Orange County, NC | Land for Sale and Real Estate Information. Located in the larger North Carolina Capitol metro area among the rolling hills of the central Piedmont, is home to historic Hillsborough, its county seat, and
UNC-Chapel Hill, the nation’s oldest public university. Because of its prime location and access to airports, major highways, and the Research Triangle Park, many people prefer the more suburban lifestyles Orange County can offer. Over the last several years, the number of acres per individual landowner has retreated about 12%, and some large pieces of property have been sold off completely to make way for a growing local population. The number of people permanently residing in the county total approximately 135,000, keeping it more rural than urban.
Just 10 minutes from Duke University, this land for sale in Orange County, NC is an example of the wooded areas still available for horse farms, subdivisions, or hunting and recreation.
Orange County NC Land for Sale and the Real Estate Industry:
One other factor working in the favor of land owners and investors in the area is the recent recession. Within the past few years some property owners who sold their land or farm to real estate developers have turned around and repurchased the farm for half of what they sold it, helping local land owners who want to return their land to at least some farming operations to do so. In light of recent trends in organic farming, placing priority on local produce, and the popularity of farmer’s markets, several once-urbanites have quite literally bought the farm – and are making it pay off in a big way. Many local restaurants have joined up with the Orange County, NC’s Cooperative Extension as “eat local” supporters, meaning that they buy at least a portion of their produce from local farmers. (For a list of Orange County restaurants who support the “eat local” initiative, visit the County’s government web site which hosts this list here:
Please take a look at our farm and ranch inventory and Land for Sale in Orange County NC here on our farm for sale tab. Call us today if you might need help with your property search. Here is a recent property we just sold in Orange County with 94 acres.
Hillsborough
Ask most residents of Hillsborough what they value most about their unique town, and chances are they’ll say “there’s just no other place like it!” With an active art scene, beautiful outdoor recreational areas (Eno River State Park, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area) and a variety of mouthwatering food and beverage options, Hillsborough is one of the most interesting communities in the Triad/Triangle area as well as a very desirable place to live. In this quintessential walking town, more than a hundred well-preserved buildings are located within just a few square blocks in the downtown historic district, while the popular Riverwalk Greenway, paralleling the Eno River from Gold Park to the Occoneechee Speedway grounds, adds even more incentive to explore in an already charming area. Several events throughout the year – concert series, artwalks, garden tours and the annual Hog Day BBQ Festival mean there is always something to do, see or taste here. Interestingly, Hillsborough is also known as one of the nation’s most literary towns; many of the state’s most prolific writers and artists reside here.
Carrboro
It isn’t always easy to determine where exactly Chapel Hill ends and Carrboro picks up in the overall Chapel Hill-Carrboro metro area, with roads, greenways and neighborhoods flowing smoothly from one town into the other, but over the past few decades Carrboro has developed its own very distinct personality as a crafty, progressive community with a diverse population and some of the highest-rated schools in the state. The town’s vibrant – and entirely farmer-run – farmer’s market, multiple music and art venues, and popular annual events including the Carrboro Music Festival, Carrboro Film Festival and NC Comedy Arts Festival draw thousands of visitors to the area, while free parking and public transportation downtown encourage the community to enjoy farm-to-table dining, historic walking tours, 2nd Friday ArtWalk activities and unique galleries on and around Carrboro’s colorful Main Street year-round. Several parks, including the impressive, multi-use Anderson Community Park and stunning 27-acre Adams Tract hiking area, as well as countless greenways, bike paths and other recreational facilities offer outdoor fun for all ages. Housing options range from apartments to luxury new-home neighborhoods to over-55 active adult communities.
Durham
North Carolina’s “Bull City” was still producing Bull Durham smoking tobacco as recently as 1988, when the American Tobacco Company went out of business, retiring the iconic 130-year old brand. Today, the American Tobacco Campus is a one-of-a-kind arts, dining, sports and entertainment complex that comprises the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham Performing Arts Center, Powerplant gallery and theater, and a diverse range of shops and restaurants appealing to young and old, families and professionals alike. World famous, historic Duke University is located here as well as liberal arts-based North Carolina Central University and Research Triangle Park, or RTP – one of the largest and most diverse research parks in the U.S. Durham’s focus on development in the world of technology and life sciences has brought about tremendous economic growth over the past decades; today the city consistently ranks among the top tech hubs in the U.S. Although the median price for a home within the city hovers between $250-300,000, there are plenty of affordable communities within a reasonable driving distance, including nearby Brier Creek, Gorman, and Bethesda.
Chapel Hill
Quaint, historic Chapel Hill, largest town in Orange County, has a unique “hometown” but progressive feel that ranks it among the most thriving college towns in the U.S. With almost 20,000 undergrads and 4,000 faculty and staff, the 225-year old University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill oldest public university in the nation and UNC Health Care system form the basis of Chapel Hill’s economy. Art enthusiasts here enjoy several modern and contemporary art galleries UNC’s Ackland Art Museum and community-based FRANK Gallery included as well as over 30 distinctive outdoor murals throughout the Chapel Hill and neighboring Carrboro regions. The North Carolina Botanical Garden and world-class Morehead Planetarium and Science center attract nature-lovers from far and wide, while foodie- and history-based walking tours appeal to just about everyone. Housing prices tend to be a bit higher here in this low-crime area with top-rated schools and proximity to Jordan Lake and Falls Lake recreational areas, but the quality of life is very high, and Chapel Hill remains one of the best places to live in the state.
Efland
This pretty town of under 1,000, close neighbor to both Hillsborough and Mebane, is ideally situated for those commuting to either Durham or Chapel Hill, both just a 20 minute drive away. Efland’s Tanger Outlets and several casual dining options make the area appealing to families and retired folks, too. Neighborhoods here are safe and affordable, schools are highly rated, and the town’s Ruritan Club hosts several annual activities, including a 4th of July parade, rodeo, and various holiday events. Outdoorsmen will enjoy hunting for deer, turkeys and waterfowl at the nearby Foxwood Plantation; fishing at Orange-Alamance Lake, Kings Holiday Park and Seven Mile Creek Natural Area; and kayaking, canoeing and camping at the Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center and Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area.
