7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Pittsboro, NC
September 07th, 2023
Living in Pittsboro
Do you know these seven things about moving to Pittsboro, NC? Find out what it's like living in Pittsboro, NC!
Are you moving to Pittsboro, North Carolina? With an estimated population of 4,592 people, Pittsboro is a relatively small town in Chatham County which happens to be the fastest-growing county in the state. It truly is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Known for its scenic rural environment and friendly neighbors, Pittsboro is a safe community in the Piedmont region. Considered a great place to live, enjoy walking around the town and basking in the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Since Pittsboro is so small, getting to know your neighbors and befriending other residents is an easy task.
If you are relocating to the area, check out the homes for sale in Pittsboro.
Attracting residents to the area for its North Carolinian humid subtropical climate expect warm summers with high humidity, mild winters, and moderate levels of rainfall. If you are relocating to the area for a job or simply want to move somewhere different, this moving guide was created with you in mind.
Before making the big leap to Pittsboro, knowing a little more about your new city will make the transition easier. With that being said, read on to learn more about the seven Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Pittsboro, North Carolina.
Here is what you need to know about life in Pittsboro, NC
Chapters
History of Pittsboro
Established in 1785, the Chatham County Courthouse was built on land owned by a man named Mial Scurlock. Recognized as the official county seat, Pittsboro was named after William Pitt the Younger, who was the son of the Earl of Chatham. Once considered as the location of the state's capital and the University of North Carolina, Pittsboro had a strong beginning as the center of trade and local government.
Bringing in farmers and visitors on the weekend for the trade of goods, Pittsboro started seeing more and more people come to the area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Pittsboro Historic District includes 131 buildings and 590 acres of land. The Chatham County Courthouse, the Hall-London House, and the Moore-Manning House are all historical sites listed on the register that can be visited today.
Pittsboro Is In a Great Location
Just south of Chapel Hill and 30 minutes away, Pittsboro is desired most for its prime location in the middle of North Carolina. Only a 40-minute drive to Raleigh, Durham, and Research Triangle Park, Pittsboro is centrally located next to big city centers and business hubs.
Close to nearby interstate highways, including North Carolina Highway 902 and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, residents can easily travel to and from Pittsboro to adjacent cities. Plus, only a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the mountains and a three-hour drive to the closest beach, Pittsboro is the perfect city for the avid adventurer and explorer. Instead of picking between the two, take frequent weekend getaways to Asheville, NC, and Wilmington, NC.
Since the city of Pittsboro is not big, one of the many benefits of living here is its low commute time. Researchers have found that with every extra minute added to your commute, both work and leisure time satisfaction is reduced.
With an average commute time of 30 minutes in Pittsboro, residents will have more time to relax and enjoy themselves. Living near big cities such as Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte have easy access to big-city amenities while still enjoying fewer crowds and less traffic.
The Economy is Thriving
Spearheading the manufacturing industry in its early years, textile mills located along the Haw River, Rocky River, and Deep River brought many jobs to the area. Constantly seeing steady economic growth, Pittsboro manages to prosper economically year after year, considering its small size.
While the area may only have roughly 4,592 residents, Pittsboro keeps a relatively low unemployment rate which is impressive. Compared to the national unemployment rate average of 3.8%, the unemployment rate in Pittsboro is only 3.4%.
A continuous leader in textile manufacturing and located near big business and technology companies in Research Triangle Park, Pittsboro has seen a growing trend in available job opportunities. Retail stores, commuter income, and a growing business in science and genetics are allowing for a diverse economy.
Pittsboro Is Great For Families
Considered one of the best places to raise a family in North Carolina, living in Pittsboro will allow your kids to grow and flourish in a safe community. Not only is this town quiet and quaint, but it is family-oriented.
Since so many families live in Pittsboro, your own children will be able to make friends quickly. With so many things to do centered around the family in the area, spend time at a historical museum or state park. Famous for being the home of the Carolina Tiger Rescue, visit this refuge for tigers and exotic cats. By taking a tour, your family will learn all about these beautiful animals and the rescue's impact on animal preservation.
