7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Pittsboro, NC

Living in Pittsboro

Do you know these seven things about moving to Pittsboro, NC? Find out what it's like living in Pittsboro, NC!

Are you moving to Pittsboro, North Carolina? With an estimated population of 4,839 people, Pittsboro is nestled in the heart of Chatham County,  the fastest-growing county in the state. It truly is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.

Pittsboro is far more than just another small North Carolina town. Its unique blend of historic charm, artistic creativity, and progressive community spirit sets it apart from typical suburban destinations.

Pittsboro may be small, but it packs an incredible amount of character into its 1.4 square miles. Founded in 1787 and named after William Pitt the Elder, the town has transformed from a quiet agricultural community to a vibrant hub of creativity, sustainability, and community-driven living.

Known for its scenic rural environment and friendly neighbors, Pittsboro is a safe community in the Piedmont region. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere and high walkability, Pittsboro is not just a place to live; it's a thriving community perfect for families, young professionals, and retirees.  

If you are relocating to the area, you can check out the homes for sale in Pittsboro.

Attracting residents to the area for its North Carolinian humid subtropical climate expect warm summers with high humidity, mild winters with occasional light snowfall, and moderate levels of rainfall. 

Before making the big leap to Pittsboro, knowing more about your new city will make the transition easier. Keep reading to learn more about the seven Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Here is what you need to know about life in Pittsboro, NC

1. History of Pittsboro

Pittsboro's story begins long before its official founding in 1787, with a rich tapestry of Native American history and early colonial encounters. The land was initially inhabited by the Sappony and Eno Native American tribes, who cultivated the fertile Piedmont region for generations before European settlers arrived.

Chatham County, and Pittsboro at its heart, played a crucial role during the American Revolution. Unlike many towns that were passive observers, Pittsboro was a hotbed of revolutionary activity since it served as a critical meeting point for local militia, and the courthouse square became a central location for revolutionary planning and community organization. 

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pittsboro experienced unexpected industrial developments. Small textile mills emerged, and furniture manufacturing became a significant local industry. Logging and timber processing began to play a crucial role in the local economy. 

Today, Pittsboro uses its rich history as a foundation for future growth, innovation, and connection. The town has made significant efforts to preserve historic buildings, maintain its original layout, and protect historical artifacts and stories. 

2. Pittsboro is in a Great Location

Pittsboro is strategically nestled in Chatham County, in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina. Its location perfectly balances rural charm and proximity to major urban centers.

Just south of Chapel Hill, Pittsboro is desired most for its prime location in the middle of North Carolina. Only a 40-minute drive to Raleigh, Durham, and Research Triangle Park, Pittsboro is centrally located next to big city centers and business hubs.

Close to nearby interstate highways, including North Carolina Highway 902 and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, residents can easily travel to and from Pittsboro to adjacent cities.

Only a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the mountains and a three-hour drive to the closest beach, Pittsboro is the perfect city for the avid adventurer and explorer. Instead of picking between the two, take frequent weekend getaways to Asheville, NC, and Wilmington, NC.

Since Pittsboro is a small city, one of the many benefits of living here is its low commute time. Researchers have found that with every extra minute added to your commute, work and leisure time satisfaction is reduced.

With an average commute time of 35 to 50 minutes to Research Triangle cities, residents will have more time to relax and enjoy themselves. Living near big cities such as Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte allows residents to access big-city amenities while enjoying fewer crowds and less traffic.

3. The Economy is Thriving 

Pittsboro blends rural charm with innovative opportunities. Unlike traditional small towns, its economy is characterized by diversity, sustainability, and proximity to the Research Triangle's robust job market.

Spearheading the manufacturing industry in its early years, textile mills located along the Haw River, Rocky River, and Deep River brought many jobs to the area. Constantly seeing steady economic growth, Pittsboro manages to prosper economically year after year, considering its small size.

A continuous leader in textile manufacturing near big business and technology companies in Research Triangle Park, Pittsboro, has seen a growing trend in available job opportunities. Retail stores, commuter income, and an increasing business in science and genetics are allowing for a diverse economy.

With a growing remote work population and proximity to university connections, Pittsboro's primary economic sectors include agriculture and sustainable farming, renewable energy, education, healthcare, technology services, small business and entrepreneurship, and creative industries. 

Here are the median income ranges in Pittsboro, NC: 

• Entry-Level Positions: $35,000 - $45,000
• Mid-Career Professionals: $50,000 - $75,000
• Specialized Roles: $75,000 - $120,000

Pittsboro offers a surprisingly affordable living experience. Its cost of living is 4% higher than the national average. Compared to other cities in the Research Triangle, Pittsboro is a more affordable area with lower prices. 

4. Pittsboro is Great For Families 

Considered one of the best places to raise a family in North Carolina, living in Pittsboro will allow your kids to grow and flourish in a safe community. Not only is this town quiet and quaint, but it is family-oriented.

Home to top-rated public and private schools, the Chatham County School District stands out for its small class sizes, strong community involvement, innovative educational programs, and specialized learning options. 

Since so many families live in Pittsboro, your children will be able to make friends quickly. The area has many family-centered activities, such as spending time at a historical museum or state park. 

