Chapel Hill, North Carolina has a population of about 54,000 residents that is quickly growing. Those moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina will discover a college town first and foremost that is very proud of its natural habitats and its eco-friendly living. Anyone who is thinking of moving to Chapel Hill will find a friendly community with a great pride it its city.
Economy:
Chapel Hill is one of the three points in what is called the Research Triangle, along with Raleigh and Durham. It has been chosen as the #2 city "to have it all" by the A & E Channel and as the number one ‘Best City to Live in the South' by Money Magazine. The top employer in the city is the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. The next top employers are all in health care. The median household income for Chapel Hill is higher than the state average. The cost of living is slightly less than the national average. Unemployment is only 4.3 percent.
History:
When it was decided to build a university at this location in 1793, Chapel Hill was actually laid out to be a town that would support the University Of North Carolina. The location was chosen by drawing a circle in the center of the state. In the center of that circle was a location where landowners agreed to donate land to the university. Building of the university began in 1793. It was actually 1795 before anyone actually lived in Chapel Hill. The city was named after New Hope Chapel which stood at the place where two major roads crossed, high on a hill. The town gained its charter in 1851. Its main street was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Following the Civil War, the university was closed and fell into disrepair. It reopened in 1876. While the 1920s were a prosperous time for the city, the depression hit the area hard. World War II helped the town to come back financially, and it has grown and prospered ever since.
Tourism:
You can tour the North Carolina Botanical Garden from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The Moorhead Planetarium has events and exhibits all year long. The Horace Williams house dates from the 19th century and has tours. You can also tour the old Chapel Hill Cemetery from there. The Old Playmakers Theater was built in 1851 in a Greek revival style. It is a theater now. In May, you can attend a Greek Festival. The Carolina Jazz Festival is held in January.