Living in Chapel Hill

Are you considering a move to Chapel Hill, NC? Here are five great things to know about living in Chapel Hill. 

If you are moving to Chapel Hill, you will quickly discover why people love living here. Chapel Hill is on our list of the best places to live in North Carolina. So, let's dive in and learn more about what life is like in Chapel Hill.  

Chapel Hill has stood since 1871 and has grown into a city with a great deal to offer to anyone looking for a new place to call home. Some have called Chapel Hill the "southern part of heaven," and many who have spent time there would wholeheartedly agree.

Best known as the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this college town is beloved by college students, families, young professionals, and retirees.

Recognized as a great place to live in Orange County, with over 62,000 people, Chapel Hill offers beautiful homes for sale, diverse culture, small-town charm, and many professional opportunities. 

Home to several museums and historical sites, a growing economy, and a diverse population, this established college town offers more than one might believe at first glance.

Moving to Chapel Hill, NC, is more than just a change in scenery; it's a different way of life. Check out some of the best neighborhoods in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is the perfect blend of academic sophistication, Southern hospitality, and progressive innovation that you will not find anywhere else in the Tarheel State. 

Whether you are moving to Chapel Hill for school or are simply looking for a change of scenery an hour outside of Downtown Raleigh, it is no wonder that so many people want to call this popular Raleigh suburb home. 

Here is what you should know about life in Chapel Hill 

1. Chapel Hill is a College Town 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the country. Its more than 29,000 students make up nearly half of the city's population. 

The entire area is considered highly educated, with North Carolina State University a mere 30 miles away and the acclaimed Duke University a stone's throw away in Durham.

These universities and the cities supporting them are sometimes called the "research triangle." This is about the Research Triangle Park (RTP), which was established in the 50s and became a growth center for all research companies.

The downtown area is effectively merged with the 730-acre campus, and its restaurants, bars, and shops are filled with students at almost any hour of any day. 

While Chapel Hill might be considered a college town, it is also a great place to live for school-aged children since It is part of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System. As one of the best school systems in the nation, the district has three high schools, four middle schools, and eleven elementary schools that serve more than 12,000 students. 

Check out these top-rated schools in Chapel Hill, NC: 

Elementary Schools in Chapel Hill	Middle Schools in Chapel Hill	High Schools in Chapel Hill
Elizabeth Seawell Elementary School	Margaret B. Pollard Middle School	Chapel Hill High School
Ephesus Road Elementary School	Grey Culbreth Middle School	East Chapel Hill High School
Estes Hills Elementary School	McDougle Middle School	Woods Charter High School

*Data Sourced from GreatSchools. 

2. Economy and Cost of Living

Chapel Hill is more than just students and campus life. It is home to world-class researchers, tech entrepreneurs, and innovative startups, which attract brilliant minds from around the world and help fuel the economy. 

Almost a quarter of Chapel Hill's professionals work in sales, office, or administrative support fields. Many admin jobs are connected to the university, but that is not the length and breadth of your potential employment options in the city.

The other largest employment sectors are business, finance, material production, and transportation. While the work may be limited at times, there are still plenty of opportunities to be found if you have the drive and/or flexibility to make the available jobs count. 

Here's something that might genuinely surprise you - Chapel Hill offers an incredibly reasonable cost of living compared to other tech and academic hubs. While you can access world-class amenities, your dollar stretches further here than in similar university towns like Boulder or Berkeley. The median household income in Chapel Hill is $85,825. If you haven't already, check out the homes for sale in Chapel Hill, NC. 

Many of the people relocating come from much less affordable places, whether the Northeast or the West Coast. Job growth has held at 2.1% over the last year, and the job market is predicted to increase by 36.9% in ten years. You will likely find a great job right away between Chapel Hill and its neighboring cities, such as Raleigh, Durham, and Cary.

With a cost of living that is 4% higher than the national average, Chapel Hill is a relatively affordable place to live. Even though Chapel Hill is considered more expensive than living in Raleigh, utility costs are 8% lower than the national average, and transportation expenses are 5% lower. Housing costs are 19% higher than the national average, and grocery expenses are the same as the national average. 

