2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Banner Elk, NC vs Highlands, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Highlands older or younger than people in Banner Elk?
- The Median Age in Highlands is 38.7 years older than in Banner Elk.

Are housing costs cheaper in Highlands or Banner Elk?
- Highlands housing costs are 76.2% more expensive than Banner Elk housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Highlands or Banner Elk?
- The average commute for residents of Highlands is 1.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Banner Elk.

Things to do in Banner Elk?
Banner Elk, NC is a beautiful and vibrant town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It has a small-town feel with plenty of outdoor activities to explore throughout the year. The town has many interesting stores, restaurants, and attractions that will bring visitors to the area. Summer is especially enjoyable as you can take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing while enjoying majestic views of the mountain range. Winters are generally mild, making it popular for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts alike. Banner Elk also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that provide entertainment for everyone. All in all, living in Banner Elk is an incredible experience where you can find something new to do every day!

Things to do in Highlands?
Living in Highlands, NC is an absolute dream. With its charming downtown area and breathtaking mountain views, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call this small town home. The community is incredibly welcoming and it's not hard to make friends or find a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. There are plenty of outdoor activities perfect for all ages, from hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to picturesque lakes for fishing and swimming. Residents also enjoy a range of excellent restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. All in all, Highlands is a wonderful place to call home!

 Banner Elk, NCHighlands, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,105329,725,481
 Median Income$58,333  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock60.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$450,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.51  Unlock26.38
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Reviews for Highlands    4 Reviews

Love BestPlaces, but most of their statistics are incorrect for the actual town of Highlands which is extremely expensive. I assume they are using information from Macon  More

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Over 4 years ago

This used to be a quaint, quiet, sweet little town, but it has ballooned into a rich man's Mecca. Fist of all, it's a tiny town... so parking is at a premium and it gets  More

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Over 14 years ago

I have run two businesses in Highlands. It is a very seasonal business trend. The rents are high and so is the cost of doing business, including labor cost, cost of  More

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