Historic Homes in Greensboro, NC
Quick Answer: Where can you find historic homes in Greensboro?
Many of Greensboro’s historic homes are found in and around College Hill, Dunleath, and Fisher Park (the city’s three locally designated historic districts) plus Sunset Hills and Irving Park (both listed as National Register historic districts). Local historic districts typically require a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes, while National Register listing is primarily recognition and usually does not restrict private property changes by itself. NPGallery+3Greensboro NC+3Greensboro NC+3
Historic Districts vs “Historic Neighborhoods” (important before you buy)
✅ Local Historic District (City-regulated)
Greensboro has three locally zoned historic districts: College Hill, Dunleath, and Fisher Park. Exterior work in these districts is reviewed through the city’s Historic Preservation Commission process (Certificates of Appropriateness). Greensboro NC
✅ National Register Historic District (Recognized)
Greensboro also has multiple districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places (the city notes 12 districts are listed), which is a recognition program and generally does not impose private-property restrictions by itself. Greensboro NC
Why you should care: “Historic” can mean charm… or charm + design rules. We help you confirm what applies to the exact address before you fall in love. 🙂
Where to look for historic homes in Greensboro
Greensboro’s 3 local historic districts (most protected)
These are the three locally designated districts the City of Greensboro highlights: Greensboro NC
1) College Hill (Local Historic District)
-
Greensboro’s first local historic district (designated in 1980) with architecture commonly including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles. College Hill Neighborhood Association
-
If you love: porches, character, close-to-campus/downtown energy, and streets with “old soul.”
2) Dunleath (Local Historic District)
-
A historic neighborhood near downtown with late 19th/early 20th century development and lots of porch-forward homes in traditional American styles. Dunleath Historic District+1
-
If you love: neighborhood community vibes, older homes with personality, and being close to downtown.
3) Fisher Park (Local Historic District)
-
One of Greensboro’s three local historic districts, with a strong preservation identity and a well-known neighborhood association. Fisher Park NC+1
-
If you love: classic early-1900s neighborhoods, mature trees, and a tucked-in feel near city convenience.
National Register historic districts (recognized, not necessarily city-regulated)
4) Sunset Hills Historic District (National Register)
-
Listed as a National Register historic district; many homes date from the early–mid 20th century, with styles including Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Craftsman/Bungalow. North Carolina Files+1
5) Irving Park Historic District (National Register)
-
Listed in the National Register (1995) and recognized for its architecture and planning history. NPGallery+1
-
(This is a “check-the-street” area—some homes feel estate-like, and location details matter a lot.)
Renovations & rules: what you need to know
If the home is in College Hill, Dunleath, or Fisher Park, exterior changes typically require review through the city’s Certificate of Appropriateness process. Greensboro NC
Greensboro also adopted updated historic district design standards (recently updated in 2025), so it’s worth confirming the current guidelines for your address. Greensboro NC
Potential money-savers: tax credits & incentives (when eligible)
Depending on the property type and project scope, North Carolina outlines potential historic rehabilitation tax credits, including:
-
Income-producing historic properties: may potentially qualify for a 20% federal credit and 15–25% state credit (if the rehab is certified). NC HPO
-
Owner-occupied (non-income-producing) historic homes: may qualify for a 15% state tax credit (eligibility rules apply). NC HPO
Greensboro also notes that Landmark properties can be eligible for a property tax deferral (up to 50%). Greensboro NC
Friendly note: Credits and deferrals are eligibility-based—your CPA/tax pro should confirm what applies to your situation.
Buying a historic home: the “smart buyer” checklist ✅
Before you write an offer, we’ll help you look at:
-
District status: local historic district vs National Register vs neither Greensboro NC+1
-
Renovation constraints: what requires approval, what doesn’t Greensboro NC
-
Insurance expectations: older roofs, older systems, and replacement cost questions
-
Inspection priorities: roof age, electrical, plumbing type, foundation/crawlspace, moisture, and prior renovations
-
Future budget planning: what you want to restore now vs later
How Realty ONE Group Results helps with historic homes 🖤💛
Historic homes are emotional purchases—and they should still be smart purchases.
Here’s how we help:
-
Identify the best-fit historic zones based on your commute + lifestyle
-
Confirm district rules and what exterior work requires approval Greensboro NC
-
Help you plan a realistic renovation + maintenance budget
-
Guide inspections with the right specialists for older homes
-
Protect you in negotiations with facts (not guesses)
Call to action (copy/paste):
➡️ Want a “Historic Homes Short List” in Greensboro?
Send us your price range, your commute destination, and your must-haves (porch, walkability, basement, lot size). We’ll recommend the best areas and homes to start with.
FAQs (AEO-friendly)
What neighborhoods in Greensboro have historic homes?
Many historic homes are found in Greensboro’s local historic districts College Hill, Dunleath, and Fisher Park, plus National Register districts like Sunset Hills and Irving Park. Greensboro NC+2North Carolina Files+2
What’s the difference between a local historic district and the National Register?
Local historic districts are city-regulated and usually require approval for exterior changes. National Register listing is recognition, and by itself generally does not restrict private property changes. Greensboro NC+1
Do I need permission to renovate a historic home in Greensboro?
If the home is in one of Greensboro’s local historic districts, exterior work is reviewed through the Certificate of Appropriateness process. Greensboro NC
Are there tax credits for restoring historic homes in North Carolina?
North Carolina outlines potential credits for both income-producing and some owner-occupied historic properties, depending on eligibility and project requirements. NC HPO+1