Welcome to Chapel Hill
One of the best college towns and places to live in the U.S.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a beautiful town in Orange County filled with friendly people and a rich history. It is in the heart of the Piedmont region of the state and in the Triangle Region along with Raleigh and Durham. Chapel Hill is an easy drive to Raleigh (30 minutes) and Durham (20 minutes). The community has a laid-back lifestyle and a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and outdoor activities. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is here, so residents can experience all of the benefits of living in a vibrant, diverse college town.
Chapel Hill is home to approximately 60,000 residents including the University population. It has a lot of culture, a well-known music scene and plenty of terrific dining options. The community has beautiful architecture, with historic homes dating back to the 19th century and lovely southern style. Many homes are situated on quiet tree-lined streets, with options ranging from small condominiums to million-dollar estates.
What to Love
- Small town charm with proximity to large cities
- Casual vibe and diverse lifestyle opportunities
- Lush greenery and open spaces
- Wooded and hilly
- Close-knit community with a focus on arts and sports
Local Lifestyle
Chapel Hill is a vibrant college town offering a unique lifestyle full of Southern charm. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly. It offers access to nature in its many parks and trail systems. The weather is terrific with moderate temperatures most of the year, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. Residents can enjoy a round of golf at the country club or
UNC’s Finley Golf Course, a coffee or a cocktail downtown on Franklin Street, and a Tarheel basketball game on the same day! Chapel Hill is a vibrant small town with a strong economy and a thriving business community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Chapel Hill has unique shops and restaurants as well as great nightlife. Franklin Street is the center of entertainment and dining in town.
The Crunkleton is a stylish bar serving classic cocktails.
411 West Italian Café is a cozy restaurant with fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian dishes.
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery has an outdoor deck and indoor dining room with a contemporary feel. The brewery serves house-made draft beer and American cuisine.
Sutton’s Drug Store is an old-fashioned diner serving shakes, burgers, vintage sodas, and other American comfort meals.
Residents can stroll Franklin Street or the
Blue Hill District to enjoy casual or upscale shopping in Chapel Hill’s many stores.
University Place is a mall with a movie theater, restaurants, stores, and more.
Things to Do
Chapel Hill is an artsy town with lots of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Residents can take a
self-guided tour around downtown to view colorful murals by Michael Brown and other artists. There is also a walking map pinpointing locations to see different artworks. The
Carolina Inn hosts weekly gatherings with live music and food trucks to support local artists and create a space for residents to mingle.
Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools serves more than 10,000 students in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The district has elementary, middle, and high schools as well as an alternative high school and a school for young people being treated at UNC Hospital.
