This central North Carolina textile town is now a growing commuter city
Graham is a city riding central North Carolina’s wave of growth. Sitting just east of the larger city of Burlington, Graham is in an attractive location. It’s nearly equal distance between the booming Research Triangle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill and the rising Piedmont Triad of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, drawing in commuters looking for a small-town atmosphere. “A lot of what you see on TV whenever you see your Hallmark towns, Graham embodies that,” says Assistant City Manager Aaron Holland, referring to the city’s charming downtown square where an old-fashioned drugstore sits next to a lively bar and arcade.
“Graham, in the last 10 to 15 years, has started to change,” says Holland. “Up to that point, we were mostly longtime families, but we’ve become more transient. We’re seeing an influx of younger people and young families.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Graham’s population was roughly 14,000 in 2010. That number now surpasses 18,000. A repurposed hosiery mill nods to the city’s history as a textile town. Manufacturing remains a major industry today.
Established in 1851, Graham is a town in North Carolina.
Wrike Drugs, located in downtown Graham, is a local favorite.
1/2
From century-old homes to brand-new builds
The median price for a single-family home is around $350,000, less than the national median of about $400,000. Historic cottages, Cape Cods and bungalows line the tree-shaded blocks hugging downtown Graham. Brick ranch-style homes stretch out on grassy lots throughout the city. Craftsman-inspired Modern Transitional homes and townhouses fill newly developed subdivisions on the city’s southern and eastern edges.
Graham experiences four distinct seasons and can be impacted by tropical weather during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June through November. Flooding is possible with the Haw River to the east and creeks throughout the area.
The introduction of new traditional homes is contributing to Graham's growth.
In Graham, a cottage-style home is situated on a spacious lot.
1/2
Shopping small in Court Square
The Alamance County Courthouse stands tall in Graham’s city center, a nationally registered historic district often called Courthouse Square. Colorful murals with positive messages brighten longstanding brick storefronts in this downtown area, home to coffee shops and boutique businesses. From Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine to American fare, the city’s restaurant scene is diverse. But the barbecue from Smokehouse at Steve's draws in foodies from around the region. Grocery and pharmacy chains dot South Main Street, but bigger retailers are a short drive into Burlington. The Tanger Outlets, hosting over two dozen name-brand stores, is less than 10 miles away in Mebane.
The Alamance County Courthouse serves as the centerpiece in downtown Graham.
Annual Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash and a beloved second-run theater
The heart of Graham turns into a citywide Halloween party for the annual Downtown Graham Pumpkin Bash. As the biggest event of the year, it fills the downtown blocks with thousands of costumed trick-or-treaters who go from vendor to vendor, adding to their candy hauls. The city is bringing back Arts Around the Square in May 2025 for the first time in about two decades. The street festival-style event creates a space for area artists and musicians to share their work with the community.
Downtown Graham anchors the local creative scene. Along with hosting concerts in the Graham Amphitheater, it’s home to the Alamance Arts organization. Film buffs regularly visit Graham Cinema. “What I love the most is that you’re able to watch something that was in theaters a couple of months ago, or they’re showing ‘E.T.’,” Holland says.
The Alamance Arts organization sponsors vibrant sculptures showcasing Graham's love for art.
Graham Cinema presents the latest movie releases for your entertainment.
1/2
Child-friendly adventures at Graham Regional Park
City parks range from expansive green spaces to small neighborhood playgrounds and sports-focused facilities. Dense woods hug Graham Regional Park, where a paved multi-use path loops around a youth challenge course and zipline. Down the street from Graham High School, Bill Cooke Park is the destination for tennis and baseball. Several access points allow outdoor adventurers to get out on the Haw River, which is popular for kayaking, while those who love to fish visit Graham-Mebane Lake, a municipal reservoir a few miles outside the city. The Challenge Golf Club offers a public 18-hole course over rolling hills.
Friends from Graham relish a sunny afternoon at Regional Park.
The Haw River near Graham is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.
1/2
The Alamance-Burlington School System and a private school in town
The Alamance-Burlington School System serves Graham and receives an overall rating of B from Niche. The district has more than 20,000 students learning in its 38 schools. Graham is home to Alamance Christian School, a B-rated private school. Alamance Community College’s Carrington-Scott campus is in town, offering associate’s degrees and workforce training.
