Burlington Commercial Real Estate Market
Burlington's commercial real estate market benefits from a geographic position that makes it the uncontested commercial hub for Alamance County. Situated along the I-85/I-40 corridor precisely between the Triangle and the Triad, Burlington serves a county population of 165,000+ that has no comparable retail, medical, or professional services alternative nearby. University Drive and South Church Street concentrate national and regional retailers, restaurants, and services serving this captive catchment area. The city's role as the county seat adds government employment and institutional demand.
Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center is Burlington's largest employer and the healthcare anchor for the entire county, generating medical office demand along the University Drive and Huffman Mill Road corridors. Elon University — located 5 miles west in the town of Elon — adds 7,000+ students and substantial institutional economic impact that flows into Burlington's commercial market. Industrial demand along the I-85/I-40 corridor serves manufacturing and distribution tenants positioned between Triangle and Triad logistics networks. The outlet shopping district along I-85 draws regional shoppers.
Burlington's cap rates offer strong yields reflecting the secondary market positioning — typically 150 to 250 basis points above Triangle markets and 100 to 150 above Greensboro. The buyer pool includes healthcare investors attracted by Cone Health's stability, Alamance County operators building local portfolios, and yield-focused investors who recognize the captive hub advantages. For sellers, Burlington properties should be positioned as Alamance County hub assets with institutional healthcare demand — not as rural properties outside the Triangle — to attract the right buyer pool and achieve competitive pricing.
Top Property Types in Burlington
Industrial & Distribution
Burlington's hub status means its retail corridors serve all 165,000+ Alamance County residents with limited competition. University Drive and South Church Street host national grocers, restaurants, and general merchandise retailers whose Burlington locations serve the entire county. The I-85 outlet corridor draws shoppers from beyond the county. Grocery-anchored centers with Harris Teeter, Food Lion, or Walmart anchors are the most liquid retail investments, while the growing restaurant scene along University Drive reflects the community's evolving dining expectations.
Retail & Service
Cone Health Alamance Regional's hospital campus generates medical office demand that is Burlington's most stable commercial asset class. The Huffman Mill Road, University Drive, and hospital-adjacent areas house physician practices, specialty clinics, rehabilitation, and outpatient services. The hospital's county-wide referral network ensures patient volumes that support medical practice viability. Multi-tenant medical buildings with diversified specialties achieve the tightest cap rates in the Burlington market. Elon University adds student health and sports medicine demand.
Medical & Office
Burlington's I-85/I-40 corridor position serves industrial tenants needing logistics connectivity between the Triangle and the Triad at occupancy costs below either metro. Manufacturing, food processing, and regional distribution tenants maintain Burlington facilities for the corridor access and workforce availability. Properties with dock-high loading, modern clear heights, and interstate access within 3 miles trade most competitively. Legacy textile and manufacturing buildings are being repurposed for modern distribution, creating redevelopment opportunities.
Thinking About Selling Your Burlington Commercial Property?
Get a confidential, no-obligation valuation. Understand what your property is worth in today's market before you commit to anything.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationBurlington Cap Rate Ranges
Cap rates in Burlington offer strong yields relative to larger NC metros.
Why Burlington Property Owners Work With John Salony
Dual Expertise
Most CRE agents don't understand business valuations. Most business brokers don't do real estate. John does both, giving you a complete picture of your property's value.
No Wasted Time
Pre-qualified buyers. Realistic pricing from day one. Clean financials and marketing materials that attract serious offers, not tire-kickers.
Confidential Process
Your tenants, employees, and competitors won't know you're selling until you're ready. Every step is managed with discretion.
Success-Based Fee
You pay nothing upfront. John's fee is earned only when your property sells. Your interests are fully aligned.
Selling Commercial Property in Burlington
Also Serving Nearby Markets

Connect with Me
100% Confidential