Chapel Hill, NC:
Chapel Hill is one of the three small cities that forms "The Triangle", as the area surrounding Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill as come to be known. Chapel Hill is best known for being the home of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, which is still the town's biggest employer as well as its focal point.
Chapel Hill on the Map:
Chapel Hill is located southwest of Durham on Highway 15/501, and west of Raleigh on Highway 54. Chapel Hill's southern boundary is a matter of debate: some would say that Chapel Hill is bounded to the south by the Orange County line. However, there are parts of Chatham County that have Chapel Hill addresses, though they aren't officially annexed by Chapel Hill, and therefore can't use Chapel Hill town services. Chapel Hill 's northern and eastern boundaries are roughly formed by I-40. The town of Carrboro serves as Chapel Hill 's western boundary.
Chapel Hill Demographics:
According to the Town of Chapel Hill's most recent demographic figures (based on U.S. Census Bureau and State of North Carolina data), Chapel Hill has approximately 52,000 residents, including the approximately 15,000 UNC-CH students who reside in Chapel Hill . Nearly 50% of the people who live in Chapel Hill are under 30 years of age. As of 2006, the median family income in Chapel Hill was over $92,000. Almost 50% of Chapel Hill 's residents are employed in the fields of education, healthcare or social services
Chapel Hill Transportation:
Chapel Hill is served by several bus systems, including Chapel Hill Transit, which operates fare-free buses on over 20 regularly scheduled routes. Tar Heel Express, Orange County Public Transportation, and Triangle Transit also serve Chapel Hill, although there is a charge to ride on their buses.
There is no rail service to Chapel Hill . The closes AMTRAK stations are in Burlington, NC and Cary, NC .
Chapel Hill Landmarks and Attractions:
Chapel Hill's biggest landmark is the UNC-Chapel Hill campus itself. Spectacular trees including the Davie poplar and historical buildings such as the Morehead Science Center and dot the campus, which was established in 1789.
Franklin Street, which is Chapel Hill's main street is also one of the town's biggest landmarks
Chapel Hill Shopping:
Chapel Hill's shopping is concentrated along Franklin Street and in several shopping centers on the outskirts of town: University Mall, Village Plaza and the Shops at Eastgate. These three shopping centers are located very close to each other along NC Highway 15/501 and home to a variety of stores including Staples, Whole Foods and landmark local retailer [link url=http://www.southernseason.com/Default.asp]A Southern Season.
Chapel Hill Bars and Restaurants:
From early morning to late night, Chapel Hill's Bars and Restaurants will keep you well fed. For a very special fine dining experience, try Crook's Corner, a restaurant which, according to the New York Times, is "sacred ground for Southern foodies". Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery is also a local favorite which features fine dining, great beer and an amazing view of Franklin Street.
After hours, pay a visit to He's Not Here for some cheap beer or catch an early show at The Cave, which has live music starting at around 8:00 p.m. most evenings as well as beer on tap and liquor by the drink.
Chapel Hill Schools:
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro school district is one of the most outstanding school systems in the state of North Carolina, boasting the highest high school graduation rate in the state as well as the highest district-wide SAT scores in the state.
Chapel Hill is home to nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools (Chapel Hill High and East Chapel Hill High) in addition to UNC Hospital School, a school for young patients at UNC hospital.
Chapel Hill Real Estate:
Chapel Hill has a median home sales price of approximately $260,000. The median rental price for a two bedroom apartment in Chapel Hill is around $800. About 50% of Chapel Hill's residents rent their homes, while the other 50% are owner-occupied.
The housing in Chapel Hill is a mix of stately historic homes, older tract homes and new construction of every size and shape, from LEED certified "green" condos to sprawling McMansion-style homes.