10 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Hillsborough, NC
January 02nd, 2024
Living in Hillsborough
Are you considering a move to Hillsborough, NC? Here are ten things to know about living in Hillsborough!
Hillsborough is a beautiful place to live in North Carolina that is best known for its location along the Eno River. Even though Hillsborough is a small town, it has a vibrant history since the founding of Orange County in 1752.
A center of cultural and political advancement in the 18th and 19th centuries, Hillsborough is on the National Register of Historic Places, and many churches and buildings from this period are still standing.
Not only did Hillsborough play an important part in the Civil War, but the town's visitors center was the headquarters of General Joseph E. Johnston when he surrendered his Confederate army to General William T. Sherman at the end of the war.
Hillsborough even served as the capital of North Carolina during the American Revolution and was the home of William Hooper, an American founding father, lawyer, and politician. William Hooper signed the Continental Association and the Declaration of Independence as a member of the Continental Congress.
Today, Hillsborough is a popular haven for artists and writers since it has a lively arts and entertainment district Downtown that acts as a fun center for residents and visitors alike.
Featuring many events and festivals throughout the year that aim to bring the community together, Hillsborough is a sought-after destination for families. Full of beautiful homes for sale, fun things to do, delicious restaurants, outdoor recreation, parks, and no shortage of job opportunities, it is no wonder that the population keeps growing yearly.
With a median resident age of 39.7, Hillsborough is a nice place to live, with amazing amenities and friendly people. Surrounded by green forests, rivers, and lakes, many people are drawn to the area for its peaceful way of life and strong sense of community.
If you are considering moving to Hillsborough, North Carolina, you are certainly in the right place. Found close to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, Hillsborough is one of the best places to live in the state.
Here is what life is like in Hillsborough
Chapters
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hillsborough is 2% higher than the national average, making it an affordable option in North Carolina. While housing costs are the highest expense, utility costs are 13% lower than the national average, transportation expenses are 7% lower, grocery prices are 1% higher, and healthcare is 7% higher.
The cost of living in Raleigh is slightly less than in Hillsborough, but the area still offers many affordable options for residents. If the cost of living is an important factor when considering a move, then Hillsborough is a great place to search for your dream home.
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price in Hillsborough, NC |
| Median Rent | $1,647/month |
| Energy Bill | $154.54/month |
| Phone Bill | $166.25/month |
| Loaf of Bread | $3.92 |
| Gallon of Milk | $2.45 |
| Doctor's Visit | $133.03 |
| Dentist Visit | $114.78 |
| Veterinary Visit | $55.14 |
*Data Sourced from PayScale.
2. Real Estate
The housing expenses in Hillsborough are 20% higher than the national average, but there are plenty of beautiful homes to choose from, no matter your budget. Currently, in a buyer's market, prices tend to be lower, and homes stay on the market longer.
Most homes sell for the asking price, and the median list price in Hillsborough is $512,526. Most homes spend an average of 79 days on the market and have an average price per square foot of $233.
Home to many beautiful neighborhoods perfect for families and working professionals, the homes for sale in Hillsborough range from single-family homes to townhomes.
3. Prime Location
Found in Orange County, Hillsborough is a beautiful North Carolina town with a prime location. Centrally located in the state, Hillsborough offers fast and easy access to the Triangle area.
Considered a suburb of Durham, Hillsborough is only 20 minutes from Downtown Durham, 20 minutes from Chapel Hill, and about an hour's drive from the capital city of Raleigh.
Interstate 85 runs through Hillsborough, and Interstate 40 is just outside town limits, making travel convenient. The Raleigh Durham International Airport is only a 30-minute drive away for those planning an out-of-state or international vacation.
4. Weather
Did you know many people move to Hillsborough and other parts of North Carolina for its weather? Located in a humid subtropical climate, the area is best known for having hot and humid summers and mild winters.
The temperature in Hillsborough typically varies between 31 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and it rarely dips below 18 degrees or rises above 94 degrees. Due to its pleasant temperatures, the most comfortable months to be in Hillsborough are from mid-May to late June and mid-August to late October.
Receiving an average of 46 inches of rainfall per year, which is more than the United States average of 38 inches, it is a good idea to have your rain jacket and umbrella handy. On the other hand, Hillsborough only receives an average of four inches of snowfall, which is way below the national average.
5. Education
As part of the Orange County School District, Hillsborough has many above-average schools. Serving more than 7,200 students and with a student ratio of 14 to one, education is taken seriously in Hillsborough.
There are 14 schools in Hillsborough with a minority enrollment of 50%. There is a high school graduation rate of 78% and a high school college readiness score of 32.1 out of 100.