Cost of Living Item	Average Price in Chapel Hill
Energy Bill	$183.46/month
Phone Bill	$177.48/month
Loaf of Bread	$3.97
Gallon of Milk	$4.68
Bunch of Bananas	$0.72
Doctor's Visit	$147.62
Dentist Visit	$121.39
Veterinary Visit	$68.01

*Data Sourced from PayScale. 

3. Real Estate 

The housing market in Chapel Hill is relatively stable, but prices and living costs are higher than some may like. The median home price is around $955,132, and the average price per square foot is $328, higher than the national average. 

Chapel Hill's neighborhoods range from historic districts with century-old homes to modern developments catering to young professionals and families. Known for having a very competitive housing market, most homes for sale in Chapel Hill get multiple offers and sell for above the listing price. 

4. A Foodie's Paradise

Chapel Hill has made a name for itself as a foodie town known for its diverse culinary options. The college population has fueled the development of a genuinely excellent social and restaurant scene, not to mention the nightlife.

Chapel Hill's restaurant scene is surprisingly sophisticated. From farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine that reflects the town's diverse population, you'll find dining experiences that rival much larger metropolitan areas.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy a beer and Chapel Hill's famous "flying burrito," you'll have no problems finding it. Eclectic watering holes like 411 West and Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery are some top-rated local spots, but there are many to choose from.

Check out the best restaurants in Chapel Hill. 

5. Things To Do in Chapel Hill

There are quite a few interesting things to do in Chapel Hill. While many are connected to or associated with the University, these are unique spots worth checking out.

Chapel Hill offers a perfect blend of cultural, educational, natural, and entertainment experiences that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you're a sports fan, nature lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, there's something here for everyone. 

The great thing about Chapel Hill is that most fun activities are within walking or short-distance driving, and many experiences are free or budget-friendly. The city offers many family-friendly events throughout the year, so always check local event calendars for special happenings. 

If you're looking for something artistic, the Ackland Art Museum is a good choice. If you want to learn more about history, check out the Carolina Basketball Museum or the Chapel Hill Museum. The Kidzu Children's Museum is a fun stop for anyone with young ones looking for an incredible weekend trip, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden or Coker Arboretum will give you some variety if you want to explore something natural and beautiful. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Chapel Hill 

Pros: 

• Strong economy 
• Job opportunities 
• Attractive college town 
• Many things to do 
• Top-rated restaurants 
• Excellent education 
• Strong housing market 

Cons: 

• High housing prices 
• High humidity 

Methodology 

To determine the best things to know before moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, factors such as the real estate market, cost of living, economic opportunities, educational opportunities, best restaurants, and things to do were considered. Data was sourced from Payscale, U.S. News and World Report, Great Schools, and the U.S. Census Bureau. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Chapel Hill, NC. 

Is Chapel Hill, NC, a good place to live? 

Chapel Hill is a great place to live. It offers urban and suburban living, a vibrant arts scene, a strong housing market, growing job opportunities, a high quality of life, educational excellence, and a moderate climate with natural beauty. 

Is Chapel Hill more expensive than Raleigh? 

Living in Chapel Hill is 2% more expensive than living in Raleigh, but both cities are considered relatively affordable compared to other cities of similar size. 

How prestigious is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill? 

According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is ranked number 27 among national universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. 

Moving to Chapel Hill, NC - Final Thoughts

Chapel Hill has many pros and cons; the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Moving to Chapel Hill, NC, may not be the right choice for everyone, but if you're looking for a place with a lot of action packed into a small space with lots of southern charm, then Chapel Hill will be an excellent choice for you and your family. 

For students, Chapel Hill may be the perfect place to find a great mix of higher education, nightlife, and business opportunities. Low crime rates, high average pay, and moderate weather help make Chapel Hill a real contender for anyone looking to make a change, especially for families. 

If you want to find your dream home in Chapel Hill, contact the real estate experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help and answer your questions about life in Chapel Hill and real estate in the area.