Pittsboro, NC – In the rolling hills of Chatham County, the Walt Disney Company promises to weave a new kind of magic with Asteria, a 1,550-acre Storyliving by Disney community approved for construction in June 2025. Envisioned as a blend of residential living, recreational amenities, and Disney-inspired storytelling, Asteria promises to transform Pittsboro into a destination for families, retirees, and Disney enthusiasts. With 4,000 homes, parks, and immersive experiences, the project marks a bold step in Disney’s foray into community development, sparking both excitement and debate in Chatham County.
A New Chapter in Disney’s Story
Asteria, the second Storyliving by Disney community announced in the United States, represents an ambitious pivot for The Walt Disney Company, known for its theme parks, films, and entertainment empire. Unveiled in December 2023, the project aims to create a residential community infused with Disney’s signature storytelling, where residents can supposedly live amidst the charm and creativity that define the brand. Located in Chatham County’s Chatham Park, a sprawling master-planned development, Asteria will cover 1,550 acres between the Haw River and Chatham Park’s North Village, which Disney claims will offer a unique blend of small-town living and modern amenities.
The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners granted approval for the project’s first phase on June 10, 2025, clearing a major hurdle for construction to begin. Asteria General Manager Matt Dean told the meeting: “We’re excited to bring forward this Asteria phase one preliminary plan application to the town and look forward to building a meaningful and long-term relationship with you for years to come.” The 217-acre preliminary plan, which is the first of the three major approval steps, contains 494 single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes and quadplexes along tree-lined streets. With home sales expected to start in 2027, Asteria is poised to redefine residential living in the region, drawing comparisons to Disney’s Celebration, Florida, while carving its own identity.
The project’s approval has generated significant buzz, amplified by posts on X celebrating Asteria’s milestone and its potential to become “the most magical place in North Carolina.” Yet, as construction ramps up, questions about affordability, environmental impact, and community integration loom large, setting the stage for a complex narrative in Chatham County.
The Vision for Asteria
Asteria’s preliminary site plan, released in April 2025, reveals a community designed with Disney’s meticulous attention to detail. The development will feature 4,000 residential units, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, catering to a diverse range of residents. Winding streets will connect neighborhoods to parks, green spaces, and community buildings.
Central to Asteria’s appeal is its recreational and lifestyle offerings. The community will include neighborhood parks, walking trails, pools, and a central recreation hub, all infused with Disney-themed touches. Restaurants, retail spaces, and entertainment venues are planned, promising residents a vibrant social scene. A key feature is access to the Haw River, where kayaking, fishing, and nature trails will offer outdoor adventures.
Disney has partnered with prominent homebuilders, including Toll Brothers and Del Webb, to construct homes tailored to various demographics, from young families to active retirees. While specific pricing remains undisclosed, industry experts estimate starting prices could range from $700,000 to over $1 million, reflecting the premium associated with the Disney brand.
Economic Impact on Chatham County
Asteria’s arrival may be a boon for Chatham County. The project is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and permanent positions in retail, hospitality, and community management. Pittsboro, a town of just over 4,000 residents, anticipates a surge in economic activity, with local businesses poised to benefit from increased foot traffic and tourism.
The project’s first phase alone is projected to generate millions in property tax revenue, funding improvements to schools, roads, and public services.
Chatham Park, the master-planned community encompassing Asteria, is already positioning the area as a hub for innovation. Asteria’s integration into this ecosystem is expected to enhance Chatham Park’s appeal, drawing affluent residents and businesses. However, the influx of new residents raises concerns about infrastructure strain, particularly on roads like U.S. 64 and 15-501 and water utilities. County officials have pledged to coordinate with Disney and developers to address these challenges.
Community Design and Disney Storytelling
Asteria’s design draws heavily on Disney’s expertise in placemaking, creating environments that evoke emotion and narrative. The community’s name, inspired by the Greek word for “star,” reflects its theme of aspiration and wonder. Neighborhoods will feature subtle Disney references, such as street names inspired by characters or films, and public art that nods to the company’s legacy. Unlike a theme park, however, Disney claims that Asteria will aim for understated elegance, avoiding overt branding in favor of a cohesive aesthetic.
