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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Unlock incredible long-term wealth potential with this outstanding value-add acquisition at 524 Tuliptree Road. Positioned on an expansive, quiet 0.39-acre lot, this 1,02...
Rare Offering: Home with Strategic Location in the Heart of Hillsborough, NCFrontage on McAdams Road | Zoned Residential Presenting a highly sought-after opportunity in H...
Scale your portfolio with this outstanding value-add acquisition at 521 Locust Road. Finding a low-maintenance, four-sided brick ranch at this price point in Orange Count...
New private custom home community located minutes from downtown Hillsborough. This level lot is the perfect location for your new dream home built by Easterling Benson Fi...
Build your vision on this private 5.12-acre wooded lot in Hillsborough! With a 4-bedroom improvement permit on file, this property offers an ideal setting for a custom ho...
Enjoy this scenic pastoral setting in rural Orange County, just minutes from the ever-popular Maple View Farm Ice Cream Store. The owner has shared an updated soil report...
6.5+ Acres in a fabulous Hillsborough location! Conveniently located just 6 miles to downtown Hillsborough and 15 miles to Chapel Hill! Perked for up to q 5 Bedroom with ...
Welcome to Hillsborough! Nestled in an established Hillsborough neighborhood, this spacious home sits on a generous 0.34-acre lot with no HOA restrictions. Featuring fan...
Prime Land Opportunity at 700 W King St, Hillsborough, NC Welcome to an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of prime real estate in the heart of Hillsborough. This ...
What other listing in the Triangle is minutes from a historic downtown, sits on a full acre, is priced under $250,000, and includes a large barn and a large storage build...
Welcome home to 614 Locust Road! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom home offers the perfect, stress-free opportunity for first-time homebuyers or savvy portfolio builders...
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on this beautiful 3.63-acre homesite just outside the Hillsborough city limits. Enjoy the privacy and tranquility of a...
ADORABLE ONE LEVEL LIVING 2 bed 1.5 bath home with large living room and beautiful eat in kitchen tucked away in a quiet location on a corner lot ONLY ABOUT 3 MINUTES TO ...
Welcome home to 504 Tuliptree Dr - where classic brick durability meets effortless modern style. Tucked away on a spacious, private lot in charming Hillsborough, this ful...
1010 Sqft Single Family Home |2Br 2Bath | $279K | 0.36 Acres | **USDA Loan eligible home!** Stop renting and start building equity! Just minutes from Historic Downtown...
Welcome to Forrest Creek Estates, an exclusive 10-lot luxury enclave just minutes from historic downtown Hillsborough. Lot 4 offers 2.68 acres of privacy in a serene, tre...
Peaceful Ranch Retreat on Over an Acre! Trade the hustle and bustle for wide-open sky and total tranquility! This well-maintained, all-brick ranch offers timeless durabil...
Beautiful 2.16 Acre Lot. The lot is cleared and ready for you to build your next home. The Orange County Health Department has issued a 4-bedroom septic permit on 5/14/2...
Own your own slice of Orange County! This gorgeous 10-acre wooded property offers peace, privacy, and a natural setting just minutes from the charm of downtown Hillsborou...
Brick ranch home located in northeast Orange County on 5+ acres. The home has the charm of a late 70s house including nostalgic wood paneled walls. There is a fireplace i...
Absolutely Gorgeous Wildwood Ranch Home with extensive renovations, inside and out, for immediate occupancy! New luxury vinyl plank flooring, new interior paint (ceiling...
INVESTORS SPECIAL! AS IS, WHERE IS. This 3 bedroom, three bath home offers a great start with newer roof, windows, flooring, refrigerator and stove. Make it yours and bri...
Welcome to 905 Alexander Stewart Drive, where location and opportunity come together! Nestled in an established Hillsborough community, this home offers convenient access...
This charming and precious house is ready for you. Updated (HVAC 2019) and convenient to downtown Hillsborough, and with only a small commute to Duke and Chapel Hill. A...
Sales Event 2/14 - 10-4pm! Come Visit with special one day only pricing! Welcome to Forrest Creek Estates, an exclusive 10-lot luxury enclave just minutes from historic d...
Absolutely stunning 10.45 acres with a pond, partially wooded and partially cleared. Beautifully maintained by the current owner! Amazing views with privacy if you decide...
Nestled on a peaceful, private lot in desirable Hillsborough, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience. The inviting o...
This spacious layout features four well-appointed bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests. The addition of a dedicated bonus room off...
****SELLERS NOW OFFERING A HOME WARRANTY with acceptable offer!! Move-in ready and priced to sell with a NEW LOW PRICE! 256 Rubrum offers fresh paint, great features, a...
**SELLER $10,000 CREDIT TOWARD PERMANENT RATE BUY DOWN OR $10,000 PRICE REDUCTION FOR CASH BUYERS!** Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the heart of Hillsborough...
Location, lifestyle, and convenience come together in this desirable Waterstone townhome! Offering 1,700+ sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 1-car garage, this beaut...
