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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Video By
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On average, homes in Graham, NC sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Graham, NC over the last 12 months is $339,990, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stanley Martin Homes presents the Bancroft at Oakmont, offering the ease of single-level living in a convenient Graham location near shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. This thoughtfully designed home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a 2-car garage, and 1,554 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. The open-concept kitchen showcases sugar-toned cabinetry, Carrara Morro quartz countertops,
Welcome to the Somerlane, a thoughtfully designed single story home, offering comfortable easy living with 3 bedrooms and an inviting open concept floor plan. The beautiful kitchen flows seamlessly into the eat-in dining area and spacious living space, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy additional space on your screened in patio. The generously sized primary suite
Welcome to the Somerlane, a thoughtfully designed single story home, offering comfortable easy living with 3 bedrooms and an inviting open concept floor plan. The beautiful kitchen flows seamlessly into the eat-in dining area and spacious living space, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy additional space to relax in light-filled garden room. The generously sized
Beautifully updated brick ranch with detached garage/workshop on a spacious 0.43-acre lot! The heart of the home is the gorgeous kitchen, beautifully remodeled in 2022 with updated appliances. One level with spacious living room, den, dining room and eat-in kitchen. Turn-key home features a newer roof (2022 - main house, 2026 covered deck), HVAC (2022), water heater (2023), gutters (2023),
Freshly updated and ready for its next owner! Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Graham, now offered at 229,900. With approximately 1,126 square feet, this home offers a functional and flexible layout featuring a cozy breakfast nook, separate dining area, and additional space that can easily serve as a home office, playroom, or flex space. Recent improvements,
Like-new home built in 2024 on 0.75 acres in peaceful Salem Woods, less than 2 mi. from Historic Saxapahaw Village with dining, live music, and small-town charm. Enjoy a large homesite and an easy ~20-min. commute to Chapel Hill. This nearly 2,400 sq ft home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, loft, and main-level office/flex space with glass french doors. Open-concept main level features LVP flooring,
Short sale subject to lender approval. Built in 2024, this beautifully designed 4-bedroom home in the desirable Riley's Meadow community offers modern style and everyday functionality. The open-concept floor plan features a spacious living area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen, complete with a large center island with bar seating, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and plenty of cabinet
Welcome to the Somerlane at Valor Ridge, an ideal balance of small-town charm with convenient access to shopping and dining. This move-in ready Somerlane brings 1,874 square feet of single-floor living to three bedrooms, two full baths, and a two-car garage. The kitchen opens directly into the dining area, where the large island gives room to spread out for prep, plates, or an impromptu snack
Welcome to 101 Stillhouse Farm Drive. From the moment you pull up, the covered front porch gives the home a warm, inviting feel. Inside, you'll find a flexible office space off the entry that works well for remote work, a sitting room, or whatever fits your lifestyle. This nearly 2,600 sqft home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a layout that just makes sense. The kitchen is set up for both
Large 1.7 acre corner lot with over 10,000 cars per day. Across Southern High School Rd from a Dollar General.Great Investment opportunity for a high growth area. Very close to city limits and amenities.Outside of the Graham City limits and ETJ where there is no Countywide zoning.Across highway 87 from a new Exxon station.Many possibilities. Retail, Self Storage, Car Wash, Laydown
Great opportunity to possibly build your dream home down the road from Hwy 87 south. There is a 3 bedroom improvement permit from the county on file. Make an offer today before this one is gone. All viewings must be made with a licensed real estate broker and thru the appointment desk.
Discover the Belton at Oakmont, an exceptional new construction community with modern homes and convenient regional access. This move-in ready Belton spans 1,941 square feet across two floors, with four bedrooms, two full baths, a powder room, and a two-car garage. The main level opens into a great room that connects to the dining area and kitchen, where a center island and pantry keep the space
Meet the Camborne at Oakmont, an exceptional new construction community with modern homes and convenient regional access. This move-in ready Camborne spans 2,241 square feet across two floors, with four bedrooms, two full baths, a powder room, and a two-car garage. The kitchen opens to the great room, so cooking and conversation share the same space, with a center island that handles both prep
Beautifully updated brick ranch with detached garage/workshop on a spacious 0.43-acre lot! The heart of the home is the gorgeous kitchen, beautifully remodeled in 2022 with updated appliances. One level with spacious living room, den, dining room and eat-in kitchen. Turn-key home features a newer roof (2022 - main house, 2026 covered deck), HVAC (2022), water heater (2023), gutters (2023),
Meet the Bancroft at Oakmont, an exceptional new construction community with modern homes and convenient regional access. This move-in ready Bancroft brings 1,554 square feet of single-floor living across three bedrooms, two full baths, and a two-car garage. The open kitchen, dining, and living area share a continuous flow, with white Marsh Fulton cabinetry, Carrara Morro quartz countertops,
Crescent Oaks Apartments offers comfortable apartment living in the heart of Graham, NC, just minutes from downtown Graham, Alamance Crossing, shopping, and dining. Our spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes feature modern finishes including white cabinetry with black hardware, granite-inspired countertops, stainless steel appliances in select homes, breakfast bars, and private patios or
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. $50 Trash, Pest, Landscaping, Water.Unit amenitiesAir conditioner, Cable, Ceiling fan, Hardwood floors, Heat, Microwave, Mirrors, Pet friendly,
Welcome to Ivey Glen, a vibrant apartment community nestled in Graham, North Carolina. Our recently renovated two-bedroom apartment homes feature spacious floor plans, private patios, or balconies, and fresh, inviting finishes designed for the comfort you deserve. Enjoy a variety of community amenities, including two sparkling swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness center, and a
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,
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
Newer Apartments in Graham, NC Near Burlington, Mebane & ElonWelcome to Meadows of Graham Apartments, a new apartment community in Graham, North Carolina, offering spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes designed for modern living. Located in the heart of Alamance County, our community combines stylish apartment interiors, desirable amenities, and an exceptional location
Experience unparalleled living at Elevate Haw River, where luxury, comfort, and convenience converge seamlessly. Our premier community features an array of top-tier amenities, from a resort-style pool to a cutting-edge fitness center and even a dedicated pet park. With expansive floor plans and contemporary design, sophistication permeates every corner. Nestled in a prime location, residents
Under 2 miles from downtown Graham, The Ivey Ridge Townhomes are conveniently located to shopping and dining. We are located just across the street from Food Lion. Great location for a new home!
Elevate 54 is a uniquely designed, active lifestyle community located in Graham, NC. Located in the heart of Graham, you'll 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!
We are centrally located to the Triad and Triangle areas of NC. We offer fully renovated one, two, and three bedroom units for you to enjoy and call home. We are located directly across from the beautiful Bill Cooke Park and are located at 1013 Townbranch Rd. Please stop by to view one of our units and speak with our on site management team.
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