Questions about Hillborough NC (Durham, Chapel Hill: chapel, houses, neighborhood)

[samsdad]

Hi,

My wife & I (and 9 yr old son) are giving serious thought to moving to Hillsborough NC. Can someone please tell me if there are certain parts of Hillsborough that have the best schools. And are certain sections of Hillsborough more desirable (well maintained properties, classy yet charming, etc.). We are planning to spend approx. 350K.

Thank you.

[rockinmomma]

are you looking for a development/neighborhood with newer homes and amenities, a country setting with homes further apart or a historic home?

IMHO, all of the schools seem to be good schools. The only difference in the districts really are the elementary schools. There are only 3 middle schools and two high schools.

Be aware that not all Orange County schools have Hillsborough addresses. I live in Hillsborough but have a Durham Address (Orange County, but mail comes from Durham post office), I have friends who live about 2 and a half miles away who have Chapel Hill addresses. There are no Hillsborough "city" schools, they all go to Orange County.

[BiggJoe4181]

There isn't too much development going on in Hillsborough. If you're looking for a single family home Churton Grove is probably going to be your best bet. There are 2 national homebuilders building in that neighborhood that are in the range you mentioned (i think).

Historic homes are going to be out of the question as most homes in the historic district of Hillsborough are going to run $500k-600k+.

If you are looking for a newer-ish resale home, Kenion Grove or the first phases of Churton Grove are a good place to look.

Rock is right about the schools. Hillsborough isn't a big town so all the schools are relatively close.

Good luck!

[sjdoh]

We have lived in Hillsborough since Aug 2009 and love it. The town has many different areas, some quite poor and others very exclusive. There are some schools that are better than others. Pathways, Cameron Park and Hillsborough Elementary are the elementary schools that seem to fair best in terms of scores and parents' opinions. Historic Hillsborough is lovely and the houses within walking distance to it are quite expensive, but they are full of character and really cool. You just don't get much for your money in terms of square feet and you have to be careful which school you are assigned to. Cameron Estates is a very nice neighborhood near the high school and middle school, currently assigned to Cameron Park though I heard they may move to Pathways. Churton Grove is great and is the only Hillsborough neighborhood with amenities like a community pool, tennis court, clubhouse etc. Kids in CG go to Cameron Park. Both of these developments will have homes in your price range. Some of the nicest homes in town are not in a designated development at all but sometimes that means you're on a busy street. Whichever way you go, 350K can get you a nice home in Hillsborough. Good luck!

[samsdad]

1) Are there sections of Hillsborough which are more desirable than others? Desirable as in well maintained properties, charming architecture of homes, etc.

2) Are there sections where the grammer schools have better standings and reputation?

Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[sll3454]

For the schools, you can look here:
District Search Results Page

[samsdad]

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to provide me with such valuable information. We're coming from out of state so this continues to greatly assist us in narrowing down specific areas. You are certainly a kind group.