City Guide
Chapel Hill, NC
Overview
Chapel Hill, NC, is famous for UNC, the oldest public university in the U.S., founded in 1793. There are about 65,419 people, so living in Chapel Hill offers the benefit of small-city living with the perks of a larger city. Chapel Hill's fire engines have been painted Carolina blue and not the traditional red since 1996. Something else to note about the city is that it was originally named after the hill that once served as home to the New Hope Chapel.
What’s it like to live in Chapel Hill, NC ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Chapel Hill, NC you'll find that the median sale price is
$580,000
and homes stay on the market for 12 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Chapel Hill are $820,000
and $328,000
, respectively. Chapel Hill area townhouses have a median sale price of $380,000
, making them less expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Chapel Hill, NCExplore our Chapel Hill housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Chapel Hill home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Chapel Hill rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Chapel Hill rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Chapel Hill, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Chapel Hill
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Village | $850,000 | 88 / 100 | -- | For SaleFor Rent |
| Downtown Chapel Hill | $961,818 | 27 / 100 | 77 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| The Oaks | $1,081,500 | 81 / 100 | 15 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
Popular homes for sale in Chapel Hill
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Chapel Hill
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Chapel Hill?
The cost of living in Chapel Hill is 6% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Chapel Hill, the average monthly rent is $1,729, while the median home price is $620,000. Overall, housing in Chapel Hill is 41% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 1% higher in Chapel Hill. Though healthcare costs 14% higher in Chapel Hill compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Chapel Hill, an optometry check-up costs around $160.62, while a dentist appointment is $137.67 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Chapel Hill. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
6%
Cost of living
41%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Chapel Hill Migration & Relocation Trends
In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 28% of Chapel Hill homebuyers searched to move out of Chapel Hill, while 72% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 0.98% of homebuyers searched to move into Chapel Hill from outside metros.
- Washington homebuyers searched to move into Chapel Hill more than any other metro followed by Fayetteville and New York.
Where are people moving to Chapel Hill from?
- 72% of Chapel Hill homebuyers searched to stay within the Chapel Hill metropolitan area.
- Myrtle Beach was the most popular destination among Chapel Hill homebuyers followed by Wilmington and New Bern.
Where are people from Chapel Hill moving to?
Number of People Moving to Chapel Hill
least
most
People are moving to Chapel Hill from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 1,140 | ||
| 2 | 845 | ||
| 3 | 791 | ||
| 4 | 485 | ||
| 5 | 446 | ||
| 6 | 408 | ||
| 7 | 386 | ||
| 8 | 366 | ||
| 9 | 290 | ||
| 10 | 216 | ||
People are leaving Chapel Hill for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 322 | ||
| 2 | 171 | ||
| 3 | 157 | ||
| 4 | 138 | ||
| 5 | 119 | ||
| 6 | 76 | ||
| 7 | 40 | ||
| 8 | 36 | ||
| 9 | 29 | ||
| 10 | 25 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Chapel Hill, NC ?
Chapel Hill, NC, is home to many fun activities like watching the sunset at one of its many parks or enjoying a bite to eat at fan-favorite restaurants. Some of the many museums you can visit include Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Ackland Art Museum, and The Carolina Basketball Museum, all of which are popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Carolina Performing Arts and the Historic Playmakers Theatre are among the many performing arts venues you can check out. Home to Johnston Mill Nature Preserve and Cedar Falls Park, there are a lot of parks where you can spend a relaxing evening. You'll find plenty of restaurants and charming cafes throughout Chapel Hill. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, Squid's Restaurant-Oyster Bar, and Thai Palace Restaurant for a small taste of what this city has to offer.
Explore some of the best things to do in Chapel Hill
What's the best way to get around Chapel Hill, NC ?
The best way to get around Chapel Hill is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Chapel Hill has a walk score of 34, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Chapel Hill has a transit score of 37, with a few nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 27514 and 27517. You can also get around Chapel Hill by bike. With a bike score of 50, there is a minimal amount of infrastructure for biking.
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit Score®
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Chapel Hill Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Tram Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Metro Station
Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 3 car rental locations.
Airports
Chapel Hill has 1 airport which allows you to easily travel.
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