Get to Know Hillsborough, NC – Your Real Estate Guide

Here’s a fun fact about Hillsborough, NC: this small town in the heart of apple country served as the capital of North Carolina from 1789 to 1794. This is just one of many interesting aspects of this Piedmont region community. As Orange County’s oldest town and one of the best-kept secrets around, Hillsborough will delight you if you’re just discovering it for the first time. As you dig into its blend of historical landmarks and modern amenities, it’s easy to see why so many people find Hillsborough a special place to live.

So if you’re on the hunt for small town living but with a world class quality of life, come explore Hillsborough, NC. In this real estate guide, learn more about this town sandwiched between the Triangle and Triad regions. We’ll introduce you to its real estate market, key attractions, and the unique amenities that make it an enticing place to call home.

Where is Hillsborough, NC?

Hillsborough, North Carolina, is centrally located in the state and part of Orange County, just a short drive from the Triangle Region. Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh residents come to Hillsborough to “get away” and lose themselves in its beautiful natural surroundings and charming festivals. It’s easy to get to because I-85 splits off from I-40 just southwest of town.  

About Hillsborough 

Hillsborough’s long and storied history goes back to 1754, when it was founded on a Native American trading path along the Eno River. It played a significant role in the American Revolution and served as the capital of North Carolina from 1789 to 1794. 

The surrounding countryside is incredibly fertile and known as the state’s apple country. Hillsborough sits in the middle of it all. Thousands come each season to pick direct from the orchards and partake in all the classic fall events: apple launching, hayrides, and corn mazes. But as a local, you’ll get to breathe in the fresh apple blossoms well before the visitors arrive.

Writers and artists have also turned Hillsborough into a haven for the creative. Over the years, the beautiful town’s slower pace of life and natural surroundings nurtured their spirit. Word spread among the literary community that the city was a good place to live. Today, Hillsborough has two art commissions and multiple award-winning authors and artists.

Modern Hillsborough has just under 10,000 residents, so it’s still small enough to feel intimate but large enough to have robust amenities. The well-preserved buildings maintain its historic character along with the tree-lined streets and a walkable downtown area. Over 100 buildings are on the National Historic Register, which is not surprising in a town pushing 275 years old. 

Hillsborough, NC, Real Estate Market

Hillsborough’s large enough to provide enough real estate options to suit various preferences and budgets. The real estate market in Hillsborough has been relatively stable, with a steady demand for properties over the last few years. Naturally, prices vary depending on location, property size, and condition. 

To give you a snapshot, May 2023 had a 9.3% increase in new listings, while the median list price dropped 16.2% to $426,250. Hillsborough had a 1.5-month supply of inventory, but homes were on the market for a median of 14 days. The greater metro region had about 128 homes for sale.

The most affordable listing was a three-quarter acre lot for $39,000. The most expensive with an existing home was a five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom, 3,775 sq ft home on 34 acres for $2.6 million. The property also had a guest home and a barn.

Looking at the last three years of data from the local real estate association, there is a general trend of peaking home prices in January and February, followed by a slow and gradual decline before another peak in the winter and early spring. We recommend talking to a local real estate agent who can give you the latest insights into what’s happening in Hillsborough’s real estate market.

Condos and Townhomes

If you’re looking for a more maintenance-free lifestyle, you can find it in Hillsborough. The market had 31 listings that were condos, townhomes, or villas. Some were new construction with the latest home features like quartz kitchen counters and smart home equipment. The July 2023 market prices ranged from $345,000 to $499,000.

Golf course living

Hillsborough is truly a unique and historic place to live, but it doesn’t have formal golf course communities.

Waterfront

The beautiful Eno River winds through Hillsborough, but finding waterfront real estate here is more of a challenge. You can have a waterfront lifestyle, but your best options will be a small lake or reservoir or an arm of a creek that winds its way down to the Eno River.

July 2023 had four listings with some waterfront features: a stocked fishing lake, frontage on Lake Orange, or backing to Stroud’s Creek, as examples. With some patience, you can find a beautiful waterfront living option.

