The Town of Carrboro

Carrboro, a distinct town that seamlessly blends with Chapel Hill, is known for its vibrant and eclectic community. The neighborhoods in Carrboro offer a unique blend of history, charm, and character, all underlined by an influential tech and medical scene due to its proximity to UNC-Chapel Hill. The school district in Chapel Hill/Carrboro is often celebrated as one of the best in the state, making it an attractive choice for families.

Carrboro and Chapel Hill aren’t visually distinct towns. If you are new to the area you will need the signs to tell when one starts and the other stops. Carrboro is just a little to the left.

Carrboro was a mill town so there are lots of little houses right in town by the renovated Carr Mill. Some are charming, some are funky. They all have big price tags and are considered cool. Clients who love Carrboro often ask for a walkable home. 

The Best Neighborhoods in Carrboro

While the many of the neighborhoods in Carrboro are generally more typically suburban compared to the in-town areas, the closer you get to the town center, the more you’ll experience the unique Carrboro vibe. Here are some of my favorite neighborhoods in Carrboro that offer a mix of desirable features, some with a neighborhood pool, and a distinct sense of community:

Lake Hogan Farms:

This neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes and scenic 95 acres of open space, including a picturesque lake, pool, tennis and basketball courts. It offers a suburban feel with larger properties and amenities like walking trails and community events. Lake Hogan Farms has a Chapel Hill address but is in the municipal area of Carrboro.

Claremont:

Located near the Carrboro-Chapel Hill border, Claremont offers a mix of single-family homes built by Zinn Design/Build and townhouses. It features a well-planned community with green spaces, playgrounds, and a clubhouse.

Winmore:

Winmore is a new old neighborhood with more narrow lots than Claremont that blends traditional architecture with modern amenities. It emphasizes walkability and fosters a close-knit community through walking trails and pool.

Sunset Creek:

Situated a couple of miles from downtown Carrboro, Sunset Creek has 64 homes and was built in the 90’s by local custom builders. There is a playground, pool and clubhouse.

Wexford:

Wexford is a family-friendly neighborhood that features a variety of housing styles, from townhouses to larger homes. It offers amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, and walking trails.

Cates Farm:

Known for its spacious homes and large lots, Cates Farm offers a more rural feel while still being close to Carrboro amenities. The half acre lots provide  a peaceful and private setting, ideal for those seeking a retreat-like atmosphere. Walking distance to Mc Dougle Elementary and Middle Schools are a big plus.

Bolin Creek:

Bolin Creek is a neighborhood situated near Bolin Creek Trail, a popular outdoor recreational area. Wooded lots and Carrboro style homes  focus on nature and outdoor activities.

Roberson Place:

This highly walkable neighborhood is located within close proximity to downtown Carrboro and Weaver Street Market. It features mostly single-family homes, allowing residents to enjoy the town’s vibrant culture and entertainment without having to use a car.

Quarterpath Trace:

Quarterpath Trace is a small, secluded 90’s neighborhood that offers a tranquil setting with it’s flowering tree lined streets. It is characterized by homes in the 2200 sq to 3000 sq ft size range and wooded surroundings, providing a sense of privacy and serenity.

Parkslope:

Parkslope is another walkable neighborhood known for its proximity to downtown Carrboro. It is a clustered style of pocket neighborhood fitting into the Carrboro setting.

What you will like about living in Carrboro

Dining:

Thai food in Carrboro

Carrboro, and adjacent Chapel Hill have lots of great restaurants that offer a global culinary journey. You can savor farm-to-table creations at Acme Food & Beverage Co., indulge in delicious sandwiches at Neal’s Deli, or enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria Mercato.  For those who enjoy Asian flavors, the Lantern Restaurant is in Chapel Hill,  serves mouth-watering Asian cuisine with a Southern twist. I love to go to Oak Leaf for more upscale dining and my favorite Thai restaurant is Thai Station. 

Local Markets:

The Carrboro Farmers’ Market is a beloved community event that takes place year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This market is producer-only, which means everything is sourced within a 50-mile radius. It’s a popular spot to buy fresh, local produce, dairy products, meats, baked goods, and even artisan crafts. I like to go at different times in the morning to see who is an early riser and who just rolled out of bed at noon.

Events and Festivals:

Carrboro hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, adding to its vibrant community life. The Carrboro Music Festival, a free two-day event, offers live music performances across various genres, attracting artists and music lovers alike. I usually sit outside at Glass Half Full and dig into french fries along with a draft beer. The Carrboro Film Fest is another popular event that showcases the talents of local and national filmmakers. Then there’s the annual Carrboro Day on the first Sunday in May, which includes a wealth of activities like poetry readings, live music, and interactive field games.

Outdoor Activities:

There are nearly a dozen parks in Carrboro, with facilities like playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and picnic areas. The Carolina North Forest and the Bolin Creek Greenway trail offer miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking, fostering a healthy, active lifestyle.

Education:

Carrboro falls under the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) district, which is consistently ranked among the top school districts in North Carolina. CHCCS operates three high schools, four middle schools, and eleven elementary schools, with a graduation rate of 90.1% .

Arts and Culture:

Carrboro is known for its rich arts scene. The ArtsCenter in Carrboro is a community hub for classes, exhibits, and performances. Years ago I took classes at The Arts Center and learned how to produce and edit videos for my real estate business.

The Carrboro Art Walk is a recurring event where local artists display their work at various venues throughout town.

Public Transportation:

Carrboro is served by Chapel Hill Transit, the second-largest transit system in North Carolina, offering fare-free bus service throughout Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

New Construction in Carrboro:

New construction is rare in Carrboro because the town is fully developed. It is possible that a new home or two will come on the market on an infill lot but the last couple that have sold have been in the million dollar, 2600 sq. ft. range . Read my guild to building a new home in case an undeveloped lot comes on the market.

I’ve lived in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro area for many years and my children went to the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools. With my local knowledge of Carrboro, I am confident that I can help you navigate the local real estate market, understand the unique culture and vibe of each neighborhood, and ultimately find a home that is the perfect match for your lifestyle and values.