Welcome to Orange County

Rural Orange County, NC: A Gem of a Place to Live

Orange County, North Carolina – home to Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough – is 3 1/2 hours from the coast and 3 1/2 hours from the mountains. Residents enjoy proximity to Durham, Raleigh and the Research Triangle and can avail themselves of any number of cultural, employment, entertainment, and shopping and sporting opportunities throughout the region. But the real gem is Orange County and its pastoral surroundings, historical significance, vibrant agricultural way of life, diverse population and friendly small town feel.

Founded in 1752, Orange County has played important roles in state and national history. In pre-Revolutionary War days, Hillsborough was one home to the Regulators, a band of men and women who fought against British oppression, helping to usher in the country’s fight for independence. Orange County is home to the first public university in the nation, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And for centuries before this, Orange County was a site for at least three successive Native American villages.

Hillsborough still boasts 100 late 18th and 19th century homes, churches and other structures. There are numerous secondary buildings, bridges, mill sites and dams lining the Eno River. And Native American relics from ancient villages span thousands of years. We embrace our history and enjoy sharing it with residents, visitors and newcomers alike.

As you explore the Orange County countryside, you’ll be amazed that many working farms still dot the green, rolling, some would say bucolic landscape. In central, southwestern Orange County, you’ll come across Maple View Farm. Owned and operated by a 5th generation dairy farmer who relocated here from Maine, the dairy produces delicious hormone-free milk and ice cream. These treats can be bought in Maple View’s own shops and in grocery stores throughout the Triangle. Out in western Orange County, towards Efland, you’lll see McAdams Farm. Established in 1885, the McAdams are famous for their pick-your-own strawberries, fresh-cut flowers, vegetables and their locally reared hormone-and antibiotic-free beef and lamb.

Due north of Hillsborough in Cedar Grove, you’lll find Whitted-Bowers Orchards, a biodynamic farm run by a 7th generation hometown gal and her husband. This new farm specializes in berries, grapes and heirloom melons. A little to the east in an area called Hurdle Mills, there’s Sunshine Lavender Farm. The family-owned and operated enterprise uses organic practices to develop unique, farm fresh lavender products for body, gifts and weddings.

All in all, Orange County has well over 100 working farms creating products that can be purchased on-site, at stores throughout the region or at local farmers markets. Add in the good number of businesses supporting the agricultural way of life and you’ll quickly see we’re invested in being close to the earth. Visit http://www.orangecountyfarms.org.

As with most rural areas, residential developments are popping up as well. These new neighborhoods are filling up with people moving in from farms and those looking for a slower pace of life you often associate with smaller towns.

Orange County’s connection with the land and its bounty, the history, the proximity to other places of interest, the wide variety of people and a warm welcome for all is what makes rural Orange County a great place to visit and live.


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