Bingham offers country living between Chapel Hill and Mebane
Bingham’s sweeping farmland and dense forests belie how close it is to bustling urban areas, but residents of this stretch of Orange County are within 20 miles of Durham , Chapel Hill and Mebane. Natalie Shaw, a Realtor with Inhabit Real Estate who has more than 10 years of experience, says the township’s secluded yet connected location is what appeals most to homebuyers. “It’s for people who are looking for more privacy, large lots, even the ability to do some farming or keep animals, but still have easy access to neighboring towns.” Eight-year Realtor Cindi Honeycutt, with Movil Realty, agrees. “There are some places that have a real farm feel, whereas others are more comfortably suburban. It’s all very secluded, though. People like Bingham because it’s close enough to commute to the bigger cities in the region, but it’s a lot quieter and very lush.”
Secluded Orange County homes, from farmhouses to luxury properties
Miles of dense woodland and patches of farmland surround Bingham’s single-family homes that rest on winding rural roads. Modest manufactured and ranch-style homes dot the township, along with classic Colonial Revivals, New Traditional homes and angular contemporary designs. Farmhouses often offer multiple acres of land. Most houses range from around $280,000 to $665,000. However, luxury and large-acreage properties start around $710,000 and can reach nearly $2 million. Manufactured homes cost between $200,000 and $445,000. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Risk Index, Orange County has a moderate risk of riverine flooding, landslides, tornadoes and heat waves.
Above-average public schools and three universities nearby
Orange County Schools earns a B-plus overall rating from Niche. The district has around 6,900 students and 13 schools, a few of which are magnet and choice schools. Students in Bingham can attend the B-minus-rated Grady Brown Elementary, the B-rated A.L. Stanback Middle and the A-minus-rated Cedar Ridge High. The high school is home to the district’s International Baccalaureate Programme. There are three universities within about 20 miles of Bingham: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina Central University.
Outdoor activities include boating at the Cane Creek Reservoir
Outdoorsy folks appreciate the dense greenery and sparkling waters of the Cane Creek Reservoir tucked into the Bingham countryside. The lake, which is open seasonally, is stocked with sunfish and bass. Boat rentals are available, so visitors need only bring their fishing poles and tackle boxes. The Haw River rushes through the township’s southwest corner. Kayaks and canoes can launch from the paddle access at Union Bridge. According to AmericanRivers.org, the Haw River is the most popular whitewater paddling river in the region, and offers both rapids and gentle waters. Bald eagles, blue herons and otters are frequently spotted near the waterfront, drawing birders and other wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding region offers more adventure, from hiking to Orange County’s highest point at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area to disc golf and ballgames at Henry Anderson III Community Park in Carrboro.
Mebane offers boutique shopping, local restaurants and outlet stores
There’s not much in the way of shopping in Bingham proper, so most residents head to Mebane for everyday needs. The city has several grocery stores, including Lowes Foods, as well as a popular mall, the Tanger Outlets, which has dozens of name-brand and designer outlet stores. National chain restaurants are scattered nearby. Local flavor is available in downtown Mebane, where historic brick buildings are home to boutiques, bars and restaurants. At the Curious Peddler, shoppers can browse for furniture, vintage jewelry and unique gifts. Bright Penny Brewing is a popular spot for craft beer. Down the street, 2 Twelve Seasonal Kitchen & Bar serves up elevated American fare. Residents can head to Carrboro and Chapel Hill for live music and to watch the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels play football and basketball.
A night of family-oriented fun at the White Cross Tractor Pull
For nearly 30 years, the White Cross Tractor Pull has brought crowds to White Cross Recreation Center in Bingham. Held annually in mid-August, the thrilling and family-friendly event features various heats of tractor and truck pulls down a short clay track. A kids’ competition is one of the most highly anticipated parts of the event. The rec center, owned and operated by a local nonprofit, also offers youth sports programs and summer camps for volleyball and basketball.
Nearly traffic-free commuting west of the Research Triangle
Bingham is a car-dependent community with access to Interstate 40 and state Highway 54, which both lead to destinations around the Research Triangle, including the region's various UNC Hospitals and Cone Health facilities. “UNC, Duke and the Duke Hospital are the big things around here in terms of what people are looking for proximity to, commute-wise,” Shaw says. She adds that a large part of Bingham’s appeal to homebuyers is that traffic is typically light on this side of Chapel Hill. “You can hop on Interstate 40 and get to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport pretty easily, too.” The airport is less than 30 miles away. Go Triangle buses serve commuters around the region, but there are no bus stops within Bingham.
