Cheeks has farms, forests and a strong sense of community
Traveling around Cheeks, one would find what most rural townships have in North Carolina: large swaths of trees broken up by sprawling longtime family farms, fenced pastures with horses nibbling on grass and small clusters of local businesses sitting on hilly country roads. What sets it apart is the tenacity of its people. “Everyone here is very passionate about building up Efland-Cheeks. Even the kids want to help out and volunteer,” says Kimya Swann, the executive director of United Voices of Efland Cheeks, a grassroots nonprofit providing community services and programs that wouldn’t be available here without it. Swann, who’s lived in the area all her life, says Cheeks has the expected small-town feel, “Everybody knows everybody pretty much, and if you don’t know them, someone you know probably knows them.” The community is northwest of Durham, squarely between the smaller city of Mebane and the town of Hillsborough. With Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70 a few miles from any home, residents are just as close to a day on the water at Lake Michael as they are to name-brand shops at the Tanger Outlets.
Cheeks Township in Orange County is a predominantly rural community known for its peaceful landscapes, strong local spirit, and mix of farmland and residential neighborhoods.
Enjoy ice cream with friends at Muffin’s Ice Cream Shoppe, just a short drive from the Cheeks neighborhood in downtown Mebane.
1/2
New subdivisions near Mebane and rural farmhouses throughout
Single-family homes in Cheeks either rest in subdivisions with wide streets or stand alone on two-lane country roads deep in the woods. “Mebane has been getting busier, and there are new developments on the outskirts now,” says Haylee Henry, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston who lives and works around the Hillsborough-Mebane area. “But Cheeks is still quieter, and some homes are pretty rural.” Cottages, farmhouses and ranch-style homes are most common, but there are a growing number of Craftsman-inspired neotraditional designs. Most homes cost between $190,000 to $660,000. However, properties on 10 or more acres range from $790,000 to $950,000. Townhouses start around $260,000 and can reach up to $380,000.
Residents in new developments have quick access to trails and green spaces in Cheeks.
In Cheeks, some homes sit on spacious lots and are set back from the road, offering added privacy and a peaceful residential feel.
1/2
A cross-town rivalry between Cedar Ridge and Orange high schools
Orange County Schools earns a B-plus overall rating from Niche. The district has about 6,900 students across 13 schools. Four elementary schools serve Cheeks, including Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary, which receives a C-plus. The magnet school has a curriculum focused on global equity and feeds into the C-plus-rated Gravelly Hill Middle. Homes in the southern half of the community are zoned for the A-minus-rated Cedar Ridge High. The local newspaper, The News of Orange, regularly chronicles the school’s competitive rivalry with the B-plus-rated Orange High, which serves the northern half of Cheeks. Nearby alternative options include the Eno River Academy, which is an A-rated charter school, and Hillsborough Christian Academy, a private school not yet rated by Niche.
With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Efland-Cheeks Elementary provides personalized attention in a diverse learning environment.
With easy access to Hillsborough and Mebane, Orange High School provides students from Cheeks a convenient and well-rated educational option.
1/2
Efland-Cheeks Park serves as a community hub
Several parks and protected natural areas dot Cheeks, including Efland-Cheeks Park and Community Center, where two lighted basketball courts sit beside a baseball field and a playground. The community center has amenities such as a fitness room and desktop computers. It’s also the headquarters for United Voices of Efland Cheeks, which has been providing community outreach from food drives to tutoring programs since 1994. “We have a huge Easter egg hunt. This year, we put out 6,000 eggs, and they were all picked up in three minutes by 200 kids,” Swann says. “We also hand out backpacks in August and we do a senior dinner for Christmas.”
Cheeks is also home to Lake Michael Park, which features a 60-acre lake for fishing, kayaking and boating. Trails wind through the park, offering views of the water below. Normally this park is a bustling with visitors, however, it’s closed for now as crews rebuild the lake’s spillway and dam. The project faced a setback in July 2025 when heavy rains form Tropical Depression Chantal damaged the dam.
Efland-Cheeks Park in Cheeks features an indoor multipurpose community center that hosts a variety of programs and activities for all ages.
Lake Michael in Cheeks offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, making it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts and weekend adventurers.
1/2
A new coffee shop complements long-running restaurants in Efland
Considered an Efland staple, longtime restaurant Missy’s Grill serves burgers, breakfast sandwiches and barbecue plates through its walk-up window off Mount Willing Road. “If you live in Efland, you’ve eaten at Missy’s,” Swann says. “We’ve been going since I was a toddler.” Nearby, the menu is in the name at Burritaco Burger Grill, known for its burritos, tacos and burgers. Its casual dining space features red leather booths and a checkered floor. Beautifully Blended Coffee Company is a new addition, offering coffee and breakfast. Swann says residents often shop at the Walmart Supercenter and Food Lion in Hillsborough. More big-box stores and the Tanger Outlets are in Mebane. A common weekend activity here is visiting a house of worship. Swann notes that Route 70 tends to be busier on Sundays. “There are a lot of churches within a 10-mile radius. A couple of them are literally across from each other,” Swann says.
Missy’s Grill in Cheeks serves up classic comfort food, including burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and barbecue plates in a casual, hometown setting.
Tanger Outlets Mall, located near Cheeks, features a wide selection of popular stores and brand-name retailers.
