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Quality of Life

Much More than a College Town

Living here means quality healthcare, tree-lined streets, and the top-ranked K-12 school district in North Carolina. Families thrive here because we’re a community rooted in creating opportunities for shared stories of our unique perspectives.

Whether you’re drawn to our championship Tar Heels basketball team, museums that celebrate regional creativity, or peaceful botanical gardens, Chapel Hill offers a balanced quality of life. Our seasonal calendar of events includes everything from street fairs to Juneteenth celebrations. And if you’re looking for an evening out, local breweries, an award-winning food scene, and theatrical companies pair local pride with a vibrant lifestyle.

Your Business Belongs Here

Backed by a tier-1 research university, Chapel Hill has created an innovation ecosystem that rivals some of the biggest cities. See where you fit into one of the best places in North Carolina for business.

Live Better

Follow Your Unique Passions

Our town provides the perfect home for families, with historic charm and a vibrant Chapel Hill community arts and culture scene. And with year-round sports and community-defining events, residents here find a place to plant roots and create a life they love.

Twelve distinct neighborhoods extend throughout Chapel Hill, each offering its own unique character and charm. Families thrive here with a cost of living that supports quality amenities and direct access to esteemed leaders in industry, talent, and research capacity.

  • Downtown Chapel Hill serves as the university hub. Here you’ll find walkable neighborhoods and the bustling energy of Franklin Street — complete with welcoming coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants.
  • Southern Village offers a planned community feel less than two miles from UNC. Choose from single-family homes, townhomes, or modern apartments starting around $1,500 monthly. Charming shops and parks surround the neighborhood, with public greenspaces that host regular outdoor events like movies in the park.
  • Northside features single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and lofts. This bike-friendly community is known for its peaceful, quiet atmosphere and abundance of primary schools.
  • If you’re moving to Chapel Hill in search of luxury living, Meadowmont Village brings it to life with immaculate landscaping, chic eateries, and a state-of-the-art wellness center.
  • Midtown Market is an emerging hub with diverse, locally-owned businesses and amazing food.

Chapel Hill and its surrounding towns deliver unmatched art, history, live music, and genuine local vibes. There’s always something happening in our town — from seasonal festivals to sporting events.

Start with the UNC Tar Heels, a division I men’s basketball team which packs a history of 6 NCAA championships and over 20 Final Four appearances. Or take an afternoon to enjoy PlayMakers Repertory Company, which draws thousands annually to performances at the Paul Green Theater on the UNC campus. In the evenings, lounge at local clubs like Cat’s Cradle or Local 506, and enjoy the reveries of established and emerging artists in an intimate setting.

Thirteen parks throughout town span over 350 acres, while seven museums offer a historical perspective of everything from Native American culture to football fandom. And if you’re seeking an artistic community, you’re in luck. Murals and sculptures color the town, while artisan shops and galleries like Frank showcase contemporary fine arts from local creators.

Your taste buds won’t catch their breath in Chapel Hill, either. International restaurants serve delicious cuisines from cajun to Greek. We’re home to a deep culture of agrotourism, with farmer’s markets that overflow with local bounty and sustainable farms that invite families to pick their own fresh fruits and vegetables.

Our Team

Here to Help

Not sure where to find an incentive application or business permit? Need insight into our local industries? Contact us and we’ll connect you to the right people and resources.

David Putnam

Economic Development Director

Sarah Potter

Business Vitality Manager

Get in Touch

Connect with Chapel Hill Economic Development to ask questions, explore opportunities, and learn more about why this community is right for you.