From quaint North Carolina railroad town to growing business hub
Deep in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, the small city of Burlington sits nearly halfway between the corporate hub of Greensboro and the higher education center of Durham. This former railroad town, founded in 1857, has always been a crossroads community connected to larger urban centers. Despite its small size, Burlington hosts the headquarters of one of the world’s largest clinical laboratory networks and the headquarters for a top producer of airplane engines. Its thriving business community and historic Main Street create a close-knit feel that brings together its population of just under 60,000. “North Carolina is booming, especially in our region,” says Jim Butler, the Mayor of Burlington. “More people move here every day, and the city of Burlington is investing in the services, the infrastructure, and the amenities that appeal to our growing population.”
Burlington’s rich history has contributed to its trendy nature, attracting young professionals to move into a city with competitive housing prices and a long-established performing arts scene. “The proximity to recreational areas, as well as the small-town atmosphere, its central location to access the area and cost of living, are all reasons individuals continue to seek Burlington,” says Grace VandeVisser, the Executive Director of the Alamance County Visitors Bureau.
Burlington's rich history features its past role as a train depot stop.
Burlington folks can enjoy many fun events held downtown.
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Historic homes, midcentury styles and suburban builds between Greensboro and Durham
Burlington’s long history is displayed through its wealth of housing options. The oldest neighborhood, Downtown Burlington, features Victorians, bungalows and American Foursquares from the early 1900s. Colonial Revivals and New Traditional designs from the 1960s through today fill the many subdivisions of West Burlington, while midcentury brick ranch-style homes can be found throughout East Burlington.
Home prices in the city are up 6%. The median price of around $280,000 is nearly half the national median of roughly $406,000. The market is moving at an average pace, with homes typically selling after 45 days, compared to the national average of 44 days.
Burlington experiences four distinct seasons. While winters are mild, summers bring thunderstorms and the chance of hurricanes.
Downtown Burlington features many renovated homes.
You can find traditional style homes with large lawns in Burlington.
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Local shops line Main Street, national retailers at Holly Hill Mall
Burlington’s historic Main Street is lined with early 20th-century brick storefronts housing boutiques stocked with used books, antiques and unique gifts. The Burlington Downtown Amphitheater anchors this lively district where residents dine at longtime establishments like Zach’s Hot Dogs and meet friends over a drink at Burlington Beer Works. Various brand-name outlets fill Holly Hill Mall and Business Center, the city’s only indoor shopping center. The Burlington Outlet Village, the state’s first outlet mall, sits just off Interstate 40.
There are many dining and shopping options in Downtown Burlington.
Burlington readers head to Persnickety Books downtown.
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Renovating the historic Paramount Theater
From the Burlington Boys Choir to the Alamance Fine Arts Academy, Burlington loves the stage. In the city’s heart is the historic Paramount Theater. Dating to the late 1920s, the Art Deco venue has had a front-row seat to Downtown Burlington’s revitalization, entertaining audiences with musicals, plays and film screenings. Mayor Pro Tem Harold Owen says a planned renovation will turn the theater into a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Local musicians often brighten the atmosphere of community events, including the city’s biggest annual gathering, the Burlington Carousel Festival. Held over two days, it celebrates the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel at Burlington City Park with rides, performances and an artisan alley.
The historic Paramount Theater in Burlington is a centerpiece of the city's love for the stage, dating back to the late 1920s.
Burlington families love the many local outdoor events.
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Family fun at Burlington City Park, Burlington Sportsplex coming coon
Burlington and Alamance County offer a range of places to relax outside, learn about history and take on adventure. Neighborhood parks dot the city, but Burlington City Park is intertwined with everyday life. Resting over a mile west of downtown, it taps into nostalgia with old-fashioned rides, including a carousel and a miniature train. Burlington Athletic Stadium in Fairchild Park, lovingly called "Sockville," hosts the Burlington Sock Puppets, a summer collegiate team in the Appalachian League.
