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North Carolina Mountain Region
The North Carolina Mountain region, with its beautiful views, agreeable climate and wide variety of recreational outlets has long been a favorite of tourists but is increasingly becoming one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Since we think this area provides a number of Best Places to Relocate or Retire in North Carolina its worth looking at what makes the North Carolina Mountain region unique.
The North Carolina Mountain region consists of a large strip of the southern Appalachian Mountains that cuts across the western fifth of the state.
There are two major mountain ranges running parallel to one another in this area: the Great Smoky Mountains straddling the Tennessee border in the west, and the Blue Ridge Mountains just to the east.
Not to be outdone by their larger cousins to the north and east, there is also a series of shorter cross ranges running perpendicular to the Blue Ridge Mountains including the Black Mountains, Craggy Mountains, Cowees, Nantahalas, Pisgah Ledge, Balsams and Plott Balsams.
The mountain ranges of western North Carolina were formed hundreds of millions of years ago by a series of continental land mass collisions. The result of this geological process is an 11,000 square mile area boasting spectacular valleys, hundreds of mountains 4000 to 5000 ft. tall, 82 mountains between 5000 and 6000 ft. tall, and at least 43 “6ers” or mountains over 6000 ft. high, including the tallest mountain in the eastern United States, Mount Mitchell, elevation 6,648 ft.
Moreover, millions of years of wind, water and ice erosion and vegetation growth have provided the North Carolina mountains not only their distinctly rounded and rolling shapes but cut the rocky landscape with rivers, streams, waterfalls and mountain lakes.
Animal life and vegetation in the mountains is incredibly diverse, especially in the higher elevations, and has even drawn international recognition as when Grandfather Mountain near Linville, NC was added to the list of U.N. International Biosphere Reserves.
Also, as noted in our North Carolina Mountain Climate section, the mountain region provides four distinct seasons and the higher altitudes make it a much cooler place to live especially in the summer months.
Learn more about living in NC and find Your Best Place to Live:
Best Places to Live, NC Coastal
Best Places to Live, NC Piedmont
Best Places to Live, NC Mountains
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About Bob Bencivenga
| Bob Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location analyst for major corporations. Bob researches the growth of NC and SC to find the Best Places to Retire or Relocate that are still affordable.
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Comments on North Carolina Mountain Region
Darlene Kirksey @ 6:19 pm
Could you tell me how long the winter is and how cold it gets, are a lot of blizzards there? I'm from hot Texas, but the area sounds really beautiful.
Bob @ 11:09 am
The Carolinas are comprised of different climates based on the area you're in, but none get any real snow.
The areas of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock in the northwest part of North Carolina will see some snow, but overall South Carolina has 3 seasons while North Carolina has 4, but the winters are not full of snow.
We have in-depth climate descriptions and maps for all areas in our "Ultimate Guide".
Bob
Darlene Kirksey @ 1:28 pm
What city would you recommend that has 4 real seasons, a college near by and close to a major city, work close by for a nurse, lots of things to do . that is in the mountains. I'm considering Asheville or Boone Blowing rock are, but don't want to be too remote and looking for a good value, would consider South Carolina also.
Bob @ 9:25 am
Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, NC will put you too far away from things.
Asheville is much better for what you describe, although it is not very big, housing is pricey compared to other places, and it's job market is a bit limited.
BUT, I definitely would check it out. I Love it there!
I'd also consider Greenville, SC.
Bob
jeannine Baron @ 10:59 am
I would like to know if there is a place in north carolina that is in the mountains, but also not too far from the ocean. Is there such a place or am I asking for too much.
Thank You,
Jeannine Baron
Bob @ 12:09 pm
It's really amazing how many people would love to be in the mountains, but not too far from the ocean!
You can do that in California and New Hampshire, but not too well in the Carolinas.
I recommend people look at the mountain areas where there are beautiful pristine lakes!!