There's only 3 areas(maybe 5) that are tolerable for outsiders who are used to more cosmopolitan/urban life style, or less rednecky areas.
Charlotte(some can argue the only place), Greensboro/Winston Salem, or Raleigh Durham
If you want mountains but not a small town there's Asheville(sp?) and if you want beaches but not small town there's Wilmington.
Anywhere else outside those "metro" areas is depressing. You have to live at least 40 minutes outside of one of those minimum(even that's pushing it) or you will hate it.
