$374,798Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft57Homes For Sale
From the edge of Mebane to the rural hills outside Hillsborough
Anyone traveling around Cheeks will 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 dedicated to 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 township rests 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 drive 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 Outlet Mall.
Cheek sits squarely between the smaller city of Mebane and the town of Hillsborough.
There's lots of county side in the Cheek neighborhood.
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New subdivisions near Mebane and rural farmhouses throughout
The neighborhoods in Cheeks range from recently constructed subdivisions outside Mebane to standalone homes off 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 even pretty rural. You can choose how far away from town you want to be, but it’s never so far that it takes more than 20 minutes to get to the grocery store,” Henry continues. Some rural properties can cost more than $700,000 for spacious acreage and a house with a barn, whereas a quaint two-bedroom ranch-style home near the main roads can sell for under $200,000. Cottages and farmhouses are also popular, though closer to Mebane, newly built New Traditional homes tend to have Craftsman flairs like wooden columns or stone accents. Homes in one of these subdivisions tend to have neat, sidewalk-lined lawns along winding streets that end in cul-de-sacs. Streetlights are sprinkled throughout. A four-bedroom is typically priced between just under $400,000 to nearly $600,000. Some custom homes, yet to be built, start at $930,000.
There are some craftsman styled homes in Cheeks.
The new home developments are located near the wooded areas of Cheeks.
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Learning in Orange County Schools
Children don’t have to travel long distances to school. Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary, near the Efland town center, earns a C-plus from Niche. The magnet school has a curriculum focused on global equity, and its active PTA hosts scholarship fundraisers and community events. Gravelly Hill Middle School receives a B-minus rating and is next to the Soccer.com Center, which hosts the Orange County Youth Soccer League. It features five lighted soccer fields, a concession stand and a paved walking track. Cedar Ridge High scores an A-minus and has won state championships in multiple sports since 2003. The local newspaper, The News of Orange, regularly chronicles the school’s competitive rivalry with Orange High. Alternative options in nearby Hillsborough include Eno River Academy, a kindergarten through 12th-grade charter school, and Hillsborough Christian Academy, a private school that teaches children as young as two and offers instruction through 10th grade.
Efland Cheeks Elementary School has several outside play areas in Cheeks.
Gravelly Hill Middle School is a public school located in Efland, NC.
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Commute around the Triangle
Since the area is rural and has a dearth of pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, driving is the main way to get around. Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70 slice through the middle of Cheeks. Residents can use both highways to reach the center of Chapel Hill, a 15-mile drive, and downtown Durham, a 19-mile drive. Research Triangle Park, a major science and tech employment hub, is a 26-mile drive, and Raleigh is the farthest commute at a little over 41 miles. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 30 miles away. An Orange County Public Transportation bus stop at the Efland Community Center serves the area with stops in Mebane, 5 miles east, and Hillsborough, 3 miles west. Some routes travel as far as Durham.
Downtown Durham is a 15 minute drive on I40 from Cheeks.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 30 mile drive from the Cheek neighborhood.
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Burgers and barbecue at Missy’s Grill
Considered an Efland staple, long-time 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,” reminisces Swann. The Burritaco Burger Grill is a newer addition to the area, known for burritos, tacos and burgers. Its casual dining space features red leather booths and a checkered floor. The Efland Supermarket is the local grocer and gas station, while Efland Farm and Garden is the local hardware store. Swann says residents also shop at the Walmart Supercenter and Food Lion in Hillsborough, a less than 7-mile drive from Efland down Interstate 85. More big-box stores and the Tanger Outlet Mall 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 serves burgers, breakfast sandwiches and barbecue plates in Cheeks.
The Burritaco Burger Grill is a newer addition to the Cheeks neighborhood.
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Fish from the pier at Lake Michael Park
With rolling pastures and dense groves of trees, Cheeks has plenty of nature to explore. It’s home to Lake Michael Park, a 60-acre lake for fishing, kayaking and boating. Trails wind through the park, offering views of the lake below. A picnic shelter is tucked between the trees. At Efland-Cheeks Park and Community Center, two lighted basketball courts sit beside a baseball field encircled by a walking path that leads to a playground. The community center has amenities like a fitness room and desktop computers. It’s also the headquarters for United Voices of Efland Cheeks, a local organization that since 1994 has been providing community outreach, from food drives to tutoring programs. “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; we do a senior dinner for Christmas; and for Halloween, we have a huge event. We did a haunted forest this last time around,” Swann explains.
