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Homes for Sale in Hillsborough
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. 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.
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
A charming home awaits you just south of town, ready for your final decorative touches. Perfectly ready as it is, there is also plenty of potential to add living space b...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2377547 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Exceptional opportunity to live in Hillsborough, just a few miles from downtown. Have it all... Privacy with a great location and close to everyday amenities. Multiple ho...
- 2368581 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Coming Soon! Beautiful 1.5 story home in sought after Wildwood in Hillsborough.
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2376163 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
A great and rare find! Lot on Lake Orange with beautiful lake view ! Bring your plans and builder to build your dream home. Lake Orange is a water source. Based on evalua...
- 2366891 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Nice .72 acre lot (recently rezoned for commercial-See Docs) on heavily traveled US 70 north of Hillsborough (Average Daily Traffic Estimates 12000 in 2016). Lot has an ...
- 2311127 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Pretty 10 acre lot that slopes gently upward to its designated building site. Partially wooded and meadow acreage extends across the road to the river.
- 2317720 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Classic ranch home w/acreage located just a short drive from downtown Historic Hillsborough. Currently 2 BD/2 BA. Owners removed wall from original Mstr Bd to create sit...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2377600 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
REO Occupied - the seller does not represent or guarantee occupancy status. NO VIEWINGS of this property. Please DO NOT DISTURB the occupant. "As is" cash only sale wit...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2373445 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A perfect location, minutes to downtown. 3.5 acres with amazing Chestnut Trees, Grapevines and Mature Trees. 2 lots sold together with access to 86N and 57N. Wonderful...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2338335 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
COMING SOON - SHOWINGS BEGIN Friday, 4/16 - What a great opportunity! 3BR/2BA ONE-LEVEL home just 2 miles (5 minute drive) from downtown Hboro, on a quiet street in peace...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2377297 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Beautifully updated 3Bdrm ranch home just a few minutes away from Historic downtown Hillsborough. Features include: Gourmet kitchen with Quartz countertops, Stainless ste...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2377538 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A Great Entertainer - Brick - One level living on almost an acre in Hillsborough. Great design - 3 BR & 2 Bath. Two Fireplaces, Large Owner Suite w/ soaking tub & separat...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2376267 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A rare opportunity , only a few lots remain on Lake Orange. Lakefront lot on Lake Orange. Fantastic lake views! Bring your plans and your own builder for your dream home....
- 2366884 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Nice .86 acre lot (recently rezoned for general commercial-See Docs) on heavily traveled US 70 north of Hillsborough (Average Daily Traffic Estimates 12000 in 2016). Lot...
- 2310325 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Mostly cleared 0.93 acre lot in highly sought after downtown Hillsborough. Just a 2 minute walk to the Eno Riverwalk and an 8 minute/1 block walk to the heart of downtow...
- 2347089 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Charming home in Becketts Ridge! Desirable Floor Plan with Master down and Bonus/5th bedroom Room Upstairs (5 Beds, 2.5 Baths). Inviting Floor Plan, Open Family & Kitchen...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2376122 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Nice .85 acre lot (recently rezoned for commercial-See Docs) on heavily traveled US 70 north of Hillsborough (Average Daily Traffic Estimates 12000 in 2016). Lot has a d...
- 2311131 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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. ...
- 2320437 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Don't miss this out on this property! Updated duplex & vintage storefront in the center of popular west Hillsborough. Perfect set-up for owner occupy or investor. New roo...
- 2365094 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Are you looking for 10 private & peaceful acres just minutes from Chapel Hill & Hillsborough? Is a sustainable lifestyle & the ability to grow your own food & raise anim...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2376889 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Lovely large lot with custom-built post-war-solid, traditional brick home close to town and services. Newer roof, septic, thermal windows, gas water heater, and HVAC syst...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2377151 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This Hillsborough two-story home offers a patio, granite countertops, and a two-car garage. This home has been virtually staged to illustrate its potential.