Alamance Community College in Graham boasts a contemporary campus.
The Alamance-Burlington School System, serving Graham, earns a B rating from Niche.
1/2
Commuting between the Triad and the Triangle
Interstate 40 courses through Graham, which commuters use to reach Greensboro, about 25 miles west, and Durham, roughly 30 miles east. Both cities host international airports offering nonstop flights to destinations such as Washington, D.C., New York and Miami. Link Transit buses provide service around town and to cities across Alamance County. While Graham is primarily car-dependent, the city is investing in pedestrian infrastructure downtown as part of the 2024 Graham Pedestrian Plan. “We’re going to have some flashing beacons and improve the look of the brick crosswalks. We’re forward-thinking but also incorporating the historic nature of the area,” Holland says.
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Video By
Kevin Carter
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Renee Raines,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Graham, NC sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Graham, NC over the last 12 months is $339,995, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 504 Walker Ave, a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom house now available in the Graham community. This affordable home offers comfortable living spaces ideal for those seeking a peaceful residential setting. The property features three bedrooms that provide flexibility for various living arrangements, guest accommodations, or home office space. Freshly painted throughout, refinished
Welcome to 1931 Henry Road — a beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the desirable Southern School District. This single-level residence offers a split-floor plan with every square inch having been thoughtfully planned and meticulously executed. The eat-in kitchen features GE Appliances, white subway tile backsplash, granite countertops, wood cabinets and soft-close drawers.
Welcome to your brand-new Windsor Homes by Stanley Martin—completed and move-in ready!This stunning Somerset III floorplan offers the ease of single-story living with the added flexibility of a spacious bonus room upstairs. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, this home provides both comfort and convenience.Step into the chef's kitchen, featuring elegant 42-inch Graystone painted
This stunning home completed in 2022, offers a very well designed main floor open living plan with a beautiful space between the kitchen, dining and living room with fireplace. The amazing kitchen is a cook's dream with GE Profile Appliances and a big beautiful Kohler farm sink, great for entertaining. Work from home in the well apportioned office with glass french doors positioned at the front
MODEL HOME OPEN DAILY 12-5 MONDAY-FRIDAY AND 10-3 SATURDAY Let's get you out of renting and into home ownership with a BUILDER INCENTIVE OF $13,OOO! $13,000 TO BUYER BUILDER INCENTIVE! Attention buyers working in Chapel Hill, Graham, Mebane, Burlington, Carrboro, and Durham; this community is driving distance to your work! Small community with big charm! Located within minutes of shopping,
Charming, well-designed three-bedroom, two-bath home with desirable split-bedroom layout for added privacy. This newly built ranch in the heart of Graham features an open-concept floorplan with durable LVP and tile flooring throughout. The modern kitchen offers granite countertops, a spacious center island, pantry, and stainless steel appliances—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The
Charming, newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch in the heart of Graham! This inviting home features an open-concept floorplan with durable LVP and tile flooring throughout. The modern kitchen offers granite countertops, a spacious center island, pantry, and stainless steel appliances—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The primary suite includes a walk-in tile shower, dual vanity, and a
Welcome to The Manors at Riley’s Meadow, part of our new home master-planned community, Riley’s Meadow, located in Haw River, North Carolina. The Manors currently offers 5 floor plans ranging from ranch to two-story single-family homes, including 3-5 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, and 2-car garages, ranging from 1,764 sq ft – 2,644 sq ft. Riley’s Meadow offers a variety of amenities, including a pool,
Why wait? 200 Canopy Drive could be your new home today! The Newton is one of our two-story townhomes featured in The Henley Ridge community, located in Graham, North Carolina. This townhome features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,416 sq. ft. of living space, and a 1-car garage. Upon entering the home, you’ll be greeted by an inviting foyer that leads you past the staircase and powder room into the
The Aria is one of our ranch floorplans featured at Quarry Hills in Swepsonville, NC, offering 3 modern elevations, and designed with open-concept living in mind. The Aria is a spacious and modern single-story home. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,618 sq. ft. of living space, and a 2-car garage. Upon entering the home, you'll be greeted by an inviting foyer that leads directly into
The Cali is one of our ranch floorplans featured at Old Fields, offering 3 modern elevations, and designed with open-concept living in mind. The Cali is a spacious and modern single-story home. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,764 sq. ft. of living space, and a 2-car garage. Upon entering the home, you'll be greeted by an inviting foyer that leads directly into the heart of the home.
