Chapel Hill, North Carolina Takes Advantage Of Beautiful Rolling Terrain
by Blanche Evans
The smallest of the three towns that make up the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, Chapel Hill offers a lovely rolling backdrop that many feel is the charm in its smaller size. " Chapel Hill and her sister city, Carrboro, form the smallest of the three points of the Research Triangle area," explains Realtor Rich Freeman. "Together, they offer big city life and small town living. The cosmopolitan atmosphere, abundant resources and amenities, and the aura of the "best college town in America" contribute to the charm and appeal of this community. Called the "Southern part of Heaven," Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina. Located in Orange County, Chapel Hill is approximately 10 to 15 miles from the Research Triangle Park and 35 minutes from Raleigh. The town's permanent population is 44,000, which swells to well over 60,000 when the university is in full session. Chapel Hill is considered an ideal place to live by many, and residents take great pride in its enticing quality of life." "It's fall and university activity is back in full swing," says Realtor Angela Sanders. "This means lots of activity for Chapel Hill, a thriving university town just 10 minutes from Durham and 30 minutes from RTP. Major employment centers are the University of North Carolina and the UNC Hospital. The housing market in Chapel Hill is brisk and pricey. Because of rising prices in the city area, many in the Chapel Hill area seek housing in Hillsborough, Southwest Durham, and Chatham county. Chatham County, a major growth area for Chapel Hill, continues to gain momentum in the growth arena as town leaders work hard to control and accommodate the explosive growth. Conveniently bordering Orange, Durham and Wake counties -- urban development is moving into the county from all sides -- much of it upscale and resort like around the fabulous Jordan lake district." Say Realtors Melissa Schwartz and Stephanie Wilson, "Chapel Hill is nestled in the rolling, wooded Piedmont of North Carolina. This town is ideally located three hours from the Atlantic coast and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. "As one of the three "points" of The Research Triangle, Chapel Hill, along with Raleigh and Durham," say the team, "Chapel Hill continually receives accolades for being a top location to live and do business. Most recently the A & E channel recognized Chapel Hill as the #2 city in their "Top Ten Cities to Have it All" and Money magazine rated the town as the #1 "Best Place to Live in the South." The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System is considered to be one of the best in the nation. Consistently ranking at the top of the state in student test scores (Average SAT combined score-1175), the System also boasts the lowest dropout rate in the state. The System consists of 15 schools: 9 elementary, 4 middle, 2 high schools and the UNC Hospital School. The per-pupil expenditure is $8,424. Chapel Hill's housing market is good, the average home price is $237,355 and the average rent is $769/month. You can find almost all styles of homes in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill has a touch of everything!" |
