versatile city offering the best of all our criteria, especially health care, transportation access and education.
Accolades “National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes,” Where to Retire, “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages”
Dahlonega, nestled in the center of breathtaking scenic mountains, rivers and waterfalls, while only 90 minutes from “the world’s busiest passenger airport” – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, is a golden getaway. Known for the first U.S. gold rush, this picturesque historic town offers more than 15 festivals and town events throughout the year, and a medical center with all services available at most urban hospitals. Dahlonega is drawing increasing numbers of new residents from Florida and Atlanta.
Accolades
Where to Retire,“Cities Ranked and Rated” #32 emerging city
Dalton is the largest metropolitan area in northwest Georgia. “The carpet capital of the world” is only 28 miles from Chattanooga, Tenn. but still has a state college, two local medical centers, two newspapers, and plenty of cultural and recreational activities.
Accolades “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages”
Historic charm is not the only thing attracting people to this mid-sized town. Prominent arts and recreation communities combined with a quality health-care system and central location between Johnson City, Knoxville and Asheville, N.C. make Greeneville a well-rounded place to live.
Accolades “Cities Ranked and Rated” #80, Forbes 2004 best small places #92
Greenville’s abundance of colleges, universities, and music and arts venues gives its residents a variety to choose from when it comes to education and culture. Greenville Hospital System boasts the most innovative technology, and the city’s many recreational opportunities combine for a healthy atmosphere. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the only international airport within city limits of any town on our list.
Accolades “Retire in Style,” “America’s Best Places to Retire,” Money magazine top 200 cities
The well-balanced climate and mountain barrier that shields the towns from winter storms are not the only aspects making Hendersonville and Flat Rock pleasant places to live. Although Asheville, with its excellent transportation, health care and entertainment, is only 25 miles away, residents of Hendersonville and Flat Rock can find all that at home. The towns offer two full-service hospitals, three theaters and two small airports as well as a volunteer shuttle service.
Accolades “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages,” “National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes”
The historic authenticity of downtown Jonesborough will take you back a century or two as you stroll along the brick sidewalks of Tennessee’s oldest town. Don’t let the small-town feel fool you, though. Jonesborough has first-class cultural and recreational opportunities, and Johnson City, only 10 miles east, offers everything from a full-service hospital to the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.
In Knoxville, Tenn., water and the World’s Fair tower (Sunsphere) are just two of the lures of a vibrant mountain town.
PHOTO BY SCOTT AND BERNADETTE WEST
Accolades “Cities Ranked and Rated” #103, #13 Forbes best small places 2004, Inc. magazine’s top cities for doing business #42 best medium-sized places, Milken Institute best 200 performing cities #48
Home to University of Tennessee, as well as several other colleges, specialized schools and 20 perform ing arts venues, Knoxville will fulfill your need not only for continuing education and cultural events, but also excellent health care, easy transportation access and a variety of recreational activities. This well-rounded city has it all, making it a frequent favorite among other rating sources including Forbes, the Milken Institute and Ladies Home Journal.
Accolades “National Geographic’s Guide to Small Town Escapes,” Where to Retire, “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages”
Because Lewisburg attracts people with artistic and professional backgrounds, it has become a great place for second-career entrepreneurial ventures. Lewisburg also has a variety of trails, resorts, recreation centers and country clubs. Although Lewisburg is 50 miles from Roanoke, the closest city, its residents still have access to a small regional airport and a newly renovated, state-of-the-art medical center.
Accolades “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages,” “Retire in Style”
Lexington’s relative small size does not preclude it from having a lot to offer. The college town’s vast entertainment and arts venues have attracted people for years. It is among the most history-laden of any of the cities on our list. Its strategic location between I-81 and I-64 simplifies travel to nearby Roanoke and Charlottesville, two other cities on our list.
Accolades “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” “100 Best Small Towns in America”
As the first city in the nation to receive the Carolina STAR safety program award, which recognizes and promotes safety and health management in communities and businesses, Mount Airy prides itself in caring for its citizens. The influence of Andy Griffith is not just a visitor attraction; it has engendered a playhouse, drive-in theater and other entertainment. Wake Forest University is nearby, and Surry Community College offers adult education classes and degree programs through its cooperative education agreement with Gardner-Webb College.
Accolades “Cities Ranked and Rated” #11 best place to live in America, America’s Most Livable City 2004 by Partners for Livable Communities
As Southwest Virginia’s largest city, Roanoke is the region’s hub for airfare, health care, banking, law, shopping, culture and media. Center in the Square, one of Urban Initiative’s 63 Great Public Places, is the city’s home to arts, entertainment and dining. Roanoke draws people for its urban conveniences as well as its nearby mountain amenities, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.
The water, the mountains and the feel of a close-knit village...all hallmarks of The Boardwalk at Smith Mountain Lake, Va. PHOTO COURTESY SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE CHAMBER
More a resort community than a town, the Smith Mountain Lake area was made for second-home investors and retirees. Recreation is a priority here. Smith Mountain Lake holds more than nine festivals a year, is one of the country’s top-rated fisheries and has everything from water sports to golf. More services are available in Roanoke, only 25 miles away.
Accolades “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” epodunk.com Historical Small Towns Index #3 in state
Staunton’s quaint main street, recipient of the first Great American Main Street Award providing its 24,000 residents with everything they need – shopping, arts and culture, and history, just to name a few. A high-quality transportation system – including an Amtrak station – and several arts centers help this Southwest Virginia town rise to the top.
Accolades “America’s Most Charming Towns & Villages”
Although this area does not meet our requirement for two accolades, Warm and Hot Springs are in the midst of a thriving area for those interested in a second or retirement home. The famed Homestead Resort is a source for fine dining, cultural events and recreation, while other amenities are not far away in Staunton and Roanoke.
Accolades Where to Retire, “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire” – one of 10 best main street towns and one of 10 best small towns
The proximity of America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is not the only reason people like Waynesville and Maggie Valley. Claiming two regional awards for International Folkmoot Festival and Haywood Arts Repertory Theatre, this area has a reputation of excellence for arts and entertainment.