Hillsborough Cost of Living

Now that you know about its real estate market, can you afford its cost of living? That all depends on your lifestyle. Using Sperling’s Best Places Index, Hillsborough is one of the more expensive areas in North Carolina, running 6% above the national average and 14% above the North Carolina average.

The categories where residents spend a little more included housing, which was 22% above the national average at the time. Locals also tended to spend more on miscellaneous costs, which are things like museum entrance fees, dining out, and childcare. Utilities and healthcare were also above average. However, locals had some cost savings in groceries and transportation.

That’s not to say you can’t find an affordable place to live within your budget. Hillsborough has enough variety that a local real estate expert can find the perfect place for you.

Key Attractions

Every town has something special that gives it character and separates it from other North Carolina towns. Once you’re settled into Hillsborough, here are a few amenities that make the town unique for you to check out.

Shopping

The charming historic district in the town center focuses along Churton Street. Stroll the unique shops and restaurants. Spring is gorgeous, with the fresh flower baskets decorating the brick storefronts.

History and Culture

One popular place to visit is Ayr Mount, an 1815 Federal-style plantation house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. A guided house tour will enhance your understanding of North Carolina during this era. 

Immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts. This artist-owned gallery showcases diverse works, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.

This historic Eno Arts Mill is run by the Orange County Arts Commission. It is a gathering space for literary, performing, and visual artists near the beautiful Golf Park.

Definitely come hungry to the Hillsborough Hog Day, a two-day festival exclusively for BBQ Pork enthusiasts. Whether you’re a connoisseur of mouthwatering BBQ or seeking a fun-filled family outing, Hog Day is a highlight on Hillsborough’s calendar. This event marries the best NC pulled pork paired with a popular street fair of live music, unique handcrafted gifts, and activities for the kids. 

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich local history of the American Revolution with a captivating annual event hosted by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. Revolutionary War Day is a special day that welcomes the public to a series of family-friendly events. History comes alive with live reenactors, dancers, historic tours, interactive activities, and collaborative events throughout the town.

Outdoor fun

Riverwalk is one of Hillsborough’s most distinct features. Set alongside the historic Eno River, it winds through parks, wooded areas, and neighborhoods. The riverside parks are a popular spot for picnics and launching a canoe trip.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area includes the highest point in Orange County. Locals like to spend pleasant days on the hiking trails because of breathtaking landscape views.

Players of the game don’t have many choices in town, but there is the semi-private Occoneechee Golf Club. The club features an 18-hole course designed by Ellis Maples who showcases the rolling terrain with a challenging layout that caters to golfers of varying skill levels.

Another interesting outdoor spot is the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail. This former NASCAR dirt track is now a walking trail with interpretive signs, providing insights into the area’s racing heritage.

Areas near Hillsborough

Hillsborough’s central location helps it be accessible to millions across North Carolina. But the closest places to the town are:

Durham: The nearest major city is just 20 miles southeast of Hillsborough. Durham’s attractions include the Durham Performing Arts Center, the Duke Lemur Center, the Museum of Life and Science, and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. You’ll also access world-class educational institutions and health care through Duke University.

Chapel Hill: Nearby in this town is another quality education option, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Visitors can tour the picturesque campus, the North Carolina Botanical Garden or catch a basketball game at the Dean E. Smith Center.

Raleigh: The state capital is about 25 miles east of Hillsborough. Key attractions include the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, Pullen Park, and the bustling downtown area.

Graham: This small, welcoming town has a beautifully restored downtown area. It’s easily accessed from I-40 and awaits westward from Hillsborough. 

Greensboro: Keep going on I-40, and you’ll end up in the state’s third-largest city. By traveling here, visitors’ attractions include the Greensboro Science Center, the beautiful gardens at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, and the performances at the Carolina Theatre.

Choosing Hillsborough, NC

Hillsborough wins over residents with its quality lifestyle, riverfront beauty, and a strong sense of community. It’s large enough to have some fun entertainment options, but small enough to feel uncrowded and friendly whenever you head downtown.  If you want to learn more about living in Hillsborough, let a local real estate guide you.