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Cheeks

Cheeks

Neighborhood in Efland, North Carolina

Orange County 27243, 27278, 27302

$374,838 Average Value
$209 Average Price per Sq Ft
54 Homes For Sale

From the edge of Mebane to the rural hills outside Hillsborough

Anyone traveling around Cheeks will find what most rural townships have in North Carolina: large swaths of trees broken up by sprawling longtime family farms, fenced pastures with horses nibbling on grass, and small clusters of local businesses sitting on hilly country roads. What sets it apart is the tenacity of its people. “Everyone here is very passionate about building up Efland-Cheeks. Even the kids want to help out and volunteer,” says Kimya Swann, the Executive Director of United Voices of Efland Cheeks, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to providing community services and programs that wouldn’t be available here without it. Swann, who’s lived in the area all her life, says Cheeks has the expected small-town feel, “Everybody knows everybody, pretty much. And if you don’t know them, someone you know probably knows them.” The township rests northwest of Durham, squarely between the smaller city of Mebane and the town of Hillsborough. With Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70 a few miles drive from any home, residents are just as close to a day on the water at Lake Michael as they are to name-brand shops at the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Cheek sits squarely between the smaller city of Mebane and the town of Hillsborough.
Cheek sits squarely between the smaller city of Mebane and the town of Hillsborough.
There's lots of county side in the Cheek neighborhood.
There's lots of county side in the Cheek neighborhood.
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New subdivisions near Mebane and rural farmhouses throughout

The neighborhoods in Cheeks range from recently constructed subdivisions outside Mebane to standalone homes off two-lane country roads deep in the woods. “Mebane has been getting busier, and there are new developments on the outskirts now,” says Haylee Henry, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston who lives and works around the Hillsborough-Mebane area. “But Cheeks is still quieter, and some homes are even pretty rural. You can choose how far away from town you want to be, but it’s never so far that it takes more than 20 minutes to get to the grocery store,” Henry continues. Some rural properties can cost more than $700,000 for spacious acreage and a house with a barn, whereas a quaint two-bedroom ranch-style home near the main roads can sell for under $200,000. Cottages and farmhouses are also popular, though closer to Mebane, newly built New Traditional homes tend to have Craftsman flairs like wooden columns or stone accents. Homes in one of these subdivisions tend to have neat, sidewalk-lined lawns along winding streets that end in cul-de-sacs. Streetlights are sprinkled throughout. A four-bedroom is typically priced between just under $400,000 to nearly $600,000. Some custom homes, yet to be built, start at $930,000.

There are some craftsman styled homes in Cheeks.
There are some craftsman styled homes in Cheeks.
The new home developments are located near the wooded areas of Cheeks.
The new home developments are located near the wooded areas of Cheeks.
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Learning in Orange County Schools

Children don’t have to travel long distances to school. Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary, near the Efland town center, earns a C-plus from Niche. The magnet school has a curriculum focused on global equity, and its active PTA hosts scholarship fundraisers and community events. Gravelly Hill Middle School receives a B-minus rating and is next to the Soccer.com Center, which hosts the Orange County Youth Soccer League. It features five lighted soccer fields, a concession stand and a paved walking track. Cedar Ridge High scores an A-minus and has won state championships in multiple sports since 2003. The local newspaper, The News of Orange, regularly chronicles the school’s competitive rivalry with Orange High. Alternative options in nearby Hillsborough include Eno River Academy, a kindergarten through 12th-grade charter school, and Hillsborough Christian Academy, a private school that teaches children as young as two and offers instruction through 10th grade.

Efland Cheeks Elementary School has several outside play areas in Cheeks.
Efland Cheeks Elementary School has several outside play areas in Cheeks.
Gravelly Hill Middle School is a public school located in Efland, NC.
Gravelly Hill Middle School is a public school located in Efland, NC.
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Commute around the Triangle

Since the area is rural and has a dearth of pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, driving is the main way to get around. Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70 slice through the middle of Cheeks. Residents can use both highways to reach the center of Chapel Hill, a 15-mile drive, and downtown Durham, a 19-mile drive. Research Triangle Park, a major science and tech employment hub, is a 26-mile drive, and Raleigh is the farthest commute at a little over 41 miles. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 30 miles away. An Orange County Public Transportation bus stop at the Efland Community Center serves the area with stops in Mebane, 5 miles east, and Hillsborough, 3 miles west. Some routes travel as far as Durham.

Downtown Durham is a 15 minute drive on I40 from Cheeks.
Downtown Durham is a 15 minute drive on I40 from Cheeks.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 30 mile drive from the Cheek neighborhood.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 30 mile drive from the Cheek neighborhood.
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Burgers and barbecue at Missy’s Grill

Considered an Efland staple, long-time restaurant Missy’s Grill serves burgers, breakfast sandwiches and barbecue plates through its walk-up window off Mount Willing Road. “If you live in Efland, you’ve eaten at Missy’s,” Swann says. “We’ve been going since I was a toddler,” reminisces Swann. The Burritaco Burger Grill is a newer addition to the area, known for burritos, tacos and burgers. Its casual dining space features red leather booths and a checkered floor. The Efland Supermarket is the local grocer and gas station, while Efland Farm and Garden is the local hardware store. Swann says residents also shop at the Walmart Supercenter and Food Lion in Hillsborough, a less than 7-mile drive from Efland down Interstate 85. More big-box stores and the Tanger Outlet Mall are in Mebane. A common weekend activity here is visiting a house of worship. Swann notes that Route 70 tends to be busier on Sundays. “There are a lot of churches within a 10-mile radius. A couple of them are literally across from each other,” Swann says.

