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 it 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.
Population: 1,400 (city proper)
Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better: 69%
Cost of Living: 45% above the national average.
Median Home Price: $795,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s. On average, the area receives 66 inches of rain and 30 inches of snow per year. The elevation is 3,600 feet above sea level.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Watauga Medical Center in Boone, eight miles away, accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Watauga Medical Center in Boone, eight miles away, is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Meets national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Nearly split down the middle
Is North Carolina Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Winter roads can be a little trecherous.
Notes: Blowing Rock has grown 12% within the last 10 years. Tourists are everywhere during the summer. Services not available in town are usually found in Boone, eight miles away. Home prices have increased 5% since last year.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
North Carolina:
"Esse quam videri" is the motto of North Carolina, also known as the Tar Heel State. It was the 12th state to be admitted to the Union, joining the other states on November 21, 1789. North Carolina was also one of the Thirteen Colonies and was originally named the Province of Carolina. It was the second to the last state to declare its secession from the Union during the Civil War.
The state is situated in the Southeastern region of the United States and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. The capital is Raleigh, but the largest city is Charlotte.
The historical people of North Carolina include the Chowanoke, Roanoke, Pamlico, Coree and Cape Fear Indians. The Revolutionary War impoverished the state of North Carolina for several years.
Charlotte is on a rapid growth streak thanks to its banking industry. North Carolina is also home to several universities, including the University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State University.
The state hosts more than 80% of the NASCAR racing teams and is the site of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Carolina Panthers represents North Carolina in the National Football League, and the Charlotte Bobcats play in the National Basketball Association.
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