The Vitals
Chapel Hill by the Numbers
Key stats for buyers and renters considering Chapel Hill.
63,565
Population (Census est., July 2025)
$85,989
Median HH Income (ACS 2020–2024)
$613,700
Median Home Value (ACS 2020–2024)
Who Calls Chapel Hill Home
Cost & Economy
- •UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Health anchor the local economy
- •About 20 minutes to Research Triangle Park
Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts.
Welcome to Chapel Hill
Franklin Street anchors a walkable downtown of independent restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores next to UNC's campus. Close-in neighborhoods with mature trees surround it, and newer communities such as Meadowmont and Southern Village (see its own guide) sit farther out.
A Brief History
UNC was chartered in 1789 and opened in 1795, the first public university in the United States to open its doors. The town grew around the campus, with faculty homes along the streets nearest it, and Franklin Street became the commercial heart. Today UNC Health's academic medical center is one of the area's largest employers.
Why Locals Love It
People stay for the Franklin Street food scene, the walkable downtown, the CHCCS schools and UNC's arts and athletics. The fare-free buses make car-light living practical near downtown.
The Neighborhoods
Downtown / Franklin Street
Walkable streets lined with historic homes, next to campus.
Gimghoul & Battle Park
A historic enclave beside the 93-acre Battle Park forest.
Meadowmont
A mixed-use community off NC-54 toward Durham, with Meadowmont Village shops.
Southern Village
See the Southern Village guide.
Carrboro
See the Carrboro guide.
Where to Live
Development & Growth
Downtown redevelopment and new housing along major corridors are ongoing. Check the Town's planning pages for current projects.
Education
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Always confirm the school assignment for a specific address.
Phone: 919-967-8211
Website →Most of Chapel Hill is in CHCCS. A few parts of the town that lie in Durham County are served by Durham Public Schools (dpsnc.net). Confirm the school assignment for a specific address.
Dining in Chapel Hill
Hours change. Check with the restaurant before you go.
Lantern
Asian flavors with North Carolina ingredients from James Beard Award winner Andrea Reusing. Dinner Tuesday–Saturday.
423 W Franklin St
Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe
Indian home cooking from Chef Vimala Rajendran, in the courtyard behind Ram's Corner. Closed Sundays.
431 W Franklin St
Merritt's Grill
BLT institution, open 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Saturday.
1009 S Columbia St
Local Breweries
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Rooftop brewpub on Franklin Street.
100 E Franklin St, 3rd floor, Chapel Hill
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Chapel Hill–Carrboro YMCA
Full-service Y with pools and group fitness.
980 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill
Orangetheory Fitness — Chapel Hill
Heart-rate-based interval training.
104 Meadowmont Village Cir, Chapel Hill
Outdoor
Battle Park, the Bolin Creek Trail, and Jordan Lake about 15 minutes south.
Events & Venues
Things to Do
- •Walk Franklin Street and the UNC campus
- •Hike the trails in Battle Park
- •Spend a day at Jordan Lake
Upcoming Events
November–December 2026. Dates checked Oct 27, 2026; confirm with the organizer before you go.
Top 10 Highly Rated Restaurants (November 2026)
Google Maps ratings read Oct 27, 2026. Hours and ratings change, so check before you go.
- 1White Sauce Grill & Bar4.9★ · 298 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
104 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC
919-240-4865 - 2One40 Social4.9★ · 506 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
140 W Franklin St #190, Chapel Hill, NC
919-525-3275 - 3
- 4
- 5Zayka Indian Grill & Bar4.6★ · 245 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
105 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC
919-240-5484 - 6
- 7
- 8Kipos Greek Taverna4.5★ · 1,419 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
1800 E Franklin St #16, Chapel Hill, NC
919-425-0760 - 9Carolina Brewery4.5★ · 1,453 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
460 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC
919-942-1800 - 10Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery4.4★ · 986 reviews (Google, Oct 2026)
100 E Franklin St 3rd floor, Chapel Hill, NC
919-929-8676
Thinking about Chapel Hill?
Ryan can answer specific questions about schools, commutes, pricing, and what life is really like here.
Getting Settled in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Transit is fare-free. Groceries include Weaver Street Market and Harris Teeter. UNC Hospitals is on campus.
Municipal Contacts
Ryan Ball
Long & Foster
Ryan Ball is a REALTOR® with Long & Foster serving buyers and sellers across the Triangle. He specializes in helping people relocate to the area and find the right neighborhood for their lifestyle.