Raleigh, N.C. — The real estate boom in the Triangle is pushing property taxes higher, and that means some longtime homeowners are facing displacement.
Longtime Triangle residents are watching their neighborhoods change around them.
City and county leaders are working to ensure those people, who have been there for years, can stay.
“The Triangle is a really rapidly growing area. There’s a lot of interest, people moving here, and that’s driving up property values,” said Erika Brandt, housing and community development manager with Orange County.
This month Durham and Orange counties both launched similar programs to help longtime, low-income homeowners with their property tax bills.
“This definitely provides some relief to our low-income and fixed-income individuals and our elderly population,” said Lee Little, Durham County program manager for aging and adult services
To be eligible for help, homeowners must have lived in a Durham or Orange County home for at least 10 years.
Durham County has $125 million to distribute in $750 allotments to families who make less than $26,500 per year.
Orange County has $250,000 that will be available to households with an annual income up to $69,100. Each household can apply for funds to make up any difference in property taxes from 2020 to 2021.
“There’s definitely already a lot of inquiries, a lot of interest out there,” said Brandt.
Applications for both programs close in December.
To confirm eligibility and apply in Durham visit their website HERE
Orange County homeowners can apply three ways:
- CLICK HERE to access the online application portal
- Paper applications available at the Housing Dept offices in Hillsborough and Chapel Hill
- Call the Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655 for more info and help applying
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