Missy’s Grill serves burgers, breakfast sandwiches and barbecue plates in Cheeks.
Missy’s Grill serves burgers, breakfast sandwiches and barbecue plates in Cheeks.
The Burritaco Burger Grill is a newer addition to the Cheeks neighborhood.
The Burritaco Burger Grill is a newer addition to the Cheeks neighborhood.
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Fish from the pier at Lake Michael Park

With rolling pastures and dense groves of trees, Cheeks has plenty of nature to explore. It’s home to Lake Michael Park, a 60-acre lake for fishing, kayaking and boating. Trails wind through the park, offering views of the lake below. A picnic shelter is tucked between the trees. At Efland-Cheeks Park and Community Center, two lighted basketball courts sit beside a baseball field encircled by a walking path that leads to a playground. The community center has amenities like a fitness room and desktop computers. It’s also the headquarters for United Voices of Efland Cheeks, a local organization that since 1994 has been providing community outreach, from food drives to tutoring programs. “We have a huge Easter egg hunt. This year, we put out 6,000 eggs, and they were all picked up in three minutes by 200 kids,” Swann says. “We also hand out backpacks in August; we do a senior dinner for Christmas; and for Halloween, we have a huge event. We did a haunted forest this last time around,” Swann explains.

The boat house at Lake Michael Park has docks and a boat launch ramp in Cheeks.
The boat house at Lake Michael Park has docks and a boat launch ramp in Cheeks.
Efland-Cheeks Community Park and Center has a community garden in Mebane, NC.
Efland-Cheeks Community Park and Center has a community garden in Mebane, NC.
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A community flea market

Off Interstate 40 in a large gravel parking lot surrounded by trees is Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market. On Saturdays and Sundays all year long, residents and visitors from across the area descend on the market to browse dozens of stalls. Many of the vendors are selling their handmade goods. “There are thousands of people out there selling all kinds of products, including furniture, tires and fresh produce. I’ve actually seen people selling baby goats and a pheasant,” says Swann, who recently took a friend from out of state to the market that’s been in operation since the 1980s. “When you come in off the Buckhorn Side, to the left, there are people selling all types of household supplies, detergents and clothes. In the next few rows, people are selling clothes, makeup and jewelry. On the inside, there’s food, fresh churros, chicken and fries,” Swann continues.

Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market is in a large gravel parking lot in Cheeks, NC.
Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market is in a large gravel parking lot in Cheeks, NC.
You can buy livestock at the Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market in Cheeks.
You can buy livestock at the Buckhorn Jockey Lot & Flea Market in Cheeks.
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DeeVa Payne
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Bryan Regan
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Regan
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dino Stewart, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Raleigh-Durham International

43 min drive

Bus

Efland-Cheeks Community Center

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Cheeks US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$385,000
Median Single Family Price
$402,000
Median Townhouse Price
$325,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$209
Number of Homes for Sale
54
Last 12 months Home Sales
476
Months of Supply
1.40
Median List Price
$390,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,244
Median Year Built
2000
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,766
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,666
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,258
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
40,075

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    1721 Daniels Farm Rd, Mebane, NC 27302

    $350,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,334 Sq Ft
    • 1721 Daniels Farm Rd
    • New 24 days ago

    Well maintained 3 bed 2 bath one level ranch on just under an acre. Home is nestled in a quiet community close to downtown Mebane, Efland, and Hillsborough. Gorgeous kitchen with stainless steel appliances and water filtration system that convey with property, granite countertops and sophisticated dark wood cabinets. Home has tile floors throughout. No carpet! Open floor plan includes vaulted

    Anita Smith Coldwell Banker Advantage

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    1046 Winding Spring Dr, Mebane, NC 27302

    $340,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,590 Sq Ft
    • 1046 Winding Spring Dr
    • New 4 days ago

    Brand new, energy-efficient home available by May 2025! The Carmine's 2-car garage, 3 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom layout provides plenty of space to spread out. Slate cabinets, white quartz countertops, warm taupe EVP flooring with warm grey carpet in our Radiant package. Located near downtown Mebane, Oakwood offers a small town feel with easy access to Durham and the rest of the Triangle via I-40

    Jebbie Zulka Meritage Homes of the Carolina

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  • Thursday, Apr 24
    12 - 5pm

    803 Pryor St Unit 47, Mebane, NC 27302

    $325,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,021 Sq Ft
    • 803 Pryor St
    • Unit 47

    1ST FLOOR OWNER'S SUITE! 2 CAR GARAGE! Luxury HWD Style Flooring Thru Main Living! Kit: Level 3 ''White Spring'' Granite Countertops, Custom White Painted Cabinets w/Brushed Nickel Hardware, Center Island w/Breakfast Bar & Single Bowl SS Sink, SS Appls Incl Smooth Top Range, Microwave & Dishwasher, Recessed Lights & Walk in Pantry! Owners Suite: HWD Style Flooring & Trey Ceiling! Owners Bath:

    Jim Allen Coldwell Banker HPW

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dino Stewart, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,880
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$82,807
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,249

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.8%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.3%
Advanced Degrees
13.1%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

21 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

1 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Cheeks