The Wilmington is one of our two-story plans featured at Old Fields offering 3 modern elevations, and offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,824 sq. ft. of living space, and a 2-car garage. The moment you step inside the home you will be greeted by the foyer which connects you first to a home office, and then to a formal dining room which is perfect for entertaining. The foyer then leads into the
Located on 115 Florence st in Graham. Eat-in kitchen with pantry. Living room. Range/refrigerator included. Community has dumpster. All electric. Walking distance to grocery/shopping/restaurants and less than one mile from Interstate I-40. $895/mo+ $50 Trash, Pest, Landscaping, Water.Unit amenitiesAir conditioner, Cable, Ceiling fan, Hardwood floors, Heat, Microwave, Mirrors, Pet
Located on 115 Florence st in Graham. Eat-in kitchen with pantry. Living room.Range/refrigerator included. Community has dumpster. All electric. Walking distance togrocery/shopping/restaurants and less than one mile from Interstate I-40. $50 Trash, Pest & Landscaping and pets negotiable. Housing vouchers accepted. Please contact Demi 919-999-8397 for details.
$250 off second month's rent, subject to change. Prices, promotions, and availability are subject to change contact beforehand. Mention The Apartment Brothers. Ivey Ridge offers an impressive array of features both inside our apartments and around the community. Discover what makes this Graham, NC community unique by visiting us today. At Ivey Ridge, both our interior living spaces and our
Welcome to Watercourse Apartment Homes – elevate your lifestyle in the heart of Burlington, NC. Conveniently located near I-40 and I-85, our community places you just minutes from Greensboro, Mebane, Chapel Hill, and Durham, offering the perfect blend of accessibility and serene living.Discover our thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom open floor plans, featuring gourmet kitchens with granite
Welcome Home! This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom updated home is located on a 1 acre lot in Southern Alamance County. This property features fresh paint, new flooring throughout, updated light fixtures, a wood burning fireplace and a spacious kitchen with stove, refrigerator and new dishwasher included. Water and Sewer included in rent. Tenant pays for trash service, electricity and lawn maintenance.
Five month furnished rental available from Dec 1st or sooner to April 30th 2026. Get the best of all worlds at this lovely family home in Burlington/Graham. This 4-5 bedroom, 2.5-bathroom rental is located smack-dab in the middle of Greensboro and Durham so you will have access to everything both cities have to offer. Fully furnished home with equipped kitchen and over 2,400 Sq Ft | Huge Pool
Welcome to the quiet community of Crescent Oaks located at 130 W. Crescent Square Dr in Graham, NC. Our peaceful community is minutes away from Graham's charming downtown, and we are a short drive from Burlington and Mebane. Our apartments have spacious and bright two bedroom and two full bathroom floorplans with oversized mudrooms, stainless steel appliances, luxury plank flooring, and modern
Welcome to 720 Maple Branch Cir, a stunning new-construction home located in the desirable Sagecroft community of Graham, NC. This spacious two-story home features 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, offering a perfect balance of comfort and functionality for families of all sizes. The main level boasts an open-concept living and dining area, a modern kitchen with granite countertops, a center
Welcome to Waterside Apartment Homes – the perfect location for your lifestyle. This luxury gated community is ideally situated near I-40 and I-85, placing you just minutes from Burlington, Greensboro, Mebane, Chapel Hill, and Durham, offering unmatched convenience and accessibility.Our 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment homes feature open floor plans, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops,
Brand new townhouse rental where comfort meets convenience in a serene setting. Be the first to rent and live in this beautiful 3-bedroom residence offers spacious living with a thoughtful layout, including two full baths and a handy half bath, Step inside to discover a welcoming atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern living with cozy charm. The open-plan design allows for effortless flow
Elevate 54 is a uniquely designed, active lifestyle community located in Graham, NC. Located in the heart of Graham, youll have easy access to the finest dining and shopping Graham has to offer! With luxurious amenities including our vibrant swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, resident e-lounge, and more; Elevate 54 has something for everyone!
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