Famous for being the home of the Carolina Tiger Rescue, visit this refuge for tigers and exotic cats. By taking a tour, your family will learn all about these beautiful animals and the rescue's impact on animal preservation. 

If you want to learn about Pittsboro's local history, check out the Chatham County Historical Museum. Located in the Chatham County Courthouse, this restored historical site features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Chatham County.

Explore the Lower Haw River State Natural Areaif you want to spend time outside. This 1,025-acre state park is just south of Jordan Lake and is excellent for fishing, kayaking, and nature photography. Bring the family out for a day on the river or hike the 7.3-mile Lower Haw River Trail.

5. The Pittsboro Real Estate Market Can Be Competitive 

Pittsboro is a relatively affordable place to live, and the cost of housing is 19% higher than the national average. As families and young business owners start to discover the benefits of living here, the demand for housing increases. 

Pittsboro's real estate market represents a unique blend of rural charm, sustainable living, and strategic location. It offers diverse housing options that cater to different lifestyles and budgets.

The housing market in Pittsboro can be competitive. According to the current market, the median home price in Pittsboro ranges between $375,000 and $425,000. The average price per square foot is between $210 and $250, and the annual appreciation rate is between 6.5% and 7.5%. 

Offering low property taxes and increasing demand from working professionals, most homes get multiple offers. If you are looking to buy a home in Pittsboro, make sure to enlist the help of our team of knowledgeable local Real Estate Specialists.

When searching for real estate, keep an open mind and consider what property type will best suit you and your family. Pittsboro features mainly newly constructed single-family homes, ranch-style homes, and condominiums, so there is a house to fit every lifestyle.

6. Wineries in Pittsboro  

Did you know that Pittsboro is home to multiple wineries? Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, visiting the wineries in Pittsboro is a must-do.

Blending agricultural heritage with innovative winemaking approaches, the unique wine landscape in Pittsboro is characterized by Piedmont soil conditions and a moderate climate, creating an exceptional environment for wine production.

One of the top wineries in the area is Starrlight Mead. This winery specializes in award-winning mead and honey wine. It sells multiple flavors of mead, from blackberry to spiced apple, made from honey, water, and fermented yeast.

Starlight Mead is open for tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and classes on how to make your mead at home, making it different from any other winery. 

Fair Game Beverage Company Wine and Spirits offers more than just wine. Known as North Carolina's 13th legal distillery, this wine and beverage company creates craft beers, wines, ciders, and strong spirits.

Open for tastings and tours, Fair Game serves vodka and barrel-aged spirits, including rum and brandy. Make sure to sample the Apple Brandy and the Amber Rum. Serving a nice selection of red and white wine ranging from dry to sweet, wine can be purchased on-site. 

7. Crime Rate in Pittsboro 

Raleigh is a safe place to live, so it is no surprise that Pittsboro is, too. Pittsboro is a remarkably safe small town, with crime rates significantly lower than national and state averages. Its rural character, lovely neighborhoods, and strong community connections contribute to an exceptional safety profile. 

Pittsboro is considered to be safer than 12% of other cities in the United States, making it a good place to raise a family. Annual incidents of violent crime are extremely low, and the primary incident types related to property crime include the occasional vehicle break-in and rare burglary reports. 

Here are Pittsboro's annual crime rates: 

	Violent Crime	Property Crime	Total Crime
Number of Crimes	14	117	131
Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents	2.89	24.18	27.07

Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Pittsboro vs. the rest of North Carolina: 

Crime Type	Pittsboro	North Carolina
Violent Crime	one in 346	one in 256
Property Crime	one in 41	one in 48

*Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

Compared to Chapel Hill's safety levels, Pittsboro's crime rate is significantly safer than Durham's. An active local government, high community involvement, and a stable economic environment contribute to Pittsboro's low crime rate. 

Pros and cons of Moving to Pittsboro, NC 

Pros: 

• Diversity 
• Affordable housing 
• Proximity to Raleigh 
• Thriving economy 
• Comfortable weather 
• Fun things to do 
• Rich history 
• Family-friendly 
• Access to wineries 

Cons: 

• Not very commuter-friendly 
• Not very trendy 
• Limited urban amenities 

Methodology 

Data was sourced from Payscale, NeighborhoodScout, and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the cost of living, crime rate, and population in Pittsboro, NC. Other factors, such as the real estate market, local amenities, and economy, were considered to be among the most important things to know about living in Pittsboro. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Pittsboro, NC. 

Is Pittsboro, NC, a good place to live? 

Offering a family-friendly and tight-knit community feel, Pittsboro is a great place to live near Raleigh for its small-town charm and top-rated amenities. 

Why move to Pittsboro, NC? 

Pittsboro is one of the best suburbs in Raleigh. It provides a sparse suburban feel, affordable housing, a rich history, family-friendly amenities, job opportunities, and a safe community. 

Moving to Pittsboro, NC - Final Thoughts 

Pittsboro is a wonderful place to live. It is home to more than 1,100 farms, a growing number of small businesses, and an excellent education system through Chatham County Public Schools. 

Though the city may be small, Pittsboro is an up-and-coming area of opportunities. Pittsboro is waiting for you no matter where your interests lie or what you like to do. 

With a rich history and only steps away from busy city life, contact us today to help you find the home of your dreams in this laid-back community.