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. Along with the historic 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
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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Avoid the bidding war on resale. Build a NEW custom modern home just minutes from downtown historic Hillsborough. The home site for lot 9 sits above Collins Avenue behind...
.65 acre commercial lot with 146 feet of road frontage on Highway 70. Half a mile from the intersection of Hwy 70 and Highway 86N. 1 mile from downtown Hillsborough. 3 mi...
This well maintained three bedroom trailer home is nestled on 1.55 cleared acres bordered by trees. Enjoy the view as it also directly backs up to the Occoneechee golf co...
There are several options here with these 5 lots right across from Hillsborough Elementary!! Combine them and make 2 great lots, or keep them separate for smaller footpr...
This is a great investment opportunity! With .86 acres and Minutes from downtown Hillsborough NC, the opportunities are plentiful. Renovate, Rebuild, Build a Business. Zo...
Conveniently located office/retail space for sale/lease just off I-85 and main street Hillsborough. Spacious interior, 2 restrooms and open floorplan. Ample store front p...
Beautiful 10-acre lot in sought-after Village of Tumbling Brook's gated community. Private and peaceful setting. Community has 10 acres set aside for gardens, dog park & ...
This is a great property for the DIY’er or investor. It’s a true fixer upper but, with the right vision and a little elbow grease this can be your private retreat or a gr...
Great location for a commute to the Triad or RTP. Close to downtown Hillsborough and also UNC Hospital Hillsborough campus. End unit and first floor master with w/d close...
Barely 4 years old and an exceptional opportunity. Excellent condition and ready for a new owner. Beautiful Townhome with open floorplan. Chef's kitchen, kitchen isla...
This seller's dream is now your rare opportunity to own 5+ acres close to historic downtown Hillsborough. There just isn't anything else like this available! Build your o...
Commercial raw lot at the corner of NC 57 & NC 86S in Hillsborough. Great visibility and traffic counts over 15,000. Electricity, Gas, Sewer, Telephone, Water available. ...
Proposed home, to be built! Open 4 bedroom floor plan with optional In-Law suite downstairs! Enjoy this open concept with a large great room that flows right into the kit...
Amazing end unit townhome in pool community- Waterstone! Move-In Ready! Like new, 3BR-2.5BA smart townhome with all the luxury packages, huge side yard, and private back ...
Proposed home, to be built! Open 4 bedroom floor plan.! Enjoy this open concept with a large great room that flows right into the kitchen which offers an 8 ft island and ...
Proposed home, to be built! Open 4 bedroom floor plan. Enjoy this open concept with a large gathering room that flows right into the kitchen which offers an 8 ft island a...
Previous new home sales model in the Waterstone Terrace. Beautiful end unit townhome offers first floor owner's suite, 2 upstairs guest suits each w/ private bathrooms. T...
Commercial building located off Hwy 86 in Hillsborough. Price reflects repairs that are needed. Possible uses retail agricultural, restaurant, pet kennel, veterinarian ho...
30 Acres on the edge of Historic Hillsborough town limits. Mostly wooded land with possible development potential. Water and sewer nearby. Close to I40/85, Downtown Hi...
Great brick ranch home in awesome location! Large 1.46 acre lot and home has lots of potential!
Private retreat on 2+ acres *Open floor plan w/vaulted ceiling & real wood floors *New SS appliances *Spacious bedrooms have walk-in closets & new carpet *Awesome rocking...
Welcome to Daphine, a new West Hillsborough neighborhood. Spectacular modern homes. This two-story farmhouse is a true gem featuring high end finishes, timeless design & ...
8.719 acres of rolling farmland partially fenced, lot has cleared and wooded areas with mature timber. 3 bed 3 bath split foyer home in need of updating, flex space in ba...
Ranch living at it’s best! Impeccably maintained home with vaulted ceilings and plenty of space to spread out. This home offers 2 separate living areas with plenty of st...
Gorgeous living w/ views. Open floor plan-4 BR, 3 BA, bonus room, 2 offices, & mud room off of a LG 2 car garage w/ a ton of extra storage & epoxy floor finish. Spectacul...
Incredible opportunity to live in the desirable Waterstone Estates neighborhood. An open concept floor plan with large kitchen island flowing into the breakfast area and ...
This Hillsborough two-story home offers granite countertops, and a two-car garage.
Beautiful 54 acres in Hillsborough. Great location. Wooded lot with the potential to build your dream home. Road frontage on Highland Farm Road. Don't miss out on seeing ...
Move-in ready New construction from quality local builder on private secluded lot just outside of Hillsborough. This home has so many great features: High Speed Internet;...
Wonderful opportunity to live in the very desirable Waterstone Estates neighborhood. Formal dining, guest suite, & study on the first floor. 4 more bedrooms located upsta...
NEW PRICE! Welcome to your dream home! Located in the estate section, this custom home was built for the discerning buyer. Featuring upgrades galore and fabulous floor pl...
This Gem of a home will wow you with all the space, featuring 4 large bdrms, a rec room, 1st flr. office, DR, FR w/ FP, large kitchen w/ FP and seating area. Owner suite...
Custom-built home. Main level master suite with deck access. Formal living room with cathedral ceiling that opens up to kitchen, eat-in area and dining room. Library/offi...
FIRST FLOOR OWNERS SUITE ON 3+ ACRES! Check out the Branford plan being built, with a gourmet kitchen, game room AND bonus room upstairs, open inviting family room, sunr...
Enjoy beautiful, romantic B.B. Forrest House in the Heart of Historic Hillsborough. Antique iron gate & flanking boxwoods beckon you to timeless, restful wraparound front...
This 72-acre tract is one of the most scenic large tracts of land in Orange County. Mature hardwoods and pines surround the 2-3 acre stocked lake providing an ideal spot ...
Possibly the last big tract of beautiful, untouched land available in this area. This is a gorgeous piece of land. High timber value, sub-dividable, possibly 60-70 lots. ...
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2022 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .