Hillsborough restaurants are well known for using locally grown ingredients, all the way down to refreshing local brews.
Hillsborough is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area, but it feels more like a hip small town that popped up in the middle of nowhere
Hillsborough restaurants are well known for using locally grown ingredients, all the way down to refreshing local brews.
Hillsborough is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area, but it feels more like a hip small town that popped up in the middle of nowhere. Residents take great pride not only in the history of the area -- the historic district is in the National Register of Historic Places and boasts more than 100 late eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings -- but also in a thriving art community and a collective environmental concern. The population of this 5.33 square mile community was 6,087 during the 2010 census, and it continues to grow. With a little something for everyone, from the urban foodie and art connoisseur to the environmentally conscious individual who desires a lot of green space, it is easy to see why.
From the historic district, which runs from the banks of the Eno River up to Corbin Street, to the bustling shopping and dining along Churton Street and the area's many parks and greenways, it won't be difficult to find the neighborhood which is right for you in Hillsborough. There are a few things to consider when moving to the area, but don't worry, as none of them are troublesome.
The Housing Menu
Just as the town has amenities to suit nearly every taste, housing options are varied to suit nearly every need. Your search for apartments in Hillsborough will turn up several full-service communities, with on-site pools and fitness centers, playgrounds and laundry facilities being the norm. Some even have private dog parks and fishing lakes on the property. The majority of rentals in these complexes are two bedroom apartments, but if you're looking for something smaller or larger, they have those, too. Home rentals are not as common, but they are available. You're as likely to find a mobile home as you are a standard construction, but many of these properties are newer, having been built after 2000, so you're not going to run into a lot of problem rentals. According to 2010 census data, 21.4 percent of the housing in Hillsborough are in multi-unit structures, so in addition to apartments, you'll find town homes, but not many duplexes for rent.
Renter Rewards
Apartment listings often come with incentives for renters in Hillsborough, so keep an eye out for deals. You may come across deals offering a discount on the first month's rent if you lease the same day you look, so if you have several places you want to see, visit those with these kinds of deals later in the day, after you've seen the other properties.
The Rental Application Process
If you've rented before, there aren't going to be any real surprises here. Just be prepared with references and be able to pass a criminal background check and a credit check, as well as provide proof of income. Many properties are pet friendly (and provide a dog park for your canine companion's enjoyment), but there are breed restrictions to be aware of when considering apartment complexes.
The neighborhoods in Hillsborough are roughly divided into three separate areas, with each having their own advantages and appeals. Be sure to see as many different properties in different areas to get a true feel for the best fit before you move in and sign on the dotted line.
Eno/Cabes Ford: This is the least densely populated area of Hillsborough, and runs from I-85 to the south up to around Old Mary's Road to the north. Eno River State Park takes up a lot of the land space, but also provides a lot of recreation like hiking, camping, canoeing and fishing.
City Center: This includes the historic district and the northern part of the main dining and shopping lane along Churton Street/Bus. 70. With restaurants like Panciuto (Italian for "pot-bellied") serving dishes which are a fusion of Southern traditional and Italian cuisine, along with many galleries and poetry readings at the local chocolate shop, this is the happening hot spot in town.
Orange Grove Road: Just to the south of Eno River and the historic district, the Orange Grove area boasts the continuation of great shopping and food on the south end of Churton Street, as well as being home to many of the area's apartment complexes including the popular Patriot's Point and Ashford Lakes communities. This area also puts you closest to I-85 and I-40 if you plan to commute out of Hillsborough to work. Gold Park and Occoneechee Mountain State Park are in this area, as well.
It might be easier to list the things you can't do in Hillsborough, as it is a very short list. About the only thing you won't find yourself doing is wishing there was some activity to participate in. The town celebrates on the last Friday of every month with a free concert series and an art walk, and there are regular Farm to Fork public picnic events during the season. To learn more about the town's history, take a guided walking tour through the historic district, or check out the recreated Occoneechee Indian Village along the Eno River. Or wander on your own down Churton Street, where you'll find Matthew's Chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth, as well as tons of specialty shops selling everything from yarn to jewelry.
For gourmet dining, Hillsborough can't be beat. Panciuto is the top-rated restaurant on Yelp, but it's followed closely by the Hillsborough BBQ Company on Nash Street. Radius Pizzeria and Pub is also a popular spot, but don't let the name fool you; besides the great pizza, they have signature paninis and homemade ravioli, as well as a special late-night menu and a weekend brunch including such unique items as the Cuban Pork Benedict.
After all that food, you'll probably want to get some exercise, and Hillsborough is built for the active resident. Miles of biking and walking trails snake through the area, with more in the works. The city received a Walk Score of 61, making it a somewhat walkable area, with some neighborhoods, especially those around the historic district, more walk-friendly than others. Hillsborough is on the cusp of being rated "highly bikeable" with a bike score of 68.
Getting out of town is easy, too, with Interstates 85 and 40 practically running right through town, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport a quick 30 minute drive away. But you won't want to get out of town once you settle into your new home and experience all that Hillsborough has to offer.
