In 1881, Elon was known as Mill Point, named for being a railroad depot stop between cotton mills in both Charlotte and Goldsboro. Sometime later, the local college changed its name to Elon College, and the town took the same moniker. When the college transitioned to a university, the town became simply Elon. Today, it’s still best known for being home to the private institution, Elon University. “The university is a huge part of the town's culture and our history. It continues to be a huge and incredible partner to our town,” says Elon Mayor Emily Sharpe. According to the 2020 census, there are 11,000 residents, with the town’s largest employer being the university, but global corporations like LabCorp are just a few miles away. “We are uniquely situated right between the triangle and triad regions of North Carolina, which really opens up employment opportunities for people who live here.”
The town of Elon is a thriving small town in the middle of the state.
Downtown Elon has several areas to spend the day relaxing.
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New construction on the horizon
The median price of a single-family house is around $415,000, just over the national median. Homes tend to stay on the market for an average of 21 days. On the edges of town, newly built transitional-style homes are priced from around $475,000 to $630,000. Condos on the east side of town sell for $190,000 to $475,000. “We have lots of new homes being built in the town of Elon right now and many on the horizon,” Sharpe says. The addition of multi-use neighborhoods will allow for more retail space.
New construction is helping grow the town of Elon.
New Traditional homes in Elon sit on large lots.
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Studying at Elon University
Elon University is a small liberal arts four-year institution. It was ranked No.1 in the nation for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year straight in 2025. Alamance-Burlington School System earns a B grade on Niche. Students at B-rated Western Alamance High School can apply to attend Elon Academy, a college access program for high schoolers with financial need or no family history of college. The program is in partnership with Elon University. Alamance Community College has a transfer agreement with Elon University and several other North Carolina colleges and universities.
Elon University was founded as Elon College in 1889.
Elon University has a student enrollment of 7,700.
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Events at Beth Schmidt Park
Elon has two green spaces, with Beth Schmidt Park being the most popular. Opened in 2005, this green space is Elon's first recreational facility, featuring a nature trail and special-needs accessibility. Lawrence Slade Park is minutes from downtown and packs a lot within its 3 acres. “Slade Park is a smaller park in a historically Black neighborhood, and it's just incredible,” Sharpe says. It has a collegiate-sized basketball court, corn hole courts and a musical playground. Dog walkers can let their pets run off leash at K-9 Corner Dog Park. The Elon-Burlington Greenway is a 3.6-mile trail connecting Elon to Downtown Burlington. Both parks host several of the town's events, including Art in the Park and Movies in the Park. Christmas is celebrated with local dance performances, hayrides and a tree-lighting ceremony. “We have hundreds of people come out, and it very much so feels like a Hallmark movie,” Sharpe says.
The gazebo at Beth Schmidt Park overlooks a small gazing pond.
Lawrence Slade Park in Elon features a playground as well as a covered shelter.
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Downtown Elon supports small businesses
Downtown Elon is lined with locally owned businesses, restaurants and boutiques. “We're a thriving small town,” Sharpe says. “We don't have vacant buildings. We are a great place for small businesses and restaurants because we have a huge world-class university in our small town.” Sharpe says the town’s niche is the close relationship businesses have with residents. “You can walk into your coffee shop in the town of Elon, and they're going to know your order. They're going to know your name,” she says. The Elon Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from April to October.
Tangent in Elon is known for its unique ingredients in Tacos.
Downtown Elon is lined with locally owned businesses, restaurants and boutiques.
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Taking Interstate 85 to RTP
Located near Interstate 40, drivers can take the Interstate 85 intersection to Durham’s Research Triangle Park in less than 50 miles. A commute to Burlington will take about 5 miles, while Greensboro is around 20 miles from downtown. Alamance Regional Hospital is about 4 miles south and Piedmont Triad International Airport is approximately 20 miles from town. The local bus system, known as the Bio bus, is provided by Elon University but is available for public use. "I think what I love best about living in Elon is the fact that you can experience world-class cultural events, sporting events, right here in
a very small town," Sharpe says. "We're only four square miles in size, but you've got a lot to do if you're willing to take advantage of them right here in that small space."
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Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Video By
GL Moses
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On average, homes in Elon, NC sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Elon, NC over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1261 Stone Gables Drive—where comfort, style, and location meet! Nestled just minutes from Elon University, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a spacious primary suite on the main level and thoughtfully designed upgrades throughout. Enjoy gleaming wood floors, stylish upgraded light fixtures, and stunning granite countertops in a kitchen built for
Welcome to 2120 North Crest Drive, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home nestled in a quiet, established neighborhood in Elon, NC. This move-in ready ranch offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor enjoyment. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting floor plan with 1,627 sq ft of living space. The spacious living room flows seamlessly into the
Location, Location, Location. This immaculate all brick ranch sits in one of most prestigious neighborhoods in Elon (Georgetowne) and is minutes from Elon University. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,580 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, ideal for both relaxing evenings and casual weekend gatherings. The layout flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the master bedroom,
Ready to move in, 3 bedrooms 2 baths. Primary bedroom has large walk in closet. Split floorplan. Large deck ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Storage bldg to remain. Convenient to Univeristy Dr. Elon University and shopping.
Welcome to this spacious home nestled in a desirable Western Alamance neighborhood on a quiet dead-end street offering added privacy. Step into a welcoming foyer that flows into a formal dining or living room and a dedicated home officea€''perfect for today's lifestyle. The newly updated kitchen shines with white cabinetry, granite countertops, a large kitchen island, and a walk-in pantry,
NEWLY RENOVATED!Bedrooms are Furnished with Full Bed frame and Mattress, 2 Three Drawer Dressers, Desk and chairGranite Countertops in Kitchen and BathroomsModern Light Fixtures High-end LVP flooring in common areas and bathroomsCarpet in bedroomsRange, microwave, dishwasher and refrigeratorFull size Washer and Dryer in each UnitCentral Heat and ACCable TV
STAR SPANGLED SPECIALS! 1 MONTH FREE RENT*! EXPIRES 7/31/25! ACT FAST! *Restrictions Apply. **Affordable Living in Elon, NC - 3 Bed, 2 Bath Manufactured Home!** Welcome home to comfort and value! This charming **3 bedroom, 2 bathroom manufactured home** in the heart of **Elon, NC** offers the perfect blend of space, functionality, and affordability. Step inside to a bright **open-concept living
Oak Hill Village is student housing apartments within walking distance to Elon University! Our three bedroom, 2 bathroom units are perfect for students who want to be close to campus but have the freedom and independence that off campus housing provides. Our goal is to create a seamless process from start to finish to minimize stress when it comes to off campus housing. We take into
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