
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is a mid-sized city with a population of 64,145 residents. The majority of Chapel Hill residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. With an average age of 25 years old, Chapel Hill could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Chapel Hill is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 39% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Chapel Hill is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Chapel Hill is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Chapel Hill, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, education, employment and more.
The livability score in Chapel Hill is 87/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Chapel Hill could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Chapel Hill ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (B), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (B-) Chapel Hill does not score well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Chapel Hill has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Chapel Hill has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, North Carolina Botanical Garden, and Morehead Planetarium.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Chapel Hill has a violent crime rate of 172 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Chapel Hill excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
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. The median home price for Chapel Hill homes is $799,025, which is 176% higher than the North Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Chapel Hill, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.1, which is 73.2% higher than the North Carolina average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Chapel Hill | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 53.7% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.0% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.5% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.4% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.6% | 4.8% | 4.6% |