History, tradition, and pride come together in Chapel Hill to create one of the best places to live and work in the country. Named after the hill it sits atop, this community now holds the title of "best college town in America" by Sports Illustrated. Many would agree -- with its vibrant nightlife, beautiful college campus, and rich history, Chapel Hill is an ideal place to attend college, retire, or raise a family. If you're looking for the perfect blend of small-town environment and family-friendly city, Chapel Hill is a wonderful place to call home.

With its estimated population of 52,440 and 19.8 square miles, Chapel Hill is a growing city with a strong sense of pride. Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this college town attracts students and families alike with its charm, beauty, and history. Residents here enjoy a friendly, attractive environment that's perfect for families or for achieving a first-rate college education. In addition, Chapel Hill's excellent secondary schools, parks, music and theater venues, art galleries, restaurants, and shopping make this community a sought-after place to call home. Chapel Hill is located near the center of North Carolina and along with Durham and Raleigh make up the Research Triangle. While many residents simply refer to this area as the Triangle, the name refers to a research park between Raleigh and Durham that takes advantage of the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Duke University. Chapel Hill is located near the renowned Research Triangle Park; with its 35,000 employees, you can see why this area is a magnet for high-tech business and employees.

Close ties with neighboring Carrboro, known for its thriving arts scene and progressive culture, makes Chapel Hill even more desirable. With its popular music festival, famous farmer's market, and music venues that host national acts, Carrboro adds much to Chapel Hill's already exceptional livability. Referred to as the "Paris of the Piedmont," Carrboro is known for its diversity and broad cultural offerings. A population of 17,000 and close proximity to the Chapel Hill- Durham-Raleigh metropolitan area makes Carrboro a vital part of Chapel Hill's fabric. Its ArtsCenter and Cat's Cradle nightclub draw residents from all over the Triangle as people take advantage of all the entertainment this area has to offer. And you won't want to miss the Carr Mill Mall and Weaver Street Market, one of the largest organic food markets in the country. This centerpiece of shopping and fun is where you can find anything you need in a building that once served as a textile mill in 1899. Carrboro real estate includes charming single family homes with picket fences to condos within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Its median home price of $267,600 makes Carrboro comparable to Chapel Hill's market.

As the oldest state university in the country, the University of North Carolina is steeped in history. This renowned research university's central campus opened in 1795 and is located on 729 beautiful acres. Among towering trees and historic architecture, students here can revel in not only their top-notch education but the atmosphere of rich tradition. The 16-unit statewide system enrolls 27,000 students and employs 3,100 faculty members. Ranked among the best colleges in the country, UNC has a strong reputation for its excellent curriculum and faculty. Offering programs in over 100 fields, the university also has five health schools in addition to sciences, high-tech, and liberal arts academic programs. With its rich history, character, and beautifully-landscaped campus, the university has long marked this city's identity and heritage. Home to the Paul Green Theater, the Playmakers Repertory Company, and numerous dance and musical performances, the university's contribution to Chapel Hill's cultural scene can't be underestimated. Chapel Hill residents can't get enough of university athletics either. The Tar Heel basketball team is the center of much devotion and obsession by residents, especially when coupled with the exciting rivalry between the Duke Blue Devils and the NC State Wolfpack. Encompassing 33 sports, UNC's athletics program has produced major stars and collected scores of championships and awards.

Chapel Hill's picturesque downtown has just the quaint ambiance you're looking for. Enjoy one of the many restaurants or shops as you stroll along tree-lined streets. If you enjoy live music, you'll find a wide selection in Chapel Hill. Its youthful residents have propelled the music scene into one of the most widely known in the country. Performers such as James Taylor, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Ben Folds Five got their start here, among others. In addition, the neighboring town of Carrboro shares in the lively music scene and includes many live music clubs such as the Cat's Cradle. The renowned PlayMakers Repertory Company, performing on campus at the Paul Green Theatre, is a hotspot for theatrical performances. Residents from all over Orange County love exploring Chapel Hill's taverns, restaurants, clubs, and theaters. With 300 bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, the choices of food, music, and entertainment in Chapel Hill are impressive.

One of Chapel Hill's most famous features is the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. With 700 acres of preserved land with revolving exhibits, trails, gardens, and plant collections, the garden is an oasis where conservation education is at the forefront. Operated by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the garden's roots started in 1903 when the university's first professor of botany, William Chambers Coker, began plantings on campus. Later this area became the Coker Arboretum, which now sits on 5.3 acres. Another well-known destination in the city is the Ackland Art Museum. If admiring art is your passion, you won't be disappointed with its collection of over 15,000 objects. Part of UNC, the museum includes European paintings and sculptures, pottery, folk art, and an extensive education program. Art galleries are in no short supply in Chapel Hill and neighboring Carrboro. With dozens of galleries to see, it's no wonder this town attracts people interested in history, culture, and art. Other can't-miss places include the Morehead Planetarium and the Chapel Hill Museum. Once you discover Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill, you'll be back again and again. Vibrant and bustling with people and hundreds of businesses, this historic area is where great city events take place, and students, faculty, residents, and visitors stroll, gather, eat, shop, and relax.

Chapel Hill has a median income of $73,483 -- its increasing affluence and growth has driven home prices up in recent years yet the city remains affordable. Homes for sale range from $160,000 to over $1 million. The realty here encompasses established neighborhoods near the university and downtown, condos and townhouses, homes on rural lots, and newer single-family homes. With a median home price of $298,500, homes have appreciated by approximately 4.5% over the last few years. While the average age of homes here is 25 years, older homes with historic architecture can be found as well as new homes with open floor plans, and your Realtor can show you all the available options. Chapel Hill's schools, shared with the city of Carrboro, are widely recognized as some of the best in the country. Living in Chapel Hill, your children will get an outstanding education in a town known for its stimulating environment. With plenty of nearby employment, accessible freeways and transportation, and its excellent school system, it's no wonder that Chapel Hill and the surrounding metropolitan area are experiencing fast-paced growth.

To find out more about Chapel Hill real estate, please contact local Realtors Stephen and Debra Gillham at (919) 624-6916.