If you want to learn about the local history of Pittsboro, then make sure to check out the Chatham County Historical Museum. Found in the Chatham County Courthouse, explore exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Chatham County in this restored historical site.
Or, if you want to spend time outside, explore the Lower Haw River State Natural Area. This 1,025-acre state park is just south of Jordan Lake and is great for fishing, kayaking, and nature photography. Bring the family out for a day on the river or hike the 7.3-mile Lower Haw River Trail.
The Real Estate Market Can Be Competitive
With a cost of living 2% higher than the national average, Pittsboro is a relatively affordable place to live. Since families and young business owners are starting to discover the benefits of living in Pittsboro, the demand for housing is on the rise.
Surprisingly, the housing market can be a bit competitive. In July 2023, housing prices were down 9.86% compared to last year. The most popular homes usually sell about 2% above their original listing price. While some homes get multiple offers, if you are looking at buying a home in Pittsboro, then make sure to enlist the help of our team of knowledgeable local Realty Specialists.
When searching for real estate, keep an open mind and first consider what property type will best suit you and your family. Featuring mostly newly constructed single-family homes, ranch-style homes, and condominiums, there is a house in Pittsboro to fit every lifestyle.
Pittsboro Likes to Drink Wine
Did you know that Pittsboro is actually home to multiple wineries? Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, visiting the wineries in Pittsboro is a must-do. One of the top wineries in the area is called Starrlight Mead. Specializing in award-winning mead and honey wine, this winery sells multiple flavors of mead, from blackberry to spiced apple, made from honey, water, and fermented yeast. Open for tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and classes on how to make your own mead at home, Starrlight Mead is different from any other winery.
Fair Game Beverage Company Wine and Spirits is offering more than just wine. Known as North Carolina's 13th legal distillery, this wine and beverage company is creating craft beers, wines, ciders, and strong spirits. Open for tastings and tours, Fair Game serves vodka and barrel-aged spirits, including rum and brandy. Make sure to sample the Apple Brandy and the Amber Rum. Serving a nice selection of red and white wine ranging from dry to sweet, wine can be purchased on-site. Even offering a wine cocktail program, visiting this beverage company is perfect for a date night or gathering with friends.
Crime Rate
Raleigh is a safe place to live, so it is no surprise that Pittsboro is too. Living in Pittsboro is relatively safe, but there are still some safety concerns. Considered to be safer than 37% of other neighborhoods in the United States, Pittsboro is a good place to raise children.
Here are Pittsboro's annual crime rates:
| Violent Crime | Property Crime | Total Crime | |
| Number of Crimes | 3 | 59 | 62 |
| Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents | 0.65 | 12.85 | 13.50 |
Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Pittsboro vs. the rest of North Carolina:
| Crime Type | Pittsboro | North Carolina |
| Violent Crime | one in 1,531 | one in 232 |
| Property Crime | one in 78 | one in 45 |
*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout.
Pros and cons of Moving to Pittsboro, NC
Pros:
- Diversity
- Affordable housing
- Proximity to Raleigh
- Thriving economy
- Comfortable weather
- Fun things to do
- Rich history
- Family-friendly
- Access to wineries
Cons:
- Not very commuter friendly
- Not very trendy
FAQs
Here are some common questions about moving to Pittsboro, NC.
Is Pittsboro, NC, a good place to live?
Offering a family-friendly and tight-knit community feel, Pittsboro is a great place to live near Raleigh for its small-town charm and top-rated amenities.
Why move to Pittsboro, NC?
Pittsboro is one of the best suburbs in Raleigh that provides a sparse suburban feel, affordable housing, rich history, family-friendly amenities, job opportunities, and a safe community.
Moving to Pittsboro, NC - The Bottom Line
Home to more than 1,100 farms, a growing number of small businesses, and a great education system through Chatham County Public Schools, Pittsboro is a wonderful place to call home. Though the city may be small, Pittsboro is an up-and-coming area full of opportunities. No matter where your interests lie or what you like to do, Pittsboro is waiting for you. With a rich history and only steps away from busy city life, contact us today to help you find the home of your dreams in this laid-back community!
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Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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