Most beautiful small/rural city in North Carolina to raise a family?

Question

I would love to live in a small, tight knight community in East or Central North Carolina near a river of lake with low crime and good, friendly people. Not the city, but not the suburbs either, but maybe a place that still has some good activities for children. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Wilmington is one my most favorite spots in the US. It's small, clean and safe. Its on the coast as well as on the river banks of Cape fear river. I think its the perfect size for raising a family.

My second favorite spot in NC is Asheville. Located up in the mountains, not too big, not too small.

Answer 2

I live in Wilmington, most people love it here.  On paper the crime here is supposed to be pretty bad, but you don't feel it.  Of course, it's like everywhere, there are bad parts of town you want to stay away from.

It's right on the Cape Fear River, and the people here are pretty nice for the most part.  

Activities for the children would be: the beach, where you can fish, camp (on Carolina Beach's north end, but you need a $40 yearly pass and a 4-wheel drive vehicle), parks, museums downtown, we have Jungle Rapids which is an arcade with a couple of water slides, and Myrtle Beach is only about an hour and 15 minutes South of here.  There is tons of stuff to do there, especially during the summer of course.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I hear Cary is nice but I live in Western NC and would recommend Bryson City, Sylva or Waynesville.