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Moving to Hillsborough, NC?
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:
- Hillsborough BBQ Company, known for authentic pit-cooked NC style BBQ, catfish, and traditional sides like hush puppies, collards, and three different kinds of slaw!
- The Wooden Nickel, a neighborhood pub, is a great place for wings, burgers, and craft beer.
- Radius Pizzeria and Pub, located in a restored bank, is a casual and warmly inviting place whose kitchen turns out not only great wood-fired pizzas but a whole range of seafood, pasta, and sides/small plates.
- Authentic food from the southwestern Mexican state of Guerrero is found at El Restaurante Ixtapa.
- Antonia's offers fine Italian dining in the heart of downtown.
- Saratoga Grill, a family-owned (25 years+) steak and seafood spot located in a cozy downtown setting.
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.
Just browsing? Use our advanced search or our map search to help you find your next home.
Current Homes and Lots for Sale in Hillsborough
Build a NEW custom modern home just minutes from downtown historic Hillsborough. The home site for lot 9 sits above Collins Avenue behind mature oak trees and a historic ...
- 2431216 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
INVESTOR SPECIAL! Great flip opportunity in the highly sought after West Hillsborough. Check the comps! (ARV) Selling from 350/sqft to 450/sqft. Comp one street over sold...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2473773 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This Hillsborough home has one story. This home has been virtually staged to illustrate its potential.
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2452321 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Buildable lot in Hillsborough. Lovely corner lot. Site previously had a mobile home located there. The mobile home was hooked into city services. Build your dream home in...
- 2474915 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
All brick 3-bedroom 1-bath, Ranch home in a prime Hillsborough location. Great property that could be almost anything you liked. Close to shopping and downtown Hillsborou...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2464023 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Over 1.5 Acres in Prime Hillsborough, North Carolina Location! Gorgeous Views with Wooded Privacy! One-Story Living Includes Primary Ensuite and 2 Sizable Secondary Bedro...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2471584 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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...
- 2429133 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Just 3 minutes from historic Hillsborough, it can also be a great investment property. Can be sold with MLS#2460649 adjacent lot .43 acre, zoned general commercial (selle...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2460642 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Unrestricted acreage tract in Cedar Ridge High School district. 3BR oerc site, survey on record.
- 2475507 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Charming 2 bedroom 1950’s bungalow, sweetly appointed on a hill at the corner of Murray and King, in downtown Hillsborough. Original hardwood floors throughout living roo...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2476857 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Find your new home in Hillsborough close to all the amenities of town. This updated ranch with a bright, open floor plan is a blank slate just waiting for you to make it ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2468454 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Don't miss the opportunity to own this charmer just a short distance from downtown Hillsborough. Tucked away on a wooded lot, this home has a new roof and gutters, 2021, ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473970 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Get your own piece of seclusion with this well maintained 3 bdrm home, nestled on a 1 acre lot surrounded by mature hardwood trees. Enjoy the sounds of nature while sit...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2476333 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful and serene - 1.85 acres at the edge of Historic Downtown Hillsborough with two homes to renovate or remove from the property. Includes one original mill home f...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2468864 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to this gorgeous neighborhood! Terrific 3 bedroom and 2 full bathrooms and 2 and a half bathrooms home. Enjoy cooking in this stylish kitchen with stainless appli...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2462731 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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...
- 2450805 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great Location! COMPLETELY Remodeled 3 bed/ 2 bath brick ranch house on just over HALF ACRE CORNER LOT! Minutes away from downtown Hillsborough. This home features an ope...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475526 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to this gorgeous neighborhood! Terrific 3 bedroom and 2.5 bath home with a 2 car garage. You’ll enjoy preparing meals in the gorgeous kitchen with sleek counters,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2468398 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2468507 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473650 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 beautiful White cabinets,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473647 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 beautiful White cabinets,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2468489 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 beautiful White cabinets,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473640 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 beautiful Gray cabinets, ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2473638 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
One of a kind property situated on just under two Acres exactly half way B/T Durham & Hillsborough. This home has just completed a four month renovation & restoration. ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2471339 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
“To really feel a forest canopy we must use different senses, and often the most useful one is the sense of imagination” - Joan Maloof. Imagine yourself building on 17.57...
- 2463151 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful Brick Ranch that sits on 1.15 acres. Minutes from Durham and Hillsborourgh. No HOA. Enjoy the quiet on your covered front porch or your coverd back porch.
