5 Great Small Towns in the Triangle of NC

You know about Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. You probably know about Cary, too—those are the major towns in the Triangle region of North Carolina. But there are other towns you should know about. We’ve identified five of the coolest, most charming small towns around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

As you may already know, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill is a vibrant hub of culture, innovation, and education. But beyond the city hustle lies a collection of small towns that offer space, community spirit, and unique attractions—often at a lower cost of living than central Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill. So here are five of our favorites.

First up is Apex. Apex is a sprawling town—it can take 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other. But the downtown is where you’ll want to focus. It has a beautifully preserved historic district and embodies that quintessential small Southern town charm. Enjoy strolling past boutiques, shops, and local eateries. Apex also has a convenient location between Cary and Durham, not far from Raleigh and close to the airport. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and charm.

Next is Hillsborough, nestled just northwest of Durham. It’s close to both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Hillsborough is an enclave of artists, farmers, and small-town entrepreneurs. It’s also the county seat of Orange County. Along its main street, you’ll find pubs, pizza places, and great casual restaurants. With historic markers everywhere and a lovely Riverwalk, Hillsborough is rich with charm and history.

Heading south of Raleigh, we come to a town with the strangest name on the list—Fuquay-Varina. Originally two separate towns (Fuquay Springs and Varina), it’s now one vibrant community that blends modern amenities with small-town character. Locals call it “Fuquay,” and it’s known for its festivals, craft breweries, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s still close to Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, making it a great option for commuters.

Next is Pittsboro, about 20 to 30 minutes south of Chapel Hill. Pittsboro has fewer than 5,000 residents but plenty of energy and community spirit. Its hub is downtown and a popular area known as The Plant—a redeveloped flour mill now home to breweries, restaurants, shops, and a distillery. People in Pittsboro love that small-town feel where you can’t go out without running into someone you know.

Finally, we head north to Wake Forest. One important note—Wake Forest University is not in Wake Forest anymore; it moved to Winston-Salem years ago, though it kept the name. What Wake Forest does have is a charming downtown, historic buildings, and a strong sense of community. It’s growing quickly, has great schools, and offers the perfect balance of convenience to Raleigh and quieter small-town living.

So whether you’re drawn to historic architecture, outdoor adventures, or a tight-knit community, these five small towns around the Triangle offer something for everyone—and usually at a lower price point than living in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill.

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