Welcome to Chapel Hill
A charming college town with a vibrant Main Street.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a beautiful community of 62,000, less than an hour from the state capital of Raleigh. With temperate seasons and incredible amenities, Chapel Hill is a highly sought-after city to call home. Residents love the mix of Georgian, Colonial, and Federal architectural styles found throughout town.
Chapel Hill has many lovely areas to explore, from its historic downtown to neighborhoods like Meadowmont, Lake Hogan Farms, and Southern Village. Home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is a true college town with the energy to match. Lively UNC students keep the city feeling invigorated and bustling, but the college isn’t the only top school in town. Chapel Hill has some highly-rated public elementary schools, too.
What to Love
- Home of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Dozens of live music venues along Franklin Street
- Museums and cultural centers to appeal to any interest
- 20 minutes from Durham
- 30 minutes from Raleigh
Local Lifestyle
Chapel Hill’s bustling main street, East Franklin, extends across the city and is a hub for cafes, bars, shops, and fine dining. Historic and quaint, Franklin Street is regarded as Chapel Hill’s cultural and social center. When residents are not exploring botanical gardens or one of Chapel Hill’s many museums, they will likely grab a drink on an outdoor patio or take in the music at the Southern Village.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Chapel Hill has no shortage of restaurants, venues, and shops to explore, with 411 West as one of the best Italian cafes in town. Choose from classic dishes and wood-fired pizza to traditional pasta, wine, and Italian desserts.
Top of the Hill is a well-loved brewery known for its spacious patio, wide selection of in-house drafts, and tasty American dishes. For a special night out, Crossroads is an upscale American eatery found within the charming Carolina Inn on UNC’s campus. Lantern serves scrumptious Asian fusion cuisine, while the best steaks are found at the Stoney River Steakhouse. And of course Chapel Hill has several Farmers Markets meeting on different days throughout town, however the most popular Farmers Market is on Saturday morning 7 AM-Noon.
Things to Do
Those who prefer to spend their free time outdoors may enjoy the Chapel Hill Country Club membership. Or, there’s the UNC Finley Golf Course and several courses in neighboring Durham. The North Carolina Botanical Garden is a peaceful space to spend an afternoon exploring sections that feature everything from carnivorous plants to mountain-dwelling flowers and herbs. Additionally, hiking trails surround the city, with the Chapel Hill Greenway and Carolina North Forest ranking the highest with locals.
Schools