Living in Chatham County, NC

Chatham County: From Overlooked to Key Player

Over 25 years ago, when I moved to Chatham County from downtown Chapel Hill it was a quiet, rural area, often unnoticed in the Triangle region’s media. It was never mentioned in weather forecasts or the local news. Lacking a large population center, it seemed hidden among neighboring counties like Orange, Durham, and Wake. But things have changed. The growth of the Triangle and new highways have thrust Chatham County into the spotlight.

Pittsboro

Pittsboro is the county seat of Chatham County and will be the site of major growth in the next 30 years. I’ve always loved Pittsboro for it’s local flavor and arts and music.

Downtown Pittsboro

The Epicenter of Growth: North Chatham

In 2006 someone added Developers Paradise to the Welcome to Chatham sign. I actually thought it was an official sign a first glance.

Now, North Chatham and Pittsboro, the county seat, are experiencing significant residential growth. These areas, especially around Jordan Lake, are becoming known for high-priced homes in the Triangle.

Mailing Address vs. Actual Residence

In Chatham County, where you get your mail and where you live can be different. When I moved to Chatham County in 2006, my address said Chapel Hill. The county line between Chapel Hill Town and Chatham County was significant. It determined schools, regulations, and taxes. It still does, though, perceptions have shifted. If your mailing address is Chapel Hill you feel you live in Chapel Hill even though it isn’t the town. The low tax rate in Chatham County is a big plus for being in Chatham.

My Move to Chatham

Jordan Lake at Farrington Point

I chose Chatham County for its strategic location and to be closer to the regions I serve in real estate. From here, Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs are just about 20 minutes away. The low taxes and scenic drives near Jordan Lake are a plus.

Planning for the Future: Cary and Chatham’s Joint Efforts

Cary adjoins Chatham County and some Cary properties are in Chatham with Chatham County Schools. Chatham and Cary are working together on a joint land plan. This partnership is crucial as Cary is known for its well-planned development, a factor in its popularity.

Green Planning in Chapel Hill and Beyond

Homes by Dickerson in Chatham Park

Over the last three decades, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Raleigh have been at the forefront of eco-friendly urban planning. Developers have been encouraged to adopt practices that favor compact housing and the preservation of natural spaces. Consequently, many new neighborhoods now feature smaller lots, ranging from 6,000 sq ft to a third of an acre, while ensuring ample green spaces are left untouched. It’s tough when clients ask for a quarter or half acre and a new home. It’s usually either very small or over an acre because that is required for a septic system.

Sewer Services Shaping Chatham’s Growth

The expansion of Chatham County has been closely tied to the availability of sewer services, which are primarily concentrated in Pittsboro City. Homes in areas without sewer access require septic systems, which need larger land parcels, typically over an acre, for the septic field. This has led to developments with spacious acre-plus lots. However, with new waste treatment technologies, like spray irrigation and community systems, high-density neighborhoods are emerging near attractions such as golf courses and parks. These developments feature smaller lots, so homebuyers in Chatham County can expect either large communities with small lots or smaller ones with acre-plus lots.

The Cost of Land in Chatham

In Chatham, homes on acre-plus lots typically exceed $800,000 due to the high cost of land. Homes under $800,000 are often either pre-1990s constructions on larger lots or newer constructions on smaller lots.

Jordan Lake: A Hub of Recreation and Conservation

The Multifaceted Role of Jordan Lake

Created in the late 1960s by the Army Corps of Engineers, Jordan Lake’s 46,768 acres serve multiple purposes. It’s not just a beloved recreational spot but also a crucial water source for neighboring cities, playing a key role in flood control, water quality, and wildlife conservation.

Recreation at Jordan Lake

One of 7 Jordan Lake Boat Ramps

Jordan Lake’s prime location and its nine recreation sites within the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is ideal for activities like boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and family outings. After a long day, residents often enjoy boating on the lake or fishing until sunset. With facilities for boat rentals and numerous storage options nearby, the lake is easily accessible. Notably, The Preserve at Jordan Lake, a nearby golf community, even offers its residents a dedicated boat storage lot.

Bird Watching and Wildlife

Wildlife

Jordan Lake is also a hotspot for bird watching enthusiasts. The area is especially renowned as one of the largest summertime habitats for the bald eagle, adding another unique aspect to this diverse and thriving natural environment.

Neighborhoods of Chatham County

This isn’t a list of all of the neighborhoods, but they are neighborhoods I have had personal experience with over the years.  Most of the neighborhoods listed are in the North Chatham area and some have a Chapel Hill address.