The Haw River and Lake Mackintosh offer water-based recreation. Farther out, the Alamance Battleground State Historic Site attracts hikers and history buffs. It’s where an uprising against the British colonial governor took place in 1774, serving as a precursor to the American Revolution. Cedarock Park offers a variety of outdoor experiences, and the highest peak east of Greensboro is approximately 12 miles away at Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area.
Plans are underway to build the Burlington Sportsplex on the city’s rapidly growing western side. Mayor Pro Tem Harold Owen says the indoor facility will be a regional destination for sports tournaments. He also says a project at Maynard Aquatics Center will enclose the pool, making it year-round.
Burlington fishermen can cast a line from the banks at Red Slide Park.
Burlington's Fairchild Park, "Sockville," hosts the summer collegiate team Burlington Sock Puppets in the Appalachian League.
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College-focused education and Elon University nearby
The Alamance-Burlington School System, which sports a B overall rating from Niche, serves the entire city. This district, recognized for its strong diversity and athletics programs, is home to the A-rated Alamance-Burlington Early College at Alamance Community College. The school’s Early College focus allows students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.
The private Elon University is roughly 4 miles from Burlington’s city center in Elon. The university enrolls more than 7,200 students and consistently ranks as the top school for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.
Western Alamance High School serves Burlington and the surrounding area.
Western Middle School caters to Burlington and its nearby region.
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Commuting around the Piedmont Triad, Burlington’s big employers
Interstate 40 slices through Burlington’s southside for the roughly 25-mile commute to Greensboro and the 35-mile drive to Durham. Link Transit serves the city, stopping at destinations such as Alamance Regional Medical Center. Piedmont Area Regional Transit buses provide rides to cities around the Triad, and Amtrak trains stop in the city center. While Burlington Alamance Regional Airport serves small planes, commercial flights take off from Piedmont Triad International Airport, about 35 miles away.
City leaders have prioritized Making Burlington bike- and pedestrian-friendly. In 2020, the first phase of the Burlington-Elon Greenway/Bikeway was completed. When finished, it will stretch from the city center to downtown Elon. Several other greenways are in the works, and a recently approved bond will improve the sidewalks and streets downtown.
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, a major healthcare company typically shortened to Labcorp, has its headquarters in Downtown Burlington and is the county’s largest employer. Other notable companies, like the sock-making Gold Toe Brands and airplane engine producer Honda Aero, are also based in Burlington. One of the city’s claims to fame is the family-owned Biscuitville, which started in town in 1966 as Mountainbrook Fresh Bread & Milk and is now a regional fast-food chain.
Crime rates above state and national averages
According to FBI data, violent crime in Burlington increased by nearly 5% from 2022 to 2023, while property crime dipped by less than 2% in that same time frame. Statistics show Burlington’s crime rates remain above state and national figures. In 2022, the Burlington Police Department laid out a strategic plan to improve its policing techniques. These measures included providing an online reporting tool, cooperating with local agencies and providing more training for officers.
On average, homes in Burlington, NC sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Burlington, NC over the last 12 months is $396,473, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
With a real estate career spanning back to 1996, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through countless market cycles. My journey began with over a decade in property management, building a foundational understanding of diverse real estate needs. This led to 5 successful years as a Broker-in-Charge, where I had the honor of leading and mentoring a dynamic team of 19 agents. My commitment to excellence has been recognized with the eXp ICON Award 3 years running, and I'm proud to have successfully navigated over 900 real estate transactions in North Carolina since 2014.
I'm incredibly excited to now share this passion with my son, Michael, who grew up immersed in the industry and is now my trusted business partner. Together, we bring a unique blend of experience, expertise, and family values to every client we serve.
Beyond real estate, I cherish time with family and friends. I've also dedicated nearly two decades to our community as the Secretary/Treasurer of our local bowling league. Having relocated from Massachusetts in 1998, I've wholeheartedly embraced Stanly County as my home and am deeply committed to serving its vibrant real estate community.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
