Chapel Hill 87 Exceptional
Chapel Hill Livability #3 ranked city in North Carolina#236 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Chapel Hill

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

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What's it like Living in Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill is a medium-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 61,912 people. According to the most recent Census, 71% of Chapel Hill residents are White, 14% Asian and 10% Black. Chapel Hill tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 25 is far below the national average. In Chapel Hill, only 39% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Chapel Hill. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Chapel Hill and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.

The livability score in Chapel Hill is 85 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. This is a great score, as Chapel Hill ranks well in multiple categories! Chapel Hill has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Chapel Hill has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A+), crime (B+), education (A-) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Chapel Hill. The following was graded with a concerning score: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Chapel Hill, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Chapel Hill an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: University of North Carolina, North Carolina Botanical Garden, and Morehead Planetarium.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Chapel Hill shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 185 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Chapel Hill real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Chapel Hill. Median real estate prices in Chapel Hill come in at $435,500, which is 177.2% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Chapel Hill, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 75.8% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Chapel Hill

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Chapel Hill?

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Compare Chapel Hill, NC Livability

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      Chapel Hill transportation information

      Statistic Chapel Hill North Carolina National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work53.7%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.9%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.5%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk10.4%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home16.6%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Chapel Hill, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).