Named one of CNN’s Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America 2015, historic Hillsborough is the place for home buyers looking for a small-town feel (population around 7,000) with easy access to both Chapel Hill and Durham for work and big-city amenities.
Surrounded by natural beauty and the Eno River, Hillsborough is known for its wide range of eclectic shopping boutiques, remarkable dining with a focus on local flavors, and art galleries that feature every medium imaginable and showcases work from artisans and creatives who call Hillsborough home.
The Wall Street Journal has described Hillsborough as “America’s Little Literary Town,” recognizing the number of authors who have made their homes here. The locally-owned bookstore, Purple Crow, is the literary meeting place in town and features regular book signings and community events for book-minded folks.
The town's economy relies heavily on tourism, so there are many unique places for residents of Hillsborough to work and play.
Residents enjoy easy access to four major cities. Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Burlington NC are all within 40 miles of Hillsborough. People from these cities are frequently drawn to Hillsborough by its small town charm. Visit and you'll see why!
Let’s look at key characteristics that make this small town so special.
Historic Downtown Hillsborough
Downtown historic Hillsborough is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you’ll find homes, churches, and other buildings from the late 18th and 19th centuries as you stop to read approximately two dozen historic markers found around town. If you are looking to buy a historic home you will have plenty of options in Hillsborough!
History buffs will also enjoy the many historic sites open to the public, including the Alexander Dickson House, which was the last headquarters of the Confederacy and now serves as the Visitors Center. Local hikers flock to the grounds of Ayr Mount, a sprawling 17th century estate that features a mile-long trail that winds through meadows and historical ruins.
Many of the historical cemeteries are open for the public to walk through and although there are no private homes open for tour, you can glimpse some of the finer houses from Hillsborough’s tree-lined streets. The picturesque setting of the downtown streets, with brick storefronts and large shop windows, gives a nice small-town feel to the area.
A different kind of history can be found in the Occoneechee Speedway, the only surviving dirt speedway from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season.
Good food with local flavor and lots of “heart”
There is a common theme to many of Hillsborough’s restaurants and that is a focus on local food and local providers.
Aaron Vandemark, owner of fine dining gem Panciuto, is a six-time James Beard Award Semifinalist, Best Chefs in America. Panciuto’s website credits “people - farmers and friends - who supply us with virtually all of our food, the plates on which we eat, and the table at which we sit. If our food has radiance, it's because of this collective.”
Other favorite downtown restaurants are:
Weaver Street Market is a co-op and institution in the greater Triangle area. You can pick up prepared foods and shop for weekly groceries. Weaver Street Markets celebrate local and seasonal food and you can shop there without being a member of the co-op.
Want to cook at home? Join one of the CSAs offered by organic, sustainable farms in the area so you can order and get regular deliveries of fresh produce and other artisan products. Shop at one of the two great farmers markets, the Hillsborough Farmers Market and the Eno River Farmers Market.
Riverwalk and the great outdoors
Just steps from downtown is the majestic Eno River, front and center to daily life in Hillsborough. Riverwalk is a paved and accessible 1.8-mile greenway, part of a statewide series of trails called NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Fresh air and the shade from mature trees make Riverwalk popular with families out for leisurely strolls as well as joggers and cyclists.
The Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is another place where Hillsborough residents can find an escape into nature. Covering 190 acres of land, three miles of trail wind through riverside forests of mountain laurel and rhododendron with options for fishing and picnics.
West Hillsborough
West Hillsborough grew up in the shadow of two mills, the Bellevue Manufacturing Company and the Eno Cotton Mill. Most workers lived in company housing near the mills and a small village grew up around them, with its own store, barbershop, café, and movie theatre.
Though the mills are long gone, some of the traditional mill houses remain in this cozy neighborhood. The two historic textile mills have been renovated into interesting lofts and business spaces.
West Hillsborough today is a friendly and diverse neighborhood, home to a mix of families, entrepreneurs, retirees, and professionals who commute into the greater Triangle area. West Hillsborough is great since you're close to downtown, but the homes for sale are much cheaper than in the traditional historic district. Along with the downtown area, west Hillsborough also features the area’s best shopping and dining experiences.
Educational opportunities
Orange County Schools serve the area with seven elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. The most recent state test results showed Orange County students performed at or above the state average in both reading and math. Durham Technical Community College, located in nearby Durham, runs a charter school for Hillsborough high school students interested in dual credit courses.
The University of North Carolina is about 20 minutes to the south in Chapel Hill while archrival Duke University is about the same distance to Durham.
Something for every income: Homes for sale in Hillsborough
Hillsborough real estate features a wide range of options for all budgets, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes; much of the area is rural with lots of horse farms, but nothing is too far away from the central downtown area. Contemporary shopping centers and brand-new homes mix easily with the town’s historic sites and the more established neighborhoods.
