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Chapel Hill : North carolina | | |
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| What Chapel Hill is like for active adults |
Chapel Hill is a particularly beautiful (population just over 53,000) 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 area has grown so explosively that surrounding towns like Carrboro and Durham have in effect merged into Chapel Hill.
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.
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| Where to Live & Real Estate Values |
Housing choices 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 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 median home price in late 2011 had increased to $325,000. The NAR reported the average selling price in nearby Durham was $167,000 in the 3rd quarter of 2011, while it reported the median in Raleigh/Cary to be $224,000 in the same period. |
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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 |
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| What is not special about this retirement community |
| Traffic and overdevelopment can be a problem. Real estate prices in Chapel Hill proper are quite expensive, almost double the national average. |
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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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| Restaurants & Cultural Scene |
| Chapel Hill was Named America's "Foodiest Small Towns by Bon Appetit. 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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| Crime |
| The crime rate in Chapel Hill is below average. |
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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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What people are saying about Chapel Hill | |
| Just about any place that is popular and growing is going to have another side to it - traffic and development. That said, to me Chapel Hill and the whole Research Triangle area including Cary and other towns, is one of the top places to live in the country. There is so much to do, property values are secure with such a diverse economy, and the weather isn't so bad either. |
| Posted by classof70 on January 23, 2009 | | Too much growth |
| I hear conflicting things about living in Chapel Hill, although most of the comments are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Those center around how much there is to do, how lively the area is, and how great to live near such a wonderful university. The downsides seem to be centering around traffic and expense. The area tends to more expensive, and the few times i have been there the traffic got pretty intense at times. Any locals like to take one position or another? |
| Posted by Boomer1 on November 08, 2007 |
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Facts about CHAPEL HILL
- State: NC
- Environment: College Town,Cultural Center,New Urban/Master Planned,
- 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): $300,001-$500,000
- Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
- Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
- 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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Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts |
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Vote on the Ratings for Chapel Hill |
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Update Your Ratings |
1. Overall Retirement Ratings
1. Rating: 3.4/5 ( 8 votes cast)
2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury
2. Rating: 3.6/5 ( 9 votes cast)
3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive
3. Rating: 2.6/5 ( 8 votes cast)
4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan
4. Rating: 3.2/5 ( 5 votes cast)
5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp
5. Rating: 4.3/5 ( 4 votes cast)
6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub
6. Rating: 3.6/5 ( 5 votes cast)
7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox
7. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 4 votes cast)
8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent
8. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)
9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal
9. Rating: 3.8/5 ( 10 votes cast)
10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green
10. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 5 votes cast)
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