The boat house at Lake Michael Park has docks and a boat launch ramp in Cheeks.
Efland-Cheeks Community Park and Center has a community garden in Mebane, NC.
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A community flea market
Off Interstate 40 in a large gravel parking lot surrounded by trees is Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market. On Saturdays and Sundays all year long, residents and visitors from across the area descend on the market to browse dozens of stalls. Many of the vendors are selling their handmade goods. “There are thousands of people out there selling all kinds of products, including furniture, tires and fresh produce. I’ve actually seen people selling baby goats and a pheasant,” says Swann, who recently took a friend from out of state to the market that’s been in operation since the 1980s. “When you come in off the Buckhorn Side, to the left, there are people selling all types of household supplies, detergents and clothes. In the next few rows, people are selling clothes, makeup and jewelry. On the inside, there’s food, fresh churros, chicken and fries,” Swann continues.
Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market is in a large gravel parking lot in Cheeks, NC.
You can buy livestock at the Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market in Cheeks.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Rines,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Gold Park
Tanger Outlets Children's Play Area
Holt Park
Efland Cheeks Community Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Lake Michael Park
Transit
Airport
Raleigh-Durham International
43 min drive
Bus
Efland-Cheeks Community Center
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cheeks
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cheeks, Efland sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Cheeks, Efland over the last 12 months is $398,049, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
1ST FLOOR OWNER'S SUITE! 2 CAR GARAGE! Luxury HWD Style Flooring Thru Main Living! Kit: Level 3 ''White Spring'' Granite Countertops, Custom White Painted Cabinets w/Brushed Nickel Hardware, Center Island w/Breakfast Bar & Single Bowl SS Sink, SS Appls Incl Smooth Top Range, Microwave & Dishwasher, Recessed Lights & Walk in Pantry! Owners Suite: HWD Style Flooring & Trey Ceiling! Owners Bath:
END UNIT w/1ST FLOOR FLEX SPACE! HWD Style Flooring Thru Main Living & Stairway w/Oak Treads! Kitchen: Level 3 ''Blue Flower Leathered'' Granite Countertops, Custom Painted Cabinets w/Brushed Nickel Hardware, Large Center Island w/Breakfast Bar & Single Bowl SS Sink, SS Appls Incl Smooth Top Range, Single Bowl Sink, Recessed Lights & Pantry! Owner's Suite: Tray Ceiling, Ceiling Fan w/Light & Huge
Buyer Promotion Available! 1ST FLOOR OWNER'S SUITE! 2 CAR GARAGE! Luxury HWD Style Flooring Thru Main Living & Hardwood Stairs! Kit: Quartz Countertops, Custom Gray Painted Cabs w/Brushed Nickel Hardware, Center Island w/Breakfast Bar, Stainless Sink, SS Appliances Incl Gas Range, Recessed Lights & Walk in Pantry! Owners Suite: HWD StyleFlooring & Trey Ceiling! Owners Bath: Dual Vanity w/Quartz
One Owner Home in Efland - 3 bedroom/2.5 bath 1800+ sq. home in Ashwick Community. Attached 2-car garage. Open floor plan living area, Hardwood floors ,large upstairs primary suite. Move-in Ready.
This HOME offers it ALL.. located in the Ashbury subdivision & meticulously maintained! Boasting FOUR bedrooms AND a loft.. with an INCREDIBLE backyard. Over 2,300 sq ft & the interior is immaculate. The main level offers two oversized living areas with a den that is open to the kitchen and a large laundry room/pantry area.. and more! Upstairs you'll find the FOUR oversized bedrooms and a loft!
Check out this 8.58 acres of land located in a prime location in Orange County. Nestled in a nice neighborhood, this parcel offers a private wooded setting and is right across the street from a nature preserve. Perc test was completed 10/2024.
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
Available June 1, 2025! Brand new, energy-efficient home available June 1, 2025! Two flex spaces plus a large loft upstairs and open concept plan! Office and a main floor guest BR and full bath make this a very likable floorplan. Loft and 4 BR's including teh Primary BR upstairs. Custom cabinets, white Quartz countertops, warm taupe EVP flooring with warm grey carpet. Located near downtown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Rines,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
11,880
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$82,807
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,249
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.8%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.3%
Advanced Degrees
13.1%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
21/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
