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."
Welcome to this stunning two-story retreat! With four bedrooms including one on the main level, enjoy versatility and convenience. Indulge in the spa-like primary shower bath. The sleek designer kitchen is a culinary haven. Adjacent, the sunroom offers year-round enjoyment. Meticulously crafted with luxury and functionality in mind. Located in a sought-after area, this home promises upscale
The Drexel is a beautifully designed two-story home offering four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. This elegant residence features a dedicated office, a formal dining room, and a well-appointed kitchen with an island and pantry, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. The spacious great room invites relaxation and entertaining, while a charming, covered porch enhances the home's outdoor appeal. On
The Colfax is a generously sized two-story home featuring four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a formal dining room, an office with French doors, a large family room, and a kitchen equipped with an island, a walk-in pantry, and a separate butler's pantry. It also includes a substantial storage area in the garage. The second floor boasts all the bedrooms, including the primary bedroom with dual
Quiet, peaceful, country setting 10 minutes north of Burlington and only a few minutes to Elon. Enjoy the wildlife, beautiful sunsets and a large yard to work, enjoy, entertain or just relax! Spacious brick veneered ''rancher'' home with open floorplan, Note: Kitchen, Dining, Living and Breakfast are ONE open room! Vaulted ceilings, spacious rooms, beautiful vistas in all directions; A Kohler
Spacious 3-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Home on 0.75 Acres in Beautiful ElonNestled on a generous 0.75-acre lot, this charming colonial home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this property boasts a large eat-in kitchen—ideal for gatherings and everyday meals.Enjoy the fresh look with new paint throughout and brand-new carpet installed upstairs in
Jane McIntyreBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Yost & Little Realty
This Beautifully maintained 3 BDRM, 2.5 bath home nestled on over an acre lot in the County Club Forest is a must see. It blends timeless elegance w/modern comfort. Just a short stroll to downtown Elon & the Alamance Country Club, this property offers the perfect mix of privacy&convenience. Step inside to find 9.5-ft ceilings on main level, gleaming hardwood floors, plantation shutters throughout
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
Premier Student Housing, located within walking distance of the entire Elon University Campus, Evellien Townhomes and Provence Townhomes + Apartments offer our residents the most opulent residences in town. All listed pricing is by-the-bed, including all utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet and cable streaming). Lease agreements are individual, by-the-bed.
BEAUTIFUL townhouse for rent in Elon - You will love living here (that's what our current residents say)!Enjoy this beautiful, peaceful, quaint complex with a convenient Haggard Avenue location. The development is solidly constructed consisting of five all-brick buildings. These units are tucked away and surrounded by mature landscaping and beautiful flowers. One of the few complexes
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Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: 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.
