In June, the Town of Pittsboro’s planning department approved a Disney home development project in Chatham County. The preliminary phase of Asteria will include 494 single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes.
This development will be only the second of its kind in the United States and will be located about 30 minutes from Raleigh. According to Disney’s website, Asteria will offer exclusive club memberships, Disney programming, and uniquely designed homes.
Although developers haven’t announced the expected sale prices, they plan to begin sales in 2027. The only other development of this type—Cotino in Rancho Mirage, California—features homes starting in the upper $1 million to lower $2 million range.
Asteria will be part of the larger Chatham Park project, a community development effort that began more than a decade ago and will eventually cover over 8,500 acres.
“Chatham County has not begun to process any building permits, and we do not expect to for another year,” said Kara Lusk, public information officer for Chatham County.
Before receiving building permits, developers must submit house plans to Pittsboro’s planning department. County leaders believe the project will bring benefits to the area.
“We are grateful they chose Pittsboro,” said Michael Smith, president of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation. “Disney is one of the most admired brands in the world, so that’s a big positive for all of Chatham County. It’s another sign that we’re in a great place.”
While community leaders are optimistic, not all residents share their enthusiasm. A petition on Change.org, which has gathered more than 700 signatures, claims the project could strain local resources and harm the environment. Opponents are especially concerned about its impact on small businesses.
“In a place where small businesses are valued and loved,” the petition states, “Disney’s influence could take away the livelihood of many.”
According to Disney, the company selected Pittsboro for Asteria because it’s “an inspired location where the beauty of nature and the allure of new discoveries beckon.”