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2372180 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Live in a true "Pocket Neighborhood" in the heart of Hillsborough! Enjoy the Green Life in this ENERGY STAR/NET ZERO home with metal roof, solar panels and Fiber Cement s...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2374194 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A Great Entertainer ~ Half an acre in Downtown ~ All brick ranch with basement in Historic Hillsborough. Move-in ready w/ fresh paint. New HVAC, Elevated Living room w/ ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2370891 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BUILDER READY-Impressive property bordered by Forest Creek to the front and South Fork Little River to the left and back. This land boast two scenic elevated building sit...
- 2373188 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Partially cleared 3.95 acre lot in highly sought after downtown Hillsborough. Just a 2 minute walk to the Eno Riverwalk and an 8 minute/1 block walk to the heart of down...
- 2347090 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful custom build home located adjacent to Hillsborough’s Historic District. Offers .29 acre lot, Walkable to Downtown. Energy Efficient Living Area, 3 BR/2.5 Baths....
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2362579 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Showing to began April 15 at 9AM. Seller plans to review offers at 5pm on Sat the 17th .Great corner lot home in Waterstone Estates. 1st floor BR with full bath. Large f...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2376340 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Proposed expansive ranch home near downtown Hillsborough. Beautiful foyer open to formal dining room and flex room which makes for a great home office. Huge family room w...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2370589 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Proposed spacious home near downtown Hillsborough. With 4 bedrooms and flex space in the Shelby, you can be sure to have plenty of room! The main level offers a Guest Su...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2370444 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Make history come to life with this 12 Room motel which includes a lobby with fireplace. Located on 2.67 prime acres in Hillsborough the sale includes the two story Duple...
- 2365959 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Custom construction in downtown Hillsborough, just a stone's throw from schools, parks, restaurants, and more! This quintessential beauty brings together the old and the ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2357433 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Well started horse farm in place, come build your dream farm over the best views in Hillsborough on this 27+acres! Nice Double wide on property for a place for you to li...
- 2326308 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Cute cabin style home tucked away in the woods on a well started horse farm in place or come build your dream farm over the best views in Hillsborough on this 5 +/- acres...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2355021 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Last and Final Artisan to be built in Forest Ridge. This first floor master plan features 4 bedrooms and 3.5bathrooms. Fully loaded with upgrades including screened in po...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2363472 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Reverie Floorplan with Walkout basement featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with master bedroom on the main level. Only plan of its kind in Forest Ridge. The only oppo...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2363463 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Stunning makeover of spacious light-filled home. Walking distance to historic town center, restaurants, Weaver Street Market. Main level with 3 bedrooms, gourmet kitchen...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2366868 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Immaculately maintained contemporary gem on 10 gorgeous acres walking distance to trails at Little River Park is almost too good to be true. Welcome family & friends int...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2376869 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Be a part of History from this day forward..One of Hillsborough's iconic homes, "William Courtney's Yellow House" is ready for a new chapter..Embrace the past & step forw...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2374577 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY / HUGE PRICE CHANGE! *PRIME LOCATION between I-85 & I-40 near downtown Hillsborough in Old Mill Business Park *Well-Maintained *All Brick 3+ story ...
- 2177644 MLS
- Sinclair Institute Bldg.
- ACTIVE Status
Space, tranquility, acreage, luxury-Coveted Orange County location offers convenience as home's ample flex spaces provide opportunity to grow & change within the home-Det...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2376054 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Historic Green Hill estate (circa 1750) on 9.7 aces. Large home with carefully designed additions, lovely grounds, circular driveway. Original portion of home has wide pl...
- 6 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2355892 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Have the best of both worlds in downtown Hillsborough: 21st-century construction wrapped in timeless Southern grace & style. Custom-built in 2009, the 3,838 sf 4 bed/3.5 ...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2374611 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The Colonial Business Center consists of office/business/retail/storage rentals which are currently leased only two blocks from downtown Hillsborough off Churton Street. ...
- 2236963 MLS
- Colonial Business Bldg.
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to Maple Hill. Once the centerpiece of the historic Jacob Jackson Farm, it has been thoughtfully modernized and transformed over hundreds of years into the luxuri...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2363488 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2021 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .