Dillon has a long history of thriving on industry
The City of Dillon was founded in 1888 and named after prominent local James W. Dillon, whose dedicated effort brought train tracks to the city that later became the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Over a century later, Dillon still prospers thanks to the railroad. “Dillon is a small town, but it’s quaint,” says Keon Aldrich, broker-in-charge and owner of Pee Dee Elite Realty, based in Florence. “One of the biggest things is the proximity to Interstate 95. Being that close, you can jump onto I-95 and go to just about any place you want. When Inland Port opened in 2018, it brought jobs to Dillon. It also brought jobs through other companies that use the port.” Locals might work for the Inland Port Authority or the Harbor Freight distribution center, which are among the biggest employers in the county. And while access to jobs and the interstate are important, residents also choose Dillon for its lower cost of living, proximity to Florence and collection of locally owned restaurants.
Streets of updated colonials and newer National-style homes
Dillon real estate ranges from historic homes to new builds, and the median price is just under $150,000, which is significantly lower than the state median of approximately $377,000. Colonial-style homes built in the early 1900s with modern upgrades have sold for $500,000 to nearly $600,000, while New Traditionals and brick ranch-style homes range from $200,000 to $400,000. Bungalows and some recently built National homes have gone for $80,000 to $200,000. Anything less than $80,000 is likely a fixer-upper. Properties along major thoroughfares have sidewalks that cut across front yards and connect to downtown. Most residential streets, though, are sidewalk-free. Long driveways lead across wide yards to carports, though some residents park in uncovered driveways.
Dillon Elementary takes on the job of three previous schools
The Dillon Schools District Four serves the area and is rated C-plus by Niche. Kids can attend prekindergarten through third grade at Dillon Elementary School, which opened in 2024 and is currently unrated by Niche. The new school replaced East Elementary, South Elementary and Stewart Heights Elementary. The C-rated Gordon Elementary School teaches fourth through fifth grade. Dillon Middle School earns a C and feeds into Dillon High School, rated C-plus.
Checking out Little Pee Dee State Park or Dillon Motor Speedway
Little parks throughout Dillon are within walking distance of some homes. Harmon Field , for example, is centrally located and features a small playground and an open green space. The City of Dillon Sports Complex is home to youth leagues organized by the Dillon Parks and Recreation Department, like girls' softball and co-ed basketball. Locals might drive 15 minutes to Little Pee Dee State Park for more space to explore. The park has over 800 acres with campsites, almost 3 miles of walking trails and fishing docks on Lake Norton. Former NASCAR driver Ron Barfield Jr. owns the Dillon Motor Speedway, which has held races for nearly 20 years in a row. The speedway’s schedule includes races from January to November.
Main Street shops and locally owned restaurants
There are plenty of fast-food chains here, but the locally owned restaurants are more popular with residents. “There are local diners and shops people go to, which is always good,” Aldrich says. “It’s the relationships you want to create in smaller towns like that.” King’s Famous Pizza has been serving pizzas, sandwiches and pasta dishes for lunch since 1980. Papa Tom's Drive In Restaurant is known as the spot to order a hamburger or Southern comfort food. Niki's Sugar Shack is a small building on Route 501, but the selection of fresh desserts inside is anything but small. The display cases usually contain donuts and croissants, but the bakery also sells made-to-order cakes and cupcakes. Some of Main Street’s storefronts were built around 1903 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Twice As Nice Thrift Shop is in one such storefront, as is the Family Sport Center store. People can pick up groceries at Walmart, Food Lion or local chains like KJ’s Market.
Festivals on Main Street and live music at South Plaza on Fridays
Every April, Main Street becomes the venue for the Celebrate Main Street Festival. The one-day event closes the street to traffic and opens it up to vendors, food stalls, live music and car shows. South Plaza is a lighted community space with a fountain across from the police department. From May to August, the plaza fills with live bands and residents gathering for First Fridays at the Fountain in Downtown Dillon.
I-95 guides commuters to Florence and into North Carolina
Dillon is a primarily car-dependent town. I-95 leads nearly 30 miles to Florence or Lumberton in North Carolina. McLeod Health Dillon is the hospital and emergency room on South Second Avenue. Amtrak trains rumble to a stop at Dillon Station, which was built in 1905 when the Atlantic Coast Line used the tracks. Just as shops and restaurants are clustered along 501, several churches are close to the thoroughfare. Main Street United Methodist Church is one of the oldest, established in 1892.