Here are a few links to neighborhoods to get you started on your Hillsborough home search:
Pleasant Green Farms
New Hope Springs
Just Mere Landing
Grand Oak Estates
Fox Hill Farm
Dimmocks Mill
Cornwallis Hills
Colonial Hills
Churton Grove
Becketts Ridge
If you're interested in moving to this charming town, contact us today and we would be happy to work with you as your realtor.
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Located in north-central Orange County, NC, near the townships of Deer Run and Arrowhead, this unrestricted, fully wooded building tract awaits your new home! The proper...
Welcome to this gorgeous completely upgraded 3 bed 2 bath home. Affordable home perfect for first time home buyer. No HOA, New shingles, New laminate floors, New electric...
Call THIS YOUR PARADISE! Excellent opportunity to build your custom home on this 1.62 parcel. This homesite offers hidden oasis through mature trees, in a well establi...
Charming 5 bedroom 3 bath house on 1.36 acres in a quiet part of Durham County. House needs updates and repairs inside but has the beautiful charm of a quiet farm house....
Location, location, location: one mile from downtown Hillsborough can feel worlds away on this quiet oasis. There's almost an acre to play with; plenty of room for flexib...
Montgomery Estates is the opportunity you have been awaiting. This gated community boasts 10 lots with acreage so that you can build your dream house and outdoor oasis w...
Outstanding Commercial Land on Highway 70 - A Remarkable Opportunity! ??? Imagine owning a piece of land with incredible potential, right on Highway 70. This property is ...
Situated less than 3 miles to historic downtown Hillsborough this 9.9-acre wooded lot might be just what you're looking for. Build your 5-bedroom dream home and keep it a...
Wonderful Opportunity to repair and restore this spacious 2-story home on a well maintained open lot! Features include a large welcoming covered front porch, large side d...
Beautiful newly renovated all brick ranch home with tons of upgrades just minutes from downtown Hillsborough and Durham! Updated kitchen with new custom shaker cabinets, ...
Beautiful newly renovated all brick ranch home with tons of upgrades just minutes from downtown Hillsborough and Durham! Updated kitchen with new custom shaker cabinets, ...
Beautiful remodeled home with tons of upgrades! Updated kitchen with new granite counter tops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Updated bathrooms with new ...
Beautiful remodeled home with tons of upgrades! Updated kitchen with new granite counter tops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Updated bathrooms with new ...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks into the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ qu...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ quartz ...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ quartz ...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ quartz ...
The Denver Plan invites you though the covered front porch and into this open concept townhome! Downstairs the kitchen, dining and family room are all in one grand space ...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ quartz ...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ quartz ...
Discover the perfect house near UNC Chapel Hill! This recently renovated house offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for creating lasting memories. With its stunni...
Beautiful & secluded 5.46 Acres overlooking a private pond. Soil work has been completed by Soil & Environmental. Minnick Road is a private/gravel road/easement serving...
The Denver Plan invites you though the covered front porch and into this open concept townhome! Downstairs the kitchen, dining and family room are all in one grand space ...
You're still on time to be home for the holidays! Less than 2 miles from the up-and-coming Hillsborough and with great access to all things RTP, sits this adorable remode...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks into the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ qu...
The Lansing- Enter into the foyer from the front porch into the open family room that overlooks into the dining room & kitchen. This home offers a beautiful kitchen w/ qu...
Come build your dream home on 10 acres in close drive to Hillsborough and Durham! Large building envelope leaves area for pool to be built, and a barn for horses could be...
Stunning Views from each of the six estate lots located on Knob Hill Dr. Lot 2 offers 3.5 Acres. 5 BR Conventional Perk Site – Improvement Permit in MLS Documents. The...
Stunning Views from each of the six estate lots located on Knob Hill Dr. Lot 3 offers 3.7 Acres. 5 BR Conventional Perk Site – Improvement Permit in MLS Documents. Th...
This charming mid century 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick rancher is situated on a sprawling 6.36-acre lot, providing park like setting complete with a stream, garden spot, a...
Unique opportunity with an existing 3-bedroom brick ranch home that holds significant potential for commercial endeavors. With zoning classified as EDH-2, this property p...
Come home to this 2 BR, 2.5 BA end unit with loft and 2 car garage in popular Braddock Park community! Both bedrooms feature walk-in closets. Primary BR features, trey ce...
This charming mid century 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick rancher is situated on a sprawling 6.36-acre lot, providing park like setting complete with a stream, garden spot, a...
Unique opportunity with an existing 3-bedroom brick ranch home that holds significant potential for commercial endeavors. With zoning classified as EDH-2, this property p...
