Chapel Hill, North Carolina
What It Is Like to Retire in Chapel hill
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 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 referred to as the Research Triangle in reference to the research 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. Photo of UNC's wooded campus buffers the town center, courtesy of Wikipedia and Bad thorn (public domain).
Where to Retire in Chapel hill and Home Prices
According to Zillow, the median home value was $582,968 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Chapel hill
• 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
What Is Not Special about Chapel hill
Traffic and overdevelopment can be a problem. Real estate prices in Chapel Hill proper are quite expensive.
Who Will Like Retirement in Chapel hill
Chapel Hill attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a stimulating college town with a thriving and livable downtown.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is diverse, with the primary drivers being education, medicine, high-tech, and biotechnology.
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.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Chapel Hill was once 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.
Crime
The crime rate in Chapel Hill is below average.
Medical facilities
UNC Hospital is one of the top teaching hospitals in the world. Duke University hospital and others are available in nearby Durham.
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).
Valuable Links
Town of Chapel Hill Visit Chapel Hill Chapel Hill Travel Guide
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