1/2
Cheeks is car-dependent with some access to public transportation
Residents in Cheeks typically drive to get around. I-40 and Route 70 connect commuters to Chapel Hill, about 15 miles away, and Durham's City Center, roughly 19 miles away. Research Triangle Park, a major research and innovative employment hub, is around a 26-mile drive. Raleigh is the farthest commute at a little over 41 miles. A few warehouses and distribution centers offer work within Cheeks. Orange County Public Transportation provides bus service around the region. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about 30 miles away. UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus is the closest full-service hospital.
Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70 make for easy rides into downtown Durham, 19 miles away from Cheeks.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 30 mile drive from the Cheeks neighborhood.
1/2
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Regan
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Gunter,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
NEW CONSTRUTION TO BE COMPLETED MARCH 2026! LARGE 1.7 ACRE LOT! 5 vacant lots remain in this small (10 lot) beautiful community. This home is our model home and you will love the open floorplan with expansive areas. Gorgeous kitchen with large island open up into the large family room with gorgeous fireplace with views towards the covered outdoor living area. The family ready room has space to
Bright and inviting 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome just minutes from Downtown Mebane. The spacious living room features soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open feel. The kitchen includes new granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a custom center island with seating, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs offers three spacious bedrooms with ample storage and
Step into the home through the foyer, where a powder bath and access to the two-car garage are conveniently located. The foyer opens into a spacious, open-concept kitchen, family room, and dining area. A back patio is situated just off the dining area, while on the opposite side of the family room, stairs lead to the second floor and a study. Upstairs, a spacious loft connects three additional
As you enter the home, you’re welcomed into a flex room, with the staircase to the second floor creating a natural division between this space and the main living area. Toward the back of the home, you’ll find the open-concept family room, dining area, and kitchen, with a covered patio just off the dining area. A powder bath and access to the two-car garage are located at the opposite end of the
Sip your coffee from the Chatham's charming back patio. Inside, versatile flex spaces allow you to customize the main level to fit your needs. The impressive primary suite boasts dual sinks and a large walk-in closet.
Outfit the Dakota's main-level flex space as a home office and skip your commute. In the kitchen, the island overlooks the open living space. Upstairs, the loft separates the secondary bedrooms from the primary suite.
Relax and enjoy the big game from the comfort of the second-story loft. Down the hall, the primary suite features dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. Downstairs, the kitchen island overlooks the great room and dining area.
Discover comfort, space, and peaceful living in this beautiful Craftsman-style home nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac on over 4 acres! Just 10 minutes from I-85, it offers an easy commute to both the Triangle and the Triad while still providing a private, serene setting. The spacious main level features an open-concept living area with soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and a cozy gas log fireplace.
Prep dinner at the kitchen island while mingling with guests in the open-concept great room. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite features dual sinks and a walk-in closet. A convenient second-story laundry simplifies the chore.
The Johnson's impressive two-story foyer gives way to the gourmet kitchen and open-concept living area. Two flex spaces on the main level, plus a large loft upstairs, allow you to customize the layout to fit your needs.
Step into the foyer from the front porch, where a flex room sits just ahead and a powder bath is located immediately to the right. The flex room flows into the open kitchen, dining area, and family room, creating a connected main living space. A patio is located just off the dining area. At the back of the main floor, you’ll find a bedroom with a full bath and walk-in closet, along with access to
Comfortably host visitors in the first-floor guest bedroom. An open-concept main floor and patio are perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, use the loft as a media center or rec room. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and dual sinks.
Built in 2023, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers 1,417 square feet on .74 acres, giving you that fresh, new-house feel without the cookie-cutter layout. From the moment you walk in, you'll notice the solid wood trim and wood shelving throughout, details that bring a standard of quality you don't often see at this price point! The kitchen features granite countertops, soft-close wood cabinets
Invite friends over to watch the big game in the spacious second-story loft. The primary suite features dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. Downstairs, the kitchen island overlooks the great room and dining area.
Beautiful and spacious, almost NEW 5BR 3 Full bath home in Mebane w/ Guest BR & full bath on main floor as well as a separate office! Close to the Tanger outlet Mall, Cone Med Center & 40/85 is nearby. Just minutes to Chapel Hill & RTP. Huge family room and a spacious kitchen with Gas appliances, white cabinets and Quartz counter tops. 4BR and a bonus/loft on 2nd floor. Spacious Master suite with
Come visit Ashbury Square Apartments and find your new home today! Our community offers inviting one and two bedroom apartments. No matter which one you choose, you'll find spacious living areas with plank flooring, fully-equipped kitchens, generous storage space, and a private patio or balcony! Select units also include a private entry access.Ashbury Square Apartments offers many
Charming rental property offering a cozy cottage overlooking a serene pond.,screened porch and a spacious backdeck, perfect for enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Inside, hardwood floors throughout and a layout that places bedrooms upstairs add to the comfort and appeal of this inviting home. Showings are by appointment only, please do not disturb occupants. NO SMOKING, no dogs. Applicants must
Welcome to your dream townhome in the charming neighborhood of Mebane! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem offers 1,600 square feet of modern living space, perfect for those who appreciate comfort and convenience. With a lovely pool just steps away, you'll have the ideal spot to relax and unwind after a long day.Step inside to discover a bright and inviting layout that
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2164.70. That covers your base rent, $2025.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Property Id: 2377058Welcome to Oakwood Townes! This well-kept end-unit townhome offers a comfortable and practical layout in a convenient Mebane location. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with an open main level that connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen—making the space feel open without being overdone.The kitchen includes ample cabinet and counter
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
