Raleigh, NC: “The City of Oaks”
Raleigh, NC is the capital and second largest city in North Carolina. It's nickname, "The City of Oaks" comes from it's beautiful tree-lined streets in the city's heart.
Chapel Hill, NC Facts
One of the points of "The Triangle", Chapel Hill, NC combines the small town feel and big city living perfectly. As birthplace to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, it is not only a hub to one of the US's finest educational systems, but a thriving community of rich culture to call home.
- Area: 21.3 square miles
- Population (2010): 57,233
- Travel: Raleigh - 40 minutes
- Research Triangle Park - 20 minutes
- Raleigh Durham International (RDU) Airport - 25 minutes
History of Chapel Hill, NC
The earliest beginnings of Chapel Hill, NC extend back to a chapel of ease atop "Chapel Hill" built in 1752. Planters could travel to the chapel for its convenient location, and the "ease" of going to church without traveling extreme distances. New Hope Chapel was near the intersection of an important crossroads, connecting the area with the new Capital (Raleigh) and other important cities. When the University of North Carolina received its charter in 1789, this location was perfect to fulfill the requirements for placing the college near the center of the state.
In 1819, the town was officially founded, developing to serve the budding University. As shops and services came to the area to support the students, the town continued to expand. Chapel Hill's growth has been so closely intertwined with the University's, they are practically inseparable. With the progress and advances of UNC, came changes in the area as a whole.
However, Chapel Hill comprises a diverse population of not only students and support staff, but business people from around the world. Research Triangle Park and the international impact of research and technology development have launched Chapel Hill into the 21st century as a state-of-the-art community.
Community Features of Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill, NC Shopping
The town of Chapel Hill, NC offers everything you could expect in a thriving metropolitan area. Several shopping centers and malls bring offerings for every budget. University Mall,East Gate Shopping Center, Glenn Lennox Shopping Center, Franklin Street Plaza, and Meadowmont Village are just a few of the many shopping centers available. Along with the big names, you can explore the unique collection of shops and explore shopping in downtown Chapel Hill. A unique co-op offers healthy food choices from local farmers and more at theWeaver Street Market.
Chapel Hill, NC Community Resources
A variety of resources are available at the City Recreation Centers in Chapel Hill, NC. The town also hosts a Community Clay Studio through the Parks & Recreation department with programs for all ages to explore the art of pottery and more. This is one of many public arts opportunities and programs in the community.
For those interested in the active lifestyle, the town of Chapel Hill has many parks where you can find activity centers, ball fields, disc golf courses, boating, or other outdoor activities. One very popular park in the area is the Homestead Park, which offers a skate park, batting cages, and the Homestead Aquatic Center.
The Special Olympics Orange County chapter has athletic training and competitions throughout the year at numerous locations throughout Chapel Hill.
Cyclists will appreciate that the town of Chapel Hill, NC was awarded bronze level status as a bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists due in part to Chapel Hill's access to several bicycle route systems like the Maine-to-Florida U.S. Bicycle Route 1 and N.C. Bicycle Route #2.
Chapel Hill, NC Schools
Chapel Hill, NC is mainly located in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District, with some schools part of the Durham County Public Schools District, with 16 schools total. The UNC Hospital School (which offers educational services to patients at the UNC hospitals) is also in Chapel Hill.
Many private schools offer other options for schooling, and you can visit Carolina Parentmagazine for a directory of private schools in the Chapel Hill, NC area.
There is one public college, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Duke University,and NC State University are both located within 40 minutes of Chapel Hill.
Things to Do in Chapel Hill, NC
There are far too many things to do in Chapel Hill, NC to list, but here's a sampling of what can be found in and around town for the whole family!
- The legendary Tarheel basketball team can be seen at the Dean E. Smith Center. The program has an impressive record of winning 85% of games played at home.
- There is no hotter place to take part in the live club music scene than Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC.
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center offers public viewings of astronomical events, original shows, and learning programs for the community.
- The Carolina Basketball Museum tells the story of the esteemed Carolina basketball program which resulted in 18 Final Four appearances.
- See live music, dance and theatre performances and more at the Carolina Performing Artsvenues including Memorial Hall, Historic Playmakers Theatre, and Gerrard Hall.
- UNC's Ackland Art Museum has a large permanent collection of art from a broad range of artists and organizes several special yearly exhibitions.
- The Strowd Community Rose Garden is a beautiful collection of over 350 varieties of rose, and free to the public.
- The UNC-Chapel Hill campus is home to the beautiful North Carolina Botanical Garden. Not only can you see an amazing collection of plants from NC and engage in their learning programs, but you can also explore the Piedmont Nature Trails adjacent to the gardens, or see outdoor dramas performed at the stone amphitheater.
- Fridays on Franklin is a twice a week series of Chapel Hill's diverse cultural and arts happenings.
- The North Carolina Science Festival is a yearly celebration of technology and science where you can engage with science in the making, listen to educational programs, and learn more about the impact of science in North Carolina.
- Renowned in the area as representative of the Antebellum South, the Carolina Inn is atop the hill that gives the town its name and offers a beautiful place to stay while exploring all Chapel HIll has to offer.
- See and experience the rich history of the area at the Chapel Hill Museum.
- Kidzu Children's Museum is a wonderful place of discovery and fun geared for children ages 0-8, but definitely fun for the whole family!
- Local farmers and vendors in Chapel Hill, NC sell many offerings at the Carborro Farmers' Market, which is nationally known as one of the best of its kind in the US.
Hear What Your Neighbors are Saying!
Choosing Jeff and Corey was one of the best decisions we ever made. After trying to sell our house by owner for five months, we happened to meet them and knew right away they would be the ones to get our house sold. Never did we imagine how quickly that would happen, within 24 hours we had a full price offer on our home, and closed within 30 days! Not only were they a pleasure to work with, making the experience as smooth as possible, we could tell they really cared about us. They certainly go the extra mile and take customer service to a whole new level.
- Buck P.
