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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
This is a gem in beautiful Hillsborough, minutes from highway 40. Enjoy lots of songbirds and many sightings of deer in the back yard. This is a very well laid out hom...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2403506 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Neighborhood commercial property just minutes from Historic Hillsborough. Three separate offices with a large main room at the entrance. This office building has one ba...
- 2406186 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful and serene describes this hard to find 10.29 acre tract of land just minutes from downtown Hillsborough. Build your dream home among the mature hardwoods and en...
- 2413249 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Be a part of the latest up-and-coming neighborhood in Hillsborough! Quick access to downtown and I-40/I-85. Low city and county taxes, no HOA! All NEW appliances! LG Refr...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2414553 MLS
- ACTIVE 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
Great opportunity to own a salon/barber shop without having to complete all of the setup improvements. This unit has plumbing and electrical in place, 4 stations, 2 bathr...
- 2407903 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Build your dream home on this beautiful 11+ acre wooded lot in one of Orange County's best neighborhoods: Red Hill Farm. Enter the neighborhood through the private gate, ...
- 2411513 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
3 bedroom/1.5 bathroom home in Hillsborough with a basement! No HOA! Large garage/workshop.
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2414198 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
4 short blocks to Churton St! Sitting high on a corner lot in Hillsborough's historic district, this one level diamond-in-the-rough awaits your reno. Newly exposed hard...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2414921 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Oh my gourd! Trick or treat yourself to this lovely townhome in popular Waterstone Terraces! Open floor plan fit w/gleaming hardwoods on first floor. BOO-tiful kitchen co...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2415771 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
READY NOW! The Lansing features an open family room that overlooks into the dining room & kitchen. This home offers beautiful Gray cabinets, granite countertops, tile bac...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2382574 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Move in ready! The Lansing features an open family room that overlooks into the dining room & kitchen. This home offers beautiful White cabinets, quartz countertops, tile...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2410011 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Move in Ready! The Lansing features an open family room that overlooks into the dining room & kitchen. This home offers beautiful white cabinets, quartz countertops, tile...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2411806 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
Wonderfully Charming home in North Durham, Huge Fenced-In yard, bonus space for extra bedroom or office with additional storage and workshop. Newly renovated first-floor ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2415529 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
INVESTOR Opportunity in Hillsborough! FULLY LEASED for 5 Years! $1900/mo w/ yearly increases! IN GREAT CONDITION w/ NEWER ROOF, HVAC, LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING, WINDOWS...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2406765 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
INVESTOR Opportunity in Hillsborough! FULLY LEASED for 5 Years! IN GREAT CONDITION w/ NEWER ROOF, HVAC, LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING, WINDOWS, INTERIOR PAINT! Hardwoods, ...
- 2407769 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
This Hillsborough home has one story. This home has been virtually staged to illustrate its potential.
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2410936 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Please click on "virtual tour" for a short drone video. 0.93 acres mostly cleared lot in highly sought downtown Hillsborough! One block from the center of the downtown ar...
- 2403995 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
Excellent opportunity to have 20+/- acres with NO restrictions. May be subdivided. Sited off beautiful St Marys Road in Orange County near the Durham County line. Slight...
- 2412861 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Spacious 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, screened porch, hardwood floors, very private back yard with beautiful natural forests. Walking distance to new UNC Hillsborough Hos...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2414096 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome home to desirable GranView! Stately brick front veneer exterior invites you into a 2 story foyer w/wainscoting & hdwds. New roof w/trans. warranty! Open LR w/gas ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2402761 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Please click on the "virtual tour" for a short drone video on the property. 3.95 acres in downtown Hillsborough! This vacant lot is mostly cleared. Only one block from ...
- 2403994 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
LOCAION!LOCATION!LOCATION! 4bedrooms 2 bathroom newer ranch on over an acre in desirable Hillsborough, the house is at the corner of Orange Grove Rd, and Timber Dr Easy...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2412793 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Your next home awaits! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is in desirable Hillsborough! The welcoming front yard and inviting front porch usher you into the main living ar...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2414509 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Full brick 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in Hardscrabble Plantation! Enjoy the peaceful and private backyard from the sunroom or back deck. Basement with full bathroom! Al...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2403471 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful custom build home located adjacent to Hillsborough’s Historic District. Offers .27 acre lot, Walkable to Downtown. Energy Efficient Living Area, 3 BR/2.5 Baths....
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2402899 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The Davidson Plan is a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with the Master Bedroom downstairs and the option for an In-Law Suite downstairs as well. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2382404 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BEAUTIFUL HOME ON CORNER LOT Bright family room w/ wall of windows that opens to kitchen with Butler's pantry .Cornerstone counters in kitchen. Great home for entertainin...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2413417 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Incredibly spacious home with over 4700 sq. ft. The home has a giant kitchen with tons of cabinet and counter space. The granite counter tops, built in desk and stainles...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2411912 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
jSelling AS-IS...This property is multi-zoned conveniently located near HWYs 70 and 86 and just minuets from downtown Hillsborough. An amazing investment for whatever yo...
- 2403048 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Fantastic Farmhouse! Rare custom new construction opportunity on 2.9 acres. 3/2.5 main level living w/office & upstairs bonus. Open plan w/site-finished hardwood floors, ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2415314 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
You will LOVE the feel of this nicely flowing floorplan -The Vanderbilt! Hardwood floors invites you into foyer & is carried through to half bath, eat-in kitchen, & forma...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2409598 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Proposed home, The Chadbourn, our 2020 Parade of Homes bronze prize winner! Optimize the open floorplan of the Chadbourn with a choice of the Study or a main level Guest ...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2386700 MLS
- ACTIVE 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
Frank Lloyd Wright design-inspired & built for multi-generational living.Cyprus Wood -Stone & Brick exterior.“Great Room” w/floor-to ceiling raised hearth stone FP.Oak m...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2414442 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Well maintained commercial building located in downtown historic Hillsborough. Corner lot, 16 parking spaces, clean environmental and fully leased. Can be converted to re...
- 2412081 MLS
- Cates Oil Company Bldg.
- ACTIVE Status
Final Opportunity in Cates Landing! Award winning Hadley equipped w/ the latest in comfort & luxury. This home features an open layout w/ a LARGE screened porch w/ stone ...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2390741 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
"Poplar Hill" is the last great estate opportunity in Historic Downtown Hillsborough. Situated on just under 2 acres it is the 5th biggest property in the downtown area....
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2402560 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Tranquility, beauty, & function. Flow from the deluxe kitchen to the screen porch or the main-floor owner’s suite. Enjoy watching your horses roam across the 10 acres. Tr...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2407529 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Pastoral Setting! Meticulously maintained 4BR/4.5BA home situated on 10.68 ac! Enjoy relaxing in the screened porch, dedicated solely for the Owner's Suite & festive, mem...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2413991 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Minutes to Duke/Hillsborough, lovingly restored farmhouse w/ beautiful nuances atop the hill on stunning 37 acre farm in Hillsborough! Watch the sun rise & set on this pi...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2400109 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Space, tranquility, acreage, luxury-Coveted Orange County location offers convenience as home's ample flex spaces provide ultimate living options-Heated/cooled garage-Hor...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2415273 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This exquisite country estate on ten acres of rolling meadowlands, gentle hills and dales which adjoin a pristine six acre pond is the highlight of prominent Fox Hill Far...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2394184 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Your dream farmhouse! 21 acres of pasture and woods, 2 buildable lots on S Fork Little River, custom modern colonial, post-and-beam farmhouse, one-of-a-kind. Thoughtfully...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2410166 MLS
- 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 .