The Vitals
Hillsborough by the Numbers
9,778
Population (2025 est.)
$98,163
Median Household Income
$460,100
Median Home Value
42.5
Median Age
Who Calls Hillsborough Home
- 75.2% White · 8.2% Black · 8.2% Hispanic/Latino · 2.8% Asian · 10.8% two or more races
- 61.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher
- A highly educated, older-skewing small town.
Cost & Economy
- •Median gross rent: $1,368
- •Population growth since 2020: +1.3%
- •Homeownership rate: 63.8%
Source: Census QuickFacts, ACS 2020–24 and V2025 estimates.
Welcome to Hillsborough
Orange County's historic seat sits on the Eno River between Durham and Chapel Hill. It is a walkable small town of brick sidewalks, 18th-century buildings, galleries and a strong local food scene.
A Brief History
Established in 1754 as Orange County’s seat at the Eno River crossing of the Great Indian Trading Path, the town took the name Hillsborough in 1766. It was a major colonial and Revolutionary-era political center, hosting provincial and constitutional meetings (Town of Hillsborough; Visit Hillsborough).
Why Locals Love It
- •Walkable historic downtown on Churton & King streets
- •Eno River, Riverwalk and Occoneechee Mountain on the doorstep
- •Average commute is 21.7 minutes (ACS), with I-85/I-40 to Durham and Chapel Hill
The Neighborhoods
Historic District
Pre-1900 homes and cottages within walking distance of Churton St.
Waterstone & South Hillsborough
Newer subdivisions south of downtown toward I-40.
Rural Orange County
Acreage and farms surrounding town.
Where to Live
Mix of historic homes, 1990s–2020s subdivisions and acreage.
Search Hillsborough homes with Long & Foster →Development & Growth
Growth is steady but moderate. The town has an active planning department for downtown and the US-70/I-85 corridor; see hillsboroughnc.gov.
Education
Orange County Schools
200 E King St
919-732-8126 · orangecountyfirst.com
- Orange High School · 919-732-6133
- Cedar Ridge High School · 919-245-4000
Some addresses near Chapel Hill fall in Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools — confirm by address.
Dining in Hillsborough
Antonia's
Italian in a historic downtown building.
101 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Serratore's
Italian-American bar and restaurant.
112 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Bakeshop & Pasta
Downtown bakery and fresh pasta.
110 S Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Pueblo Viejo
Mexican restaurant on South Churton.
370 S Churton St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Health, Fitness & Wellness in Hillsborough
Last reviewed: Oct 2026.
Gyms & Full-Service Clubs
Yoga & Pilates
Recreation
Outdoor Fitness
Riverwalk greenway along the Eno; Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area; Occoneechee Speedway Trail.
Events & Venues
Hog Day
Long-running barbecue festival at River Park, 114 E Margaret Ln (2026: Sept 18–19).
hogday.org →Ayr Mount Historic Site
Federal-style early-19th-century plantation house with the Poet's Walk trail.
Things to Do
- •Hike Occoneechee Mountain
- •Walk the Riverwalk and the Occoneechee Speedway Trail (historic NASCAR track)
- •Start at the Visitors Center: 150 E King St · 919-732-7741 ·
Upcoming Events
November–December 2026. Dates checked Oct 26, 2026; confirm with the organizer before you go.
Top 10 Highly Rated Restaurants (November 2026)
Google Maps ratings read Oct 27, 2026. Hours and ratings change, so check before you go.
- 1Big Bob's City Grill4.7★ · 1,125 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
584 Cornelius St, Hillsborough, NC
919-732-2953 - 2Samantha's Pupusas4.7★ · 771 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
117 Cornelius St, Hillsborough, NC
919-685-7059 - 3
- 4The Nomad At The Osbunn4.6★ · 334 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
122 W King St, Hillsborough, NC
984-217-0179 - 5Wooden Nickel Pub4.6★ · 1,761 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
113 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC
919-932-0134 - 6
- 7The House at Gatewood4.6★ · 272 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
300 US-70 East, Hillsborough, NC
919-241-4083 - 8
- 9Antonia's Restaurant4.4★ · 796 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
101 N Churton St, Hillsborough, NC
919-643-7722 - 10Hillsborough BBQ Company4.4★ · 1,690 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
236 S Nash St, Hillsborough, NC
919-732-4647
Thinking about this neighborhood?
Ryan can answer specific questions about schools, commutes, pricing, and what life is really like here.
Getting Settled in Hillsborough
- •The town provides water/sewer inside town limits; rural addresses are often on wells and septic. Check before you buy.
- •Downtown properties may fall in the local historic district; ask town planning about design review before you renovate.
Municipal Contacts
Orange County
Ryan Ball
Long & Foster
Ryan Ball is a REALTOR® with Long & Foster serving buyers and sellers across the Triangle. He specializes in helping people relocate to the area and find the right neighborhood for their lifestyle.