Tucked away on 1.68 wooded acres in Strayhorn Hills, this one-of-a-kind A-frame offers privacy, character, and plenty of potential. If you've been looking for a property ...
Welcome to 401 Brightleaf Road, a beautifully maintained home that has the best backyard view in the neighborhood! It offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and sma...
Imagine living in an ALMOST NEW home, just 3 minutes from the highway in a resort like community? This beautiful and spacious open concept townhome has all the features o...
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, convenience, and country living on this beautiful 10-acre homesite just minutes from downtown Hillsborough. Tucked away down a long...
Just over 10 acres in fabulous Hillsborough, NC! Conveniently located just 6 miles to downtown Hillsborough and 15 miles to Chapel Hill! About one third of an acre is cle...
Live In Hillsborough on 10 acres - check! Build your dream home plans with your builder - check! Beautiful 10 acre wooded lot has different opportunities for a homesite. ...
3.5 acres (by tax card) across from historic Moorefields, 70 protected acres which is adjacent to the 366 acre Upper Eno Nature Preserve which includes the Seven Mile Cre...
Welcome home to 112 Monarda Way, a beautiful residence tucked into one of Hillsborough's most desirable amenity-rich neighborhoods. Enjoy scenic trails right outside your...
** Back on the market, no fault of the sellers. Buyers terminated due to personal reasons.** Move right into this tastefully updated ranch home, ideally situated on a pea...
Welcome to this Collins Ridge 4 BR, 2.5 townhome. Main Level Owners Suite, Open Living/Dining/Kitchen with Bar downstairs, Upstairs is spacious Bonus/Flex Space large en...
Enjoy the sweet simplicity of townhome living in Historic Happening Hillsborough's friendly Forest Ridge. Built in 2017 with smart choices in construction materials and f...
Beautifully maintained and practically new, this sophisticated first-floor end-unit condominium at 515 Churton offers contemporary luxury in the heart of historic downtow...
Welcome home to this stunning brand new construction in the heart of Hillsborough! Offering 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this thoughtfully designed home comb...
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, space, and convenience in this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home nestled on nearly an acre with a peaceful creek winding through the...
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable Cornwallis Hills neighborhood. The spacious family room features a c...
MOTIVATED SELLER!! Welcome to 455 Great Eno Path—a gorgeous, move-in ready 3BR/2.5BA townhome combining stylish upgrades, privacy, and an unbeatable Hillsborough location...
This might just be the best house on the block! Tucked into one of the most private corners of the neighborhood, with a really lovely garden to welcome you home each day,...
his charming, move in ready townhome in Waterstone offers an open concept main level featuring durable LVP flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pan...
This charming, moveinready townhome in Waterstone offers an openconcept main level featuring durable LVP flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pa...
Step inside this stunning like-new brick ranch on a flat 1-acre lot, where every detail has been thoughtfully upgraded to today's standards and colors. Bathed in natural ...
Wooded Lot in a beautiful, quiet, rural community a short scenic drive from Chapel Hill, Durham, RTP, Hillsborough, Mebane. Come buy and build your dream home on this p...
Small town feel in this wonderful Hillsborough neighborhood. 1st floor Primary bedroom. Just down the street from Occoneechee Golf Course. This pristine townhome doesn't ...
A warm blend of modern comfort and natural serenity, this end unit 3-bedroom 2.5 bath townhome offers the kind of everyday ease you are looking for! Nestled in one of Hil...
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Beautifully constructed Hillsborough townhome, perfectly blending modern convenience with effortless living. Spacious layout features 4 bedrooms plus a dedicated storage ...
This gorgeously renovated home is ready for its next owner, featuring a brand new roof & no HOA! Set quietly at the end of a cul-de-sac, this house delivers a level of de...
There's something about Hillsborough that makes life feel a little slower - in the very best way. 3722 Krystle Court gives you the chance to embrace that lifestyle while ...
A quaint countryside home encircled by shade trees and situated on over an acre of land, this house offers a quiet and peaceful lifestyle only minutes to downtown Hillsb...
Welcome to this charming single family residence in the Fox Run community of Hillsborough, NC. This home offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing comfortable liv...
Move-in ready, this inviting home offers an open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining. The spacious living area flows seamlessl...
Welcome to 717 James J Freeland Memorial Drive at Collins Ridge in Hillsborough, a thoughtfully designed home with the space and flexibility today's buyers are looking fo...
Located in the desirable Charles Woods subdivision just off scenic St. Mary's Road in Orange County, this home offers the perfect combination of privacy, natural beauty, ...
This one sits tucked right into a rare and coveted location in the center of Hillsborough's Historic District — close to downtown, the shops, the library, the parks and t...
Welcome to 328 Lightfoot Lane at Collins Ridge in the historic and picturesque town of Hillsborough, NC! The Landon features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,570 SF of liv...
Come tour 733 James J Freeland Memorial Drive in Collins Ridge in Hillsborough. This Alec floor plan features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, approximately 2,518 square feet of ...