Bonterra:

Bonterra

Bonterra is located in Chatham County with a Chapel Hill address just a few miles from the town’s border. Built by Robuck Homes in 2022, the homes are on acre lots with prices just over 1 million dollars. Some floor plans have 2 kitchens, one for prep or catering and one to look pretty!

My husband actually thought the double kitchens were a good idea but he isn’t the cook in the family and I wouldn’t want to have to work in the prep kitchen to keep the show kitchen tidy!

Briar Chapel: Chapel Hill Address

Briar Chapel

This large, eco-friendly development of over 2000 homes offers a mix of homes, from townhouses to single-family homes. With 2 saltwater pools, a clubhouse, 20 miles of walking trails, commercial area, and neighborhood parks. It also has an elementary school, middle school, charter school, and Montessori school in the neighborhood area. The neighborhood opened in 2008 and is built out except for a few homes in the million+ price range.

One of the key reasons for its popularity is the wide range of home sizes and prices it offers. This diversity allows residents to have the flexibility to move up to larger homes or downsize to smaller ones as their needs evolve over time.

I’ve sold more homes in Briar Chapel than any other neighborhood except for neighborhoods that I was the listing agent and represented the builder. Most of my sales in Briar Chapel

Chapel Ridge: Chapel Hill address

A luxury golf community offering large, single-family homes, and beautiful views. It’s a very social neighborhood, and although it is kind of out in the country, residents like the more rural feel and find there is so much to do just staying in the neighborhood. 

Chatham Forest:

Located in Pittsboro, Chatham Forest is a community with a mix of home styles. Known for its quiet, residential streets, and walking distance to the Town of Pittsboro it is more affordable than the new homes in adjacent Chatham Park.

Chatham Park:

Chatham Park

This expansive development, spanning over 7000 acres, signifies a transformative undertaking currently underway in Pittsboro. The developers envision a diverse array of residential and commercial offerings within a thoughtfully planned, mixed-use community that integrates work, leisure, and residential living. Their inspiration points towards Reston, VA, a master-planned community celebrated for its balance of living, working, and recreational spaces. With a projected 30-year buildout timeline, Chatham Park is an ambitious project but I think it will do well especially since the developers developed much of Cary and know what they are doing. For more in depth information see my Chatham Park page.

Encore at Briar Chapel:

A distinct and inviting section of the larger Briar Chapel community, specifically designed for residents aged 55 and over. This age-restricted neighborhood comes with its own exclusive amenities, including a swimming pool and a clubhouse for social activities. David Weekley Homes built a range of floor plans to suit diverse lifestyles, all while promoting a sense of community and active living. With access to the broader Briar Chapel amenities and activities, Encore has been popular with my clients.

Fearrington Village:

Fearrington

This planned community is known for its English village-style design, complete with a village center. Home to the Fearrington House Inn, shops, and restaurants. The developer, RB Fitch, has been building around 25 homes a year since the1970’s, with new homes currently under construction. The English countryside charm of this village is always a pleasure to visit. Clients are surprised how large and wooded the development is. New homes are under construction and new phases are planned. I think the village lifestyle is the most popular reason buyers choose Fearrington.

Governors Club:

Governors Club

This is an upscale, gated community located on Edwards Mountain in Chatham County with Chapel Hill addresses. It’s known for its 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and beautiful custom homes, many with expansive views. Governors Club always leaves me amazed with its magnificent views. In the Fall, I don’t need to go to the mountains for Fall color, I just drive through Governors Club. 

Governors Forest:

Governors Forest

This community features large acre+ lots with homes on septic systems. It’s always interesting to see the large lots and unique homes in this community. Governors Village, Governors Park, Governors Forest and Governors Lake share amenities and covenants.

Governors Lake:

Governors Lake Townhomes

Frequently bundled with Governors Village listings, Governors Lake was built by M/I Homes in 2008 and 2009, wrapped around a quaint, small lake featuring peaceful walking paths. Townhomes In Governors Lake were built by Robuck Homes during the same time period.

Governors Park:

This neighborhood also gets included in Governors Village listings. Even though they are distinct neighborhoods, they share covenants and amenities. Governors Park began as a custom neighborhood and then was finished by M/I Homes.

Governors Village:

Distinguished by its charming white fencing around the homes, Governors Village stands out for its convenience and accessibility. It offers a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Part of the neighborhood was built in the 1990s, with a second wave of construction around 2007. I worked with a builder planning and marketing many homes in Governors Village.

