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
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Scott Davis
Video By
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