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Carrboro, NC

Frequently asked questions

Carrboro, NC

Carrboro is a town in Orange County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 21,295 at the 2020 census. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr.

Located directly west of Chapel Hill, home of the University of North Carolina's flagship campus, Carrboro has a reputation as one of the most progressive communities in the Southeastern United States. It was the first municipality in North Carolina to elect an openly gay mayor (Michael R. Nelson in 1995) and the first municipality in the state to grant domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. In October 2002, Carrboro was among the first municipalities in the South to adopt resolutions opposing the Iraq War and the USA PATRIOT Act.

According to the US Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.5 square miles (16.8 km²), of which 6.4 square miles (16.7 km²) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km²) is water. Carrboro's 27510 zip code covers the town's core and is an enclave surrounded by Chapel Hill's 27516 zip code, which also covers the outer areas of Carrboro.

The history of Carrboro is similar to the history of many mill towns in North Carolina and largely parallels the histories of the State University Railroad and the Alberta Cotton Mill. Located just west of Chapel Hill, Carrboro was originally known as West End. It was settled in 1882 near the terminus "in a vacant field" of the 10.2 miles (16.4 km) State University Railroad spur from University Station in Glenn, North Carolina. (State law required that the railway be at least 1 mile (1.6 km) from the university campus "to guard against possible damage to student morals and habits of study," or as it was more cynically put, "to discourage students from leaving on the weekends and spending their money elsewhere. ) Settlement in West End increased after 1898 when Thomas F. Lloyd of Chapel Hill built a steam-powered grist mill near the depot. This would become the Alberta Cotton Mill, and in 1900 the town briefly called itself Lloydville in his honor.

Durham businessman Julian Shakespeare Carr bought the mill and other nearby buildings in 1909, adding them to the chain of mills that became Durham Hosiery Mills. In 1911, West End was incorporated and named Venable in honor of chemistry professor and University of North Carolina president Francis Preston Venable, but only two years later was renamed Carrboro, after Carr provided electric power for the community and expanded the mill. In addition to the university and the textile mills, the railroad depot in Carrboro also served the local lumber industry, and in the 1920s and 1930s, Carrboro became a major hub in the hardwood cross-tie market.

Carrboro places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with several healthcare facilities serving the community. The UNC Health Care system has a presence in the area, providing residents with access to comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Carrboro Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include FIT Carrboro, Carrboro YMCA, and O2 Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Carrboro, such as the Morgan Creek Trail and Occoneechee Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Carrboro, NC are Henry Anderson III Community Park, North Carolina Botanical Garden, and FRANK Gallery.

Population: 21,079 (2024). ZIP code: 27510. Area code: 919. Elevation: 489 ft (149 m). Area: 6.51 sq mi (16.85 km²).

FAQs

Is Carrboro, NC a good place to live?

Carrboro is in Orange County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Carrboro offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Carrboro, there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Carrboro and residents tend to have moderate political views. 

What is Carrboro, NC known for?

Carrboro Farmer's Market, two venues that host national music acts (the ArtsCenter and Cat's Cradle) call Carrboro home. The town also hosts annual events like the Carrboro Music Festival and the Carrboro Film Festival. Today, over 20,000 people can call Carrboro home.

What is the crime rate in Carrboro, NC?

The crime rate in Carrboro is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Carrboro is 1 in 50. Based on FBI crime data, Carrboro is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to North Carolina, Carrboro has a crime rate that is higher than 66% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Carrboro

UNC Health Care system 

Carrboro Parks and Recreation Department 

FIT Carrboro

Carrboro YMCA 

O2 Fitness

Morgan Creek Trail 

Occoneechee Loop

Henry Anderson III Community Park

North Carolina Botanical Garden

FRANK Gallery

Niche

NeighborhoodScout

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