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475550 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
3924 Bivins Rd to be sold with 3920 Bivins Rd as one transaction. MLS# 2465914 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please do not visit property without permission. Very private, aprox. ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2465913 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
3920 Bivins Rd to be sold together with 3924 Bivins Rd. MLS #2465913 Double Wide on 3920 lot DOES NOT convey. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please do not visit property without pe...
- 2465914 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful modern living in the heart of Hillsborough. Condo living at its finest. Premium upgrades, huge kitchen island with granite countertops. Glass tile backsplash, e...
- 1 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2474602 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
4 bedroom 2 bathroom stunner in Hillsborough! Enjoy cooking in this stylish kitchen with stainless appliances and a center island, great for food preparation. Lighting, c...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2458706 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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...
- 2435471 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Location! Location! Highly sought after Waterstone townhouse end unit, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths. This spacious end unit includes a large chef's kitchen, open living and d...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473446 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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...
- 2436403 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
VINTAGE GLAM! This meticulously kept ranch is peacefully situated on a semi-wooded 1 ACRE lot. Richly-appointed spaces include large gathering areas, eat-in kitchen, spe...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2474190 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The Fleetwood plan greets you w/ a 2 story foyer w/ stairs that features black iron spindles and oak stairs. Features a dedicated dinning room. The kitchen and living are...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2463497 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Fantastic, updated traditional home located on 1.34 acres in Hillsborough! This home has it all, 4 bedrooms, with first floor owner's suite, with walk in closet, 2C Gara...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2459800 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This Hillsborough two-story home offers a patio, and a two-car garage. This home has been virtually staged to illustrate its potential.
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2465556 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great brick ranch home in awesome location! Large 1.46 acre corner lot and home has lots of potential! Upstairs laundry offers floor to ceiling shelving for your pantry o...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2467329 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Gorgeous building parcel in one of the most beautiful areas Orange County has to offer. 14.63 acres of wooded beauty. No known restrictions.
- 2466964 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcoming home in the Churton Grove Subdv! 4 bedrooms and 2. 5 bathrooms. 2nd floor bonus area. Hardwood flooring downstairs. Entry foyer, formal dining and living room a...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2474582 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
LOVE LIFE in your own private oasis of Happening Hillsborough at end of short secluded street. One level updated 20s beauty on lovely large landscaped fenced lot perfect ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2459919 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Stunning 2 story home in Grand Oak Estates. Beautiful inside & out! Circular concrete driveway, huge heated/cooled 2 car garage. Fresh paint outside, new instantaneous ga...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2477041 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
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 ...
- 2387282 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Distinctively-designed, quality-built home on 1.7 acres in picturesque Orange County. Decorative front door opens to elegant 2-story entry & generous main floor spaces g...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2472863 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Transport yourself from the city to the country without ever leaving town. This 1940s West Hill Mill house is situated on a rare double wooded lot in West Hillsborough. I...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2468321 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Meticulously maintained and move-in ready - 4 BR Custom home in the beautiful neighborhood of Fox Hill Farm - Hillsborough, NC. Rocking Chair Front Porch entrance is surr...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2472850 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Awesome new construction just minutes from historic downtown Hillsborough! The main level features an open kitchen and living area design with separate dining room. Kit...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2475835 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Gorgeous, custom built timber frame home on 10 acres in Hillsborough. Just a short drive to downtown Hillsborough and Durham. Tucked away on a private, wooded lot off of ...
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2475971 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Sebastian Plan on 3+ ACRES! Check out the to be built Sebastian that gives you a first floor owners suite, screened outdoor living with an outdoor fireplace, study, incr...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2452190 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ruffin Snipes Home Circa 1770. The Ruffin Snipes house is a lovingly improved and maintained house in the Hillsborough Historic District. The owners have put in new ce...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2471254 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
THEODORE on 3.5 Acres! GRAND 2 STORY FAMILY ROOM,1st fl guest suite AND spacious outdoor living. Personal SLEEPING PORCH at Owners Suite! 3rd Fl includes bonus room, off...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2455736 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 ...
- 2436999 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Come home to historic charm plus more contemporary living spaces, the best of both! The restored Ira Ellis house dates to the 1830s, flanked by two wings built in 1999 an...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2475960 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Simplicity - the ultimate sophistication! Retreat to this sleek, single-level Phil Szostak-designed contemporary modernist masterpiece on 11 peaceful acres just minutes f...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2462488 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 .