Living a College Town Lifestyle in Chapel Hill, North_Carolina

Chapel Hill is a particularly beautiful (population just over 52,000) college town in the gentle hills of central North Carolina. The University of North Carolina (24,000 students) is the centerpiece of this charming small town with a cosmopolitan flair that makes it appealing to a wide variety of people. This entire area is highly educated, with Duke University nearby in Durham and NC State just 30 miles away in Raleigh. The three towns are sometimes referred to as the Research Triangle in reference to the research park, Research Triangle Park, formed in 1959. The area has grown so explosively that surrounding towns like Carrboro and Durham have in effect merged into Chapel Hill.

The university and the downtown are intertwined to create a classic college town atmosphere. The downtown is widely used by students and residents for dining out (it is famous for pop-American cuisine), entertainment, coffee bars, and artistic performances.

Where to Retire in Chapel Hill and Home Prices

Housing choices are extremely varied. Its residential neighborhoods have a range of architectural styles that complement the university’s Georgian style. There is every type of retirement community nearby including golf communities, mixed generation villages, and assisted living facilities (See Active Adult Communities link at top left). Condos and apartments are also available.
The median price of homes in Chapel Hill is higher than elsewhere in North Carolina and nationally. Prices will vary dramatically depending on how far you get from the center of town (farther away the cheaper), and what type of housing you want (planned communities will generally be more expensive per square foot).  The NAR reported the average selling price in the Durham-Chapel Hill area was $458,500 in the 3rd quarter of 2022, reflecting a 10% rise from a year earlier.

What Is Special about Chapel Hill

• Traditional college town integrating “gown and town” • A variety of housing choices for retirees • University of North Carolina culture and nationally famous sports • Superb medical facilities • Moderate year round climate • Organic and natural foods: Foster’s Market and Fresh Market • A liberal enclave • Morehead Planetarium

What Is Not Special about Chapel Hill

Traffic and overdevelopment can be a problem. Real estate prices in Chapel Hill proper are quite expensive, almost double the national average.

Climate and Physical Environment

Chapel Hill is located in rolling hills in central North Carolina. It is 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the Atlantic Coast. Summers are hot and winters milder than in the northeast.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Chapel Hill  was Named America's "Foodiest Small Towns by Bon Appetit. Nearby Raleigh offers museums, art shows, symphony orchestra concerts, and many performing arts events. The local music scene is very active, some of takes place in the many bars and clubs. Performing arts opportunities are provided by the universities in the area, mainly UNC and Duke. There are some festivals throughout the year.

Crime

The crime rate in Chapel Hill is below average.

Medical Facilities

UNC Hospital is one of the top teaching hospitals in the world with more than 750 physicians. Duke University hospital and others are available in nearby Durham.

Transportation

Raleigh Durham International Airport is a convenient hub just 19 miles away. Chapel Hill Transit offers daily bus service. Amtrak offers service in Durham (11 miles).

Valuable Links

Town of Chapel Hill

Visit Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Travel Guide

Rate This Town