Chapel Hill

Links of Interest

• Population: 51,485 Medium Age 31.4
• Area: 18.3 square miles
• Major Highways: I-40, US 15-501
• Avg. Home Price: $377,768
• Major Governing Body: Town Council
• Chamber Info: (919) 967-7075

Chapel Hill (and neighboring Carrboro), form the smallest of the three points of the Research Triangle area. Chapel Hill is unique in its lifestyle and uncommonly beautiful in its scenery. It is considered an ideal place to live by many, and residents take great pride in its enticing quality of life.

Called the "Southern Part of Heaven," Chapel Hill is a university town, which has preserved the quaintness and charm of a village while enjoying the amenities of a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis.

Located in Orange County, Chapel Hill is approximately 10-15 minutes from the Research Triangle Park and 35 minutes from Raleigh. The town's permanent population is 51,500, which swells to when the university is in full session.

In 1795, UNC-Chapel Hill became the first state university in the country to open its doors. It consistently ranks among the great institutions of higher education in the nation. Over 82% of the University's 2,598 full-time faculty members have earned the highest degree in their fields. The UNC's 26,028 students come from all 100 North Carolina counties, all 50 states and more than 100 other countries. Sixty-one percent are enrolled as undergraduates, 30% as graduate students, and 9% in professional programs. The University offers a host of degree programs, 69 bachelors, 111 masters, 75 doctoral and 4 professional. The Princeton Review magazine has named the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill the "Most Entrepreneurial Campus" in the nation.

Additionally, several cooperative research projects between corporations in the Research Triangle Park, the town and the university are attracting service and supply firms. This new growth and development adds even greater variety to an unusually diverse university town.

The history Of Chapel Hill is linked to the university and the college and medical center continues to be the town's major employer. It serves as a focal point for many community activities including theater, concerts, guest speakers and championship sports.

The downtown area borders the scenic campus with its historic and modern buildings, tremendous oaks, parks and arboretums. The traditional heart of town is Franklin Street with small shops and restaurants. The bustling activity of students and townsfolk has been enjoyed by visitors for years. It presents a quaintness that is part of the charm of this unique community.

The town is nationally recognized for its high quality public education system. 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 16 schools: 9 elementary, 4 middle, 2 high schools and the UNC Hospital School. The per-pupil expenditure is $8,922.

The UNC Health Care System is a not-for-profit integrated health care system, owned by the State of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill. It exists to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina and to provide state-of-the-art patient care. A distinguishing characteristic of UNC Health Care is its association with the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, a nationally eminent research institution. This relationship gives UNC Health Care a powerful pathway for moving the results of biomedical research from medical school laboratories to patient care settings.

The diversity of the population stimulates an astounding array of cultural, entertainment, recreational and enrichment offerings. A few of the special attractions are the recently re-opened Memorial Hall, the Morehead Planetarium, the North Carolina Botanical Gardens and the Ackland Art Museum.

The community offers big city life with a small town feel. 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. The youthful enthusiasm of the student population blends easily with professionals, executives, artists, retirees and world-famous people, all fitting naturally into a way of life that is Chapel Hill.

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