Residents will have access to exclusive experiences, including events hosted by Disney cast members, storytelling workshops, and potential visits from Disney characters. A community association, managed by Disney, will oversee programming, ensuring a consistent “Disney touch.”
The project’s green spaces are a cornerstone of its design, with over 30% of the 1,550 acres dedicated to parks, trails, and natural areas. Environmental consultants have worked to preserve wetlands and wildlife habitats along the Haw River, addressing concerns raised by local conservation groups.
In an open letter published in January 2024, the Haw River Assembly asked Disney and its partners, including the Chatham Park Investors, to limit the environmental impacts of the Asteria development.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its promise, Asteria has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the project’s scale—4,000 homes on 1,550 acres—could overwhelm Pittsboro’s infrastructure and alter its rural character. Traffic congestion, already a concern in Chatham County, is a focal point, with residents worried about the impact of thousands of new vehicles. Disney and developers have proposed road improvements and public transit options, but details remain vague.
Affordability is another sticking point. With home prices likely to reflect Disney’s premium branding, Asteria may be out of reach for many local residents, exacerbating housing disparities in the region. Disney has pledged to include a mix of housing types, but specifics on affordable units are scarce.
Environmental concerns have also surfaced. The Haw River, a vital ecosystem, faces potential risks from construction runoff and increased human activity. While Disney has committed to sustainable practices, including low-impact development and water conservation measures, environmentalists remain cautious.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some users hailing Asteria as a “dream come true” and others questioning its accessibility and impact. “Disney’s Asteria looks incredible, but who’s it really for?” wrote one user, echoing a broader debate about the project’s inclusivity.
Disney’s Broader Storyliving Ambitions
Asteria is the second Storyliving by Disney community, following Cotino in California’s Rancho Mirage, which broke ground in 2022. The Storyliving initiative, launched in 2021, reflects Disney’s desire to extend its brand into new realms, leveraging its storytelling expertise to create lifestyle destinations. Unlike Disney’s timeshare properties or theme park resorts, Storyliving communities are permanent residences, designed for year-round living.
The success of Asteria could pave the way for additional Storyliving projects, with Disney reportedly eyeing locations in Florida and Texas. However, the initiative faces scrutiny over its business model, given the high costs of development and the niche appeal of Disney-branded living.
In North Carolina, Asteria’s location in the Research Triangle—a region known for its universities, tech industry, and quality of life—positions it to attract affluent buyers, including Disney fans relocating from other states. Disney feels that the project’s proximity to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, all within a 40-minute drive, enhances its appeal for professionals and retirees.
Community Engagement and Local Sentiment
Disney has sought to build goodwill in Chatham County through community engagement. Since announcing Asteria, the company has hosted public forums, met with local leaders, and partnered with nonprofits to support education and environmental initiatives. A planned community center in Asteria will be open to Pittsboro residents, fostering integration with the broader community.
Local sentiment is a mix of excitement and apprehension. For some, Asteria represents a chance to elevate Pittsboro’s profile and attract investment. Others worry about gentrification and cultural shifts.
The project’s approval process has been relatively smooth, with the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners praising Disney’s transparency and responsiveness. However, ongoing dialogue with residents will be crucial as construction progresses.
The Road Ahead
Construction on Asteria’s first phase is underway, with infrastructure work—roads, utilities, and landscaping—expected to take 18 to 24 months. Homebuilding will follow, with the first residents anticipated in 2028. Disney has launched an interest list on its Storyliving website, attracting thousands of prospective buyers, including Disney Vacation Club members and fans eager for a piece of the magic.
The project’s timeline aligns with Chatham Park’s broader development, which includes commercial and industrial components. As Asteria takes shape, it will likely draw national attention, positioning Pittsboro as a model for branded community living.
Yet, challenges remain, from affordability concerns to environmental stewardship and infrastructure demands. As Disney navigates these complexities, Asteria’s success will hinge on its ability to balance ambition with inclusivity, honoring Pittsboro’s roots while embracing a new era.
For now, Asteria remains a vision in progress, its streets and stories yet to be written. As bulldozers break ground and dreams take root, Pittsboro and Chatham County stand at the cusp of a transformative chapter—one that blends Disney’s magic with the realities of growth, community, and change.