Welcome to 437 Haven Hill Road at Collins Ridge in the historic and picturesque town of Hillsborough, NC! The Galen is a spacious two-story home, offering 2,340 sq. ft. ...
Located at 721 James J Freeland Memorial Drive in Collins Ridge in Hillsborough. This Jackson floor plan features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, approximately 2,637 square feet...
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Eno River, this home is a completely reimagined waterfront retreat that offers a rare blend of secluded natural beauty and modern ...
Beautifully Renovated 1931 Craftsman — Walkable to the Heart of Historic Downtown Hillsborough Welcome to 627 Cedar Grove Rd, a beautifully renovated Craftsman offering ...
Enjoy plenty of space and privacy with this well-maintained ranch situated on 1.6 acres near downtown Hillsborough. Spacious living areas offer plenty of room for everyda...
At 741 James J Freeland Memorial Drive in Collins Ridge, this home offers flexibility for the way your household lives. Located in Hillsborough, the home features 4 bedro...
761 James J. Freeland Memorial Drive is a spacious two-story home designed to give you room for everyone and everything. With approximately 2,518 square feet, this 4-bed...
Spacious 4 bedroom 2.5 bath on cul de sac in the lovely Cornwallis Hills Subdivision. Open floor plan on first floor. Large family room with wood burning fireplace. Sepa...
Wonderful Possibilities!
Wonderful Possibilities!
Set on a beautifully landscaped .95-acre homesite surrounded by mature trees, this thoughtfully updated Hillsborough home offers something increasingly hard to find: priv...
Welcome to your private oasis! Sitting on 0.81 acres, this beautiful home offers a traditional floor plan perfect for both daily living and entertaining. The family room ...
Beautiful three bedroom ranch is a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown Hillsborough. The large, light-filled kitchen with granite counter tops and large window ov...
Move-in ready and better than new. Built in 2023, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the best of modern living with thoughtful design and timeless style. An open floor...
This spacious and bright end unit townhome provides far more than the typical in townhome living. The open concept floorplan visually combines Living, Dining and Kitche...
Detached 2-Car Garage with Finished Bonus Room & Full Bath! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Hillsboro...
Don't miss this great duplex in Corbinton, a 55+ community, where comfortable living and an easy lifestyle meet. This spacious home has an open floorplan for gracious en...
Age In Place thanks to an elevator and many other features! Desirable neighborhood, just 2 miles to UNC Hillsborough Hospital via neighborhood streets with sidewalks, 3 ...
NO RESTRICTIONS!! Large 8.5+ acre property with multiple FLAT BUILDING SITES delivering LOW FOUNDATION COST and CERTIFIED SOIL REPORT is IN HAND from licensed soil scien...
Great opportunity to achieve your goals: acreage and the ability to create your own farm without having to just make something work!! Pretty lot with gentle lofty views a...
What a great find. Come home to this home with many updates, spacious floorplan, and 6.48 acres of living your best life. Plenty of storage and a detached garage large en...
What if every day felt like the weekend? Beneath a canopy of mature trees this one-of-a-kind retreat brings the feeling of the Blue Ridge Mountains to Hillsborough. From ...
At the end of the cul de sac in a single family neighborhood you will find this gem of a house. Welcome to one-level living, featuring a spacious three-bedroom, two-bathr...
Prime Location, Prime Opportunity! Versatile and exceptional potential with this strategically located property on +/-2.4 acres, just minutes from Downtown Hillsborough; ...
Prime Location, Prime Opportunity! Versatile and exceptional potential with this strategically located property on 2.1 acres, just minutes from Downtown Hillsborough; als...
Prime Location, Prime Opportunity! Versatile and exceptional potential with this strategically located property on 2.1 acres, just minutes from Downtown Hillsborough; als...
Prime Location, Prime Opportunity! Versatile and exceptional potential with this strategically located property on +/-2.4 acres, just minutes from Downtown Hillsborough; ...
Outstanding development potential on 4 acres. This location has heavy traffic visibility. Situated adjacent to a major bank and a bustling shopping center, this versatile...
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 3-full-bath brick ranch, built in 1978 and located in Historic Hillsborough. This home is filled with character, generous living space...
3.1 Acres of Vacant, High-Visibility Land in one of southern Hillsborough's Growth Corridors. There is high potential of this 3.1-acre parcel, a rare General Commercial-z...
3.1 Acres of Vacant, High-Visibility Land in one of southern Hillsborough's Growth Corridors. There is high potential of this 3.1-acre parcel, a rare General Commercial-z...
**Welcome to 711 Hardscrabble Drive!** This 3,125-square-foot home offers four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, plus a bonus room, an award-winning floor plan, abundant nat...
Easy Living in Stroud Creek, where spacious living meets a peaceful natural setting close to it all. This beautiful 4BR, 3.5BA home features an open floor plan with hardw...
Some properties simply give you more. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac on a private two-acre lot, 2804 Gaya Court offers the kind of space that is getting harder to find this cl...
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