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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Photography Contributed By
Scott Davis
Video By
Kevin Carter
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On average, homes in Graham, NC sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Graham, NC over the last 12 months is $343,740, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in a prime Graham location--offering incredible value under $250,000! Whether you're a first-time buyer ready to stop renting or an investor looking for your next opportunity, this home checks all the boxes. With approximately 1,126 square feet, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features a flexible layout designed for modern living. Enjoy a cozy breakfast nook
SELLER OFFERING $10,000 allowance toward kitchen updates-Pick your own counters, cabinets and finishes! All baths have already been updated! BONUS ROOM: bonus room accessed through the garage adds an additional 264 square feet. This space is heated by the main house but is not included in the heated square footage, making it perfect for a home office, playroom, or hobby space. Don't miss this
Welcome to your dream home at Graham Springs—a beautifully designed two-story residence offering 2,539 square feet on a premium homesite. This buildable plan features three bedrooms plus an office/den, a loft, two full bathrooms, and a two-car garage, with the option to upgrade to a first-floor bedroom with a full bath for added comfort and flexibility. At the heart of the home is a spacious open
A slice of heaven in southern Alamance, reasonably priced 3 bedroom 2 bath with approx. 1680 sq ft with new heat pump, new water heater, new floor coverings, new paint, new gravel, all new fridge, stove, dishwasher, and washer and dryer to convey, a large screened in back porch nestled on approx. 1.37 acres giving you space with great amounts of privacy. Make an offer on this home quickly because
BEST value in Alamance county! Welcome to a beautiful, like new maintained 4-bedroom (with office!), 2.5-bathroom home offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and space! Step inside to an inviting open floor plan, where natural light fills the living and dining areas. The modern kitchen boasts sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinet space, making it a chef's
Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in a prime Graham location--offering incredible value under $250,000! Whether you're a first-time buyer ready to stop renting or an investor looking for your next opportunity, this home checks all the boxes. With approximately 1,126 square feet, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features a flexible layout designed for modern living. Enjoy a cozy breakfast nook
Peaceful country living with easy access to Graham, Chapel Hill, and Burlington. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufacturedhome features a generous 16' x 13' covered wood back deck, ideal for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying the serene setting.The beautifully landscaped yard is filled with established perennials for year-round appeal. Recent improvements include a newroof in
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
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
This Diana plan and has 3 bedrooms upstairs and a lovely office on the first floor. Fantastic layout with large kitchen, family area and dining room all combined. Granite counter tops, engineered hardwoods, 9 foot smooth ceilings are just some of the many nice features included in this home- please note photos are of the completed builder DIana Plan - options and colors may vary.Unit
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
Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex apartment located in Graham. Fresh paint throughout. Washer/Dryer Hookup for stackable unit only. Appliances included: Stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and built-in microwave. Modern updates in kitchen and bathroom. LVP flooring throughout. All electric-no gas. Lawncare included in rent. Renter's insurance required. Pets negotiable with pet deposit and pet rent.
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 this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offering 2,134 sq ft of modern living space in Graham! Built in 2024, this spacious home features an open-concept layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The main level offers a bright and inviting living area that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances
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
Completely updated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex apartment. All new paint, flooring, light fixtures and electrical, new plumbing fixtures, new stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. Washer/dryer hookup. All electric, central heating and air. Remodeled bathroom with new vanity, mirror, lighting, toilet, etc. No pets. Section 8 approved. No smoking. $1,200.00 per month + $1,200.00 security deposit +
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,
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!
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!
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