The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features an inviting...
The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathhome features an inviting ...
The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathhome features an inviting ...
The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathhome features an inviting ...
The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathhome features an inviting ...
The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features an inviting...
Stunning Views from each of the six estate lots located on Knob Hill Dr. Lot 1 offers 4.55 Acres. 5 BR Conventional Perk Site – Improvement Permit in MLS Documents. Th...
This beautiful 3 bedroom and 2 bath home offer an amazing detached 32.5x 24.3 wired garage/workshop with its on cental heating and air. Enjoy the covered front porch, pri...
End Unit!! The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features...
End Unit!! The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom,2.5-bath home features a...
End Unit!! The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features ...
End Unit!! The Collin townhome plan features a unique rear entry 2-car garage providing distinct character to the facade. This 2-story, 3-bedroom,2.5-bath home features a...
Want a bit of a fixer that's not scary or overwhelming? THIS IS IT ! A wonderful home with over 200 feet of Eno River frontage at the rear of the 1.2-acre lot and Eno Sta...
Come on HOME for the holidays! This gorgeous home has been lovingly cared for and it shows. Conveniently located on 86 N just inside the Orange County line, just a quick ...
BACK ON THE MARKET AT NO FAULT TO THE SELLERS!!! Two houses on one lot! Great investment opportunity or multi family use! Main house is 528 Short St W, it is 1102 sq ft w...
Stunning Views from each of the six estate lots located on Knob Hill Dr. Lot 4 offers 4.55 Acres. 5 BR Conventional Perk Site – Improvement Permit in MLS Documents. Th...
The Sullivan plan features a rare find, 1st floor Primary Bedroom and laundry! This spacious townhome lives like a single-family home offering a unique rear entry 2 car g...
Stunning Views from each of the six estate lots located on Knob Hill Dr. Lot 5 offers 7.6 Acres. 5 BR Conventional Perk Site – Improvement Permit in MLS Documents. The...
New Phase Now Selling! The Litchfield plan features a 1st floor Guest Suite and mud room area that connects to the unique rear entry 2 car garage. This spacious townhome ...
Lovely 2-story home, nestled on a 0.55 acre lot at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac in the sought-after Cornwallis Hills subdivision. This inviting home offers 4 bedrooms...
Lovely 2-story home, nestled on a 0.55 acre lot at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac in the sought-after Cornwallis Hills subdivision. This inviting home offers 4 bedrooms...
Stunning Views from each of the six estate lots located on Knob Hill Dr. Lot 6 offers 8.2 Acres. 5 BR Conventional Perk Site – Improvement Permit in MLS Documents. The...
Build your dream home on this beautifully secluded 11 acre cul-de-sac lot with paved road. Yes, this is a nearly unheard of opportunity. Acerage lot neighborhood with tr...
Welcome to this charming 1970's colonial brick home that boasts a warm and inviting floor plan, nestled in an established and mature neighborhood. The roof was replaced i...
Large estate lot in town across from the Occaneechi Golf Course and the historic Rock House perfect for building a dream home. Property includes an 850 sq foot house buil...
Build your dream home on this beautifully secluded 11 acre cul-de-sac lot with paved road. Yes, this is a nearly unheard of opportunity. Acerage lot neighborhood with tr...
Back on the market with new price! Spacious home sitting on a large, beautiful piece of land. 4/5 beds/3 full baths. Bedroom on the first floor. Freshly painted, new carp...
The Calhoun offers an owner’s suite on the first floor! You will find many upgrades including butler’s pantry, coffered & tray ceilings, pre-wiring for ceiling fans in al...
The Calhoun offers an owner’s suite on the first floor! You will find many upgrades including butler’s pantry, coffered & tray ceilings, pre-wiring for ceiling fans in al...
Have you ever wanted to live a more bucolic life but still want to be within 20 minutes of the best spots in Durham and Orange counties? Do you yearn for a home surrounde...
Beautiful Hillsborough Renovated Traditional Home on .93 acre acre wooded lot! New interior/exterior paint, refinished hardwood flooring in family room, LVP flooring/car...
The Calhoun offers an owner’s suite on the first floor! You will find many upgrades including butler’s pantry, coffered & tray ceilings, pre-wiring for ceiling fans in al...
The Robie is a well thought out plan with no wasted space! This 5-bedroom home features a downstairs bedroom with a full bathroom that includes a walk-in shower! The open...
The Robie is a well thought out plan with no wasted space! This 5-bedroom home features a downstairs bedroom with a full bathroom that includes a walk-in shower! The open...
New Phase Now Selling! Offering a unique, rear entry 2 car garage, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Jackson plan offers an open first floor with standard features such as coffere...