Some of the best schools in Hillsborough include Central Elementary School, Hillsborough Elementary School, Orange Middle School, A. L. Stanback Middle School, Orange High School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
For those seeking higher education opportunities in Hillsborough, there are multiple options. Home to the Durham Tech Community College Orange County Campus, this is a great place to earn an associate's degree or a certificate. Duke University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina State University are all within an hour's drive.
6. Job Market
Hillsborough is an ideal place to live with an expanding job market. With a job market increase of 2.1% over the last year, many people are moving here for work or searching for employment. Over the next ten years, future job growth is predicted to be 39.5%, higher than the United States average of 33.5%.
The median household income in Hillsborough is $86,250, and about 63.5% of the population over 16 is employed. Welcoming many new businesses to the area as the city develops, working in Hillsborough is just as fun as living here.
7. Family-Friendly Activities
Hillsborough is a very family-friendly place to live, as seen through its many family-oriented things to do. You will never run out of exciting new things to do, regardless of age, from festivals and annual events to historical museums and public libraries.
Check out these fun things to do in Hillsborough:
Hillsborough Hog Day BBQ Festival: Featuring the best-pulled pork and BBQ in North Carolina, this annual two-day festival is great for the whole family and includes live music, face painting, and bounce houses.
Orange County Main Public Library: Borrow books, e-books, DVDs, and more at this public library, with free public computer access and Wi-Fi.
Orange County Historical Museum: Learn about the history of Orange County through gallery showcases and exhibits at this free museum.
Maple View Farms Country Store and Creamery: Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits.
Orange County Sportsplex: Offering fitness classes, swimming, ice skating, camps, and physical therapy sessions.
8. Great Restaurants
There is always something delicious in Hillsborough. Home to many locally owned eateries and fine dining establishments, the food in Hillsborough will satisfy any appetite. While the area may be known for its southern cuisine, there are many globally inspired restaurants to try when in town.
Check out these best restaurants in Hillsborough:
El Restaurante Ixtapa: A great spot to eat for lunch and dinner, this hidden gem in Hillsborough is a must-visit for Mexican cuisine.
Big Bob's City Grill: This restaurant is best known for its hamburgers, fried chicken, and freshly made country sides.
Hillsborough BBQ Company: Dine on fresh BBQ, delicious sides, and homemade desserts.
Panciuto: Featuring an updated menu weekly, this popular Italian restaurant is a go-to for delicious food and drinks.
Antonia's Restaurant: Enjoy classic pasta dishes and Italian entrees in a great atmosphere with friendly staff.
9. Parks
Spending time outside and exploring the many parks and recreation facilities that the city has is one of the best ways to get to know Hillsborough. From walking trails to playgrounds, enjoying the great outdoors is a staple when living in Hillsborough.
Check out these best parks in Hillsborough:
Gold Park: This quiet and relaxing park features a dog park, picnic tables, walking trails, and a playground.
River Park: Walk along the river and spend the day with the family.
Cates Creek Park: Picnic tables, a playground, and a small dog park are here.
Fairview Park: Spend the day at this clean, well-maintained park with a basketball court and ball fields.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: With over 190 acres of land, this beautiful natural area is great for hiking and watching the sunset.
10. Crime Rate
Unlike Raleigh, which is a safe place to live, Hillsborough is known for its high crime rate. It is only 6% safer than other neighborhoods in the United States. People living in Hillsborough generally consider the southeast part of town the safest.
While there are certainly safe neighborhoods in Hillsborough, paying attention to your surroundings and following personal safety tips is always a good idea. Make sure to always lock your doors and walk in well-lit areas.
Here are your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Hillsborough, NC:
| In Hillsborough | In North Carolina |
| One in 256 | One in 232 |
Here are your chances of becoming a victim of property crime in Hillsborough, NC:
| In Hillsborough | In North Carolina |
| One in 30 | One in 45 |
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
Most property crimes reported in Hillsborough are related to theft, while most violent crimes reported in Hillsborough are robberies.
FAQs
Is Hillsborough, NC, a good place to live?
As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Hillsborough is a great place to call home, offering its residents a sparse suburban way of life.
Is Hillsborough, NC, growing?
Hillsborough is a growing city with a population of over 9,765. Welcoming many new residents and businesses to the area over the years, Hillsborough is a vibrant place to call home in North Carolina.
Is Hillsborough, NC, rural?
Found in Orange County, Hillsborough is considered a rural community about 18 minutes from Durham.
Moving to Hillsborough, NC - Final Thoughts
Whether you are considering a move to Hillsborough for its centralized location in the state or for a new work opportunity, this city has plenty to offer its residents, from beautiful real estate to an affordable cost of living.
Though Hillsborough may not be as talked about as moving to Raleigh and is often considered a rural area, it mostly comprises families with school-aged children, and most residents own their homes.
The schools are good, and the area has plenty of potential as it grows and expands. If you are moving to Hillsborough and are ready to start your home search, connect with the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us today.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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