Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
A Resort Town with Stunning Views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock Boasts a Cute Downtown, Good Restaurants and Fun Events
Situated in northwestern North Carolina and named for a rock formation that juts over the Johns River Gorge, Blowing Rock caps the Eastern Continental Divide and boasts breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a resort town that has been attracting tourists and vacationers since the late-1800s.
Downtown, peppered with commercialized red and blond brick buildings and hanging flower baskets, hosts a seasonal farmers' market and has clusters of upscale gift, clothing and gourmet food shops. Most restaurants receive rave reviews and serve everything from green fried tomatoes and BBQ to fish and chips. Professional theater is represented by Ensemble Stage, and the Blowing Rock Jazz Society sponsors live concerts. Residents also enjoy Art in the Park and the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, which features the products of neighboring orchards and vineyards. Once a summer, the Symphony of the Mountains performs by the lake at the beautiful Chetola Resort, drawing music lovers from around the region.
The Moses Cone Memorial Park surrounds Blowing Rock and has two lakes and miles of carriage trails. Broyhill Park has a lake, outdoor pool, and gazebo. The Glen Burney and Glen Mary falls are accessed through the town's Cannon Gardens. Other nearby attractions include the historic Green Park Inn, Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, and Linville Caverns.
Approximately 1,400 residents live here, with 69% of the population age 45 or better. Nearly 60% of locals hold a four year college degree. The town has grown 12% over the past decade
The cost of living is 52% higher than the national average, and the median home price stands at $800,000. Real estate prices have risen 5% from a year ago.
At 3,600 feet above sea level, Blowing Rock summers are mild with temperatures in the 70s, 80s and 90s, while winters usually bring temperatures in the 20s and 30s. An average of 66 inches of rain and 30 inches of snow fall annually.
Although Blowing Rock does not have a hospital, Watauga Medical Center is just eight miles away in Boone. There is no local public transit system, but there is a public library. The crime rate is about average, and politically, the community is nearly evenly split. Summer brings an influx of tourists.
Hurricane Helene brought some flooding and downed trees in 2024, but the town has mostly recovered.
North Carolina is considered somewhat tax-friendly for retirees.
In the southeastern United States, North Carolina stretches from the scenic Appalachian Mountains in the west to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the east. Known for its rich history, mild climate, and blend of urban and rural charm, the state offers something for everyone—from the cultural hubs of Charlotte and Raleigh to the quaint mountain towns and relaxed coastal communities. With a growing economy, excellent universities, and abundant outdoor recreation, North Carolina continues to attract new residents and visitors alike.
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