Boone, NC, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 19,092, Boone is a quaint mountain town that hardly lives up to its reputation as the "economic hub" of the High Country. The median household income sits at a meager $20,541, and over a third of the population lives below the poverty line. While the town boasts a cooler climate than the rest of North Carolina, the long, harsh winters and frequent blizzards are a real headache. And with Appalachian State University dominating the scene, Boone can feel more like a college town than a true community. Those seeking an authentic Appalachian experience may be better off looking elsewhere.