Chapel hill : North carolina

What Chapel Hill is like for active adults

Chapel Hill is a particularly beautiful (population just over 52,000) college town in the gentle hills of central North Carolina. The University of North Carolina (24,000 students) is the centerpiece of this charming small town with a cosmopolitan flair that makes it appealing as a retirement community. This entire area is highly educated, with Duke University nearby in Durham and NC State just 30 miles away in Raleigh. The three towns are sometimes referred to as the Research Triangle in reference to the research park, Research Triangle Park formed in 1959.

The university and the downtown are intertwined to create a classic college town atmosphere that will appeal to many active adults 55+. The downtown is widely used by students and residents for dining out (it is famous for pop-American cuisine), entertainment, coffee bars, and artistic performances. The housing choices for those in retirement are extremely varied. Its residential neighborhoods have a range of architectural styles that complement the university’s Georgian style.

There is every type of retirement community nearby including golf communities, mixed generation villages, and assisted living facilities (See Active Adult Communities link at top right). Condos and apartments are also available. The area has grown so explosively that surrounding towns like Carrboro and Durham have in effect merged into Chapel Hill. The median price of homes in Chapel Hill is higher than elsewhere in North Carolina and nationally. Prices will vary dramatically depending on how far you get from the center of town (farther away the cheaper) and what type of housing you want (planned communities will generally be more expensive per square foot). According to City-Data the average home price in mid2009 had been holding steady at $300,000. The NAR says the average selling price in nearby Durham was $186,000.

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What is special about this retirement community

• Traditional college town integrating “gown and town” • A variety of housing choices for retirees • University of North Carolina culture and nationally famous sports • Superb medical facilities • Moderate year round climate • Organic and natural foods: Foster’s Market and Fresh Market • A liberal enclave • Morehead Planetarium • Named America's "Foodiest Small Towns by Bon Appetit

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What is not special about this retirement community

Traffic and overdevelopment can be a problem.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Chapel Hill attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a stimulating college town with a thriving and livable downtown

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is diverse, with the primary drivers being education, medicine, high-tech, and biotechnology.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Chapel Hill is located in rolling hills in central North Carolina. It is 3 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the Atlantic Coast. Summers are hot and winters milder than in the northeast.

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Cultural environment

Nearby Raleigh offers museums, art shows, symphony orchestra concerts, and many performing arts events. The local music scene is very active, some of takes place in the many bars and clubs. Performing arts opportunities are provided by the universities in the area, mainly UNC and Duke. There are some festivals throughout the year

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Medical facilities

UNC Hospital is one of the top teaching hospitals in the world with more than 750 physicians. Duke University hospital and others are available in nearby Durham

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Transportation

Raleigh Durham International Airport is a convenient hub just 19 miles away. Chapel Hill Transit offers daily bus service. Amtrak offers service in Durham (11 miles)

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Facts about CHAPEL HILL

State: NC
Environment: College Town,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jfb

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