New Phase Now Selling! Offering a unique, rear entry 2 car garage, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Jackson plan offers an open first floor with standard features such as coffere...
Highly desirable location in Hillsborough. Beautiful 3 Bedroom / 2 BA home nestled on a 1.55 wooded lot, with partial cleared space. All stainless steel appliances in th...
New Phase Now Selling! Offering a unique, rear entry 2 car garage, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Jackson plan offers an open first floor with standard features such as coffere...
New Phase Now Selling! Offering a unique, rear entry 2 car garage, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Jackson plan offers an open first floor with standard features such as coffere...
Commercial building located off Hwy 86 in Hillsborough. Rare Opportunity. This is your chance to own approximately 10,000 Sqft. Building on approximately 3 acres in Orang...
Montgomery Estates is the opportunity you have been awaiting. This gated community boasts 10 lots with acreage so that you can build your dream house and outdoor oasis w...
The stunning custom-built home is located on New Grady Brown School Road. Offers 1.29 acre lot. 1993 sq.ft. of Energy Efficient Living Area, 3 BR/2.5 Baths, Tankless HW,...
Newly renovated ranch home on 1.4 acres in Hillsborough Forest a beautiful wooded community off of Hwy 86. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Large beautiful kit...
Two parcels conveniently located near downtown Hillsborough. Build your home or several on this private acreage and enjoy the seclusion while you take in the sights and s...
Two parcels conveniently located near downtown Hillsborough. Build your home or several on this private acreage and enjoy the seclusion while you take in the sights and s...
Montgomery Estates is the opportunity you have been awaiting. This gated community boasts 10 lots with acreage so that you can build your dream house and outdoor oasis w...
This beautiful home is sure to please! Home was recently off market for several upgrades including: new granite kitchen countertops, freshly painted cabinets, new hardwar...
This beautiful home is sure to please! Home was recently off market for several upgrades including: new granite kitchen countertops, freshly painted cabinets, new hardwar...
Discover the epitome of fine living in this immaculately maintained home, this remarkable residence exudes an undeniable charm from the moment it comes into view. Nestled...
Build your dream home on this beautiful 11+ acre wooded lot in Orange County's beloved Red Hill Farm. Unique opportunity to live in a gorgeous gated community, fewer than...
Proposed spacious home, to be built just outside downtown Hillsborough. The Shelby Plan provides a flowing floor plan and features open living and dining areas for gather...
Proposed spacious home, to be built just outside downtown Hillsborough. The Shelby Plan provides a flowing floor plan and features open living and dining areas for gather...
Welcome home! Gorgeous 4 bedroom home in a friendly neighborhood on 0.44 acres. Beautiful kitchen with plenty of cabinets. Open concept with large windows to frame the be...
Montgomery Estates is the opportunity you have been awaiting. This gated community boasts 10 lots with acreage so that you can build your dream house and outdoor oasis w...
Just minutes from downtown Hillsborough located, this ranch style home sitting on almost 6.5 acres of land. This home is in the country but close to everything. Beautiful...
Ranch style plan WITH the finished upstairs loft, bedroom, and full bath. Quality craftsmanship & custom upgrades throughout to include LVP (no carpeting), 10' ceilings o...
Build your own retreat while also being close to Chapel Hill, Durham and Hillsborough. Wake up every morning to deer, eagles, and return home every day to your own privat...
Attention Future Homeowners, build your custom DREES home on this serene 1-acre residential lot with easy access to Duke, UNC and downtown Hillsborough. The Bradley II fl...
Welcome to this stunning 4 BR 3.5 baths 3,630 sqft home! The exterior is adorned with stone accents, and a side-loading 2-car garage. Upon entering, you are greeted by tw...
Rate buy down available - see document for details. Beautiful views from this one of a kind timber framed home on 5.19 acres! 4 bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths, recreation room,...
Come check out this stunningly gorgeous custom home being built right outside of the heart of downtown Hillsborough! With over an acre to spread out on, you will definite...
Fox Hill Farms is an exceptional neighborhood of custom homes - no cookie-cutter construction found here. It's a perfect blend of community and privacy. This home featur...
You have just found your next custom home located on a 2+ Acre private pond. Location, Location, Location, - Incredible convenience to downtown Hillsborough, 18 minutes ...
You have just found your next custom home located on a 2+ Acre private pond. Location, Location, Location, - Incredible convenience to downtown Hillsborough, 18 minutes ...
New construction opportunity in West Hillsborough. This home carries on tradition w/ a front porch wide enough for family gatherings while inside you'll find beautiful ha...
New construction opportunity in West Hillsborough. This home carries on tradition w/ a front porch wide enough for family gatherings while inside you'll find beautiful ha...
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