Highland Forest:

Highland Forest House

This older late ’80s residential neighborhood is known for its large lots, wooded surroundings, big boulders, and single-family homes. The distinct natural aesthetics and homey vibe here always make it a pleasant experience for me. This was my daughters house in Highland Forest.

Horizon:

This large-lot neighborhood on the west side of Chatham County is notable for its spacious surroundings and rural feel. 

Legacy at Jordan Lake:

A gated, resort-style community located close to Jordan Lake. This neighborhood offers a mix of townhomes and single-family homes, with amenities like a pool, fitness center, and trails for hiking and biking. It’s famous for the giant waterfall at the gated entry.

Legend Oaks:

Nestled in Chatham County, yet with a Chapel Hill address, this neighborhood is a haven for nature lovers. Legend Oaks is known for its picturesque wooded lots, topography, and single-family homes situated on acre-plus lots, each equipped with septic systems. While the neighborhood lacks its own pool or amenities, it is conveniently located a few miles from Southern Chapel Hill Park. The balance of serene country living and proximity to Chapel Hill always strikes me as a great combination.

Polks Landing:

Located near Chapel Hill, Polks Landing is an established neighborhood reminiscent of Chatham Development, featuring 1970s single-family homes, some of which boast large, wooded lots and some of the lowest prices in the area.

Powell Place:

A planned community in Pittsboro, Powell Place offers a mix of housing options and has parks and walking trails for residents. I find its accessibility to Hwy 64, granting easy access to Raleigh and the RDU airport, to be a significant advantage.

Riverstone Estates:

This community features spacious lots and custom homes, offering residents a sense of privacy and tranquility. Set in a beautiful rural setting near Jordan Lake and with easy access to HWY 64, it has a rural country feel.

Stonecrest at Norwood:

Stonecrest is a lovely small residential neighborhood with acre plus lots custom single-family homes. Although it holds a Pittsboro address, it’s actually closer to Chapel Hill.

The Preserve at Jordan Lake:

Located near Jordan Lake, The Preserve is a neighborhood that always leaves a lasting impression with its luxury homes, golf course, pool, and fitness center. The lots are around a half acre in size, with custom style homes. Many homes have brick construction, adding a classic touch to the area. The downside is it is around 15 minutes to a grocery store,

Westfall:

Westfall area map

Situated near Chapel Hill, Westfall is an upscale development known for its large, custom-built homes and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The community is divided into three unique neighborhoods, each offering its own character and charm. I live in Westfall Pines.

• Westfall Woodlands: This neighborhood features spacious lots ranging from 1/3 to 1/2 acre, providing residents with ample space to enjoy their homes and the beautiful natural surroundings of Westfall. The wooded landscape creates a serene atmosphere that is perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

• Westfall Pines:

  

  Westfall soccer field before the storm

  Nestled within Westfall, the Pines neighborhood offers homes on 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots. Homes are a mixture of one and two story. There is always something going on in the soccer field. It is used for a variety of activities from adult exercising, tumbling, ball practice, toddler running around and of course, soccer.

• Westfall Estates:

  

  Westfall Estates

  This neighborhood is characterized by its generous lots of .75+ acres. The Estates is situated on a high ridge, offering breathtaking views and a topography that resembles a neighborhood in the mountains. Residents of Westfall Estates enjoy the exclusivity and privacy that comes with larger lot sizes, creating a sense of retreat and tranquility. Most homes have a first floor master bedroom and a first floor guest suite along with some rooms on the 2nd floor. Floor plans are open with large modern kitchens.

While each neighborhood in Westfall offers its own unique features, a paved walking path connects them all. This pathway leads from Westfall Woodlands, passing through Westfall Pines with its tot lot and soccer field, and continues across a charming wooden bridge to the pool in Westfall Estates. This cohesive design fosters a sense of community and allows residents to enjoy the amenities and natural beauty throughout Westfall.

Westfall walking path

Windfall:

Nestled near Jordan Lake, Windfall is a luxury community offering large, estate-style homes on sizable lots. It’s prided for integrating the homes with the stunning natural landscape of rolling hills and hardwood trees. 

Chatham County Neighborhoods with a Cary Address

Weycroft Reserve

Sequoia Creek

The Piazza at Stonewater

Montvale

Dunhill

Courtyards on O’Kelly

Carolina Preserve