Located halfway between New York and Florida, Rocky Mount is less than an hour from Raleigh, three hours west of   the fabled Outer Banks, and five hours east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The four-season climate is mild, an encouragement to indulge in the active lifestyle amenities provided. The appeal hasn't gone unnoticed. Rocky Mount is ranked 17th on Money Magazine's list of "one of America's 50 hottest little boom towns.