Welcome to Chapel Hill, North Carolina!
Dubbed ‘The Southern Part of Heaven,’ Chapel Hill is known for its quaint, small town feel with a touch of modernism. Home to UNC (Go Tar Heels!), the area is considered one of the best college towns in the United States. It offers residents and visitors a number of resources and activities, including music, shopping, and dining. As a holistic dental practice in Chapel Hill, we are proud to serve our local community and want our patients to enjoy its many amenities as much as we do.
Read on to discover more about the services and resources in Chapel Hill and all that this heavenly southern town has to offer its students, couples, and families.
Life in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a large town in Orange County, North Carolina with a population of 62, 906. It has been rated one of the best places to live in the state. It offers residents a mix of urban and suburban life with plenty of restaurants, shops, parks, and highly rated public schools. Chapel Hill is a great community for families, young professionals, and older couples as well.
Location and Climate
Like most of North Carolina, Chapel Hill experiences hot, muggy summers and short, cold winters. Residents get to experience all four seasons with temperatures varying from 32℉ to 88℉ over the course of the year. For tourists, the best times to visit are typically late spring or early fall when it isn’t as hot and humid.
Chapel Hill History
Founded in 1792, Chapel Hill was named for the New Hope Chapel that once stood at the crossroads on the hill at the town’s center. Christopher Barbee, the son of one of the town’s original settlers, invested in the land and supported the construction of a university. The University of North Carolina opened in 1795 and continues to significantly contribute to the town’s economy.
The town is inextricably tied to the university, its research facilities and buildings, and nearby Research Triangle Park; all of which have impacted Chapel Hill’s history and development.
Resources and Services in Chapel Hill, NC
From educational and family resources to shopping and dining, Chapel Hill has your needs covered through various services for residents and visitors.
Educational Resources
Chapel Hill is well known as the home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. However, its public school system is also highly rated. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System is one of the best in the United States. The district regularly ranks highly for student test scores and the lowest dropout rate in the state. There are 9 public elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools.
UNC is a public research university. As the flagship for the North Carolina educational system, it is often considered a public Ivy League School thanks to the high-quality academic experience. In addition to the quality education, students, locals, and visitors have access to various educational facilities at UNC. These include the Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, North Carolina Botanical Garden, and libraries.
Family Resources and Services
Looking for a good gym or trying to schedule a pick-up game? Chapel Hill offers resources and services to get in shape and stay physically active.
The Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation offers engaging activities for youth and adults. Athletics, drop-in sports, and fitness classes are available for all ages. These sports and classes allow participants to join other members of the community in staying healthy in a positive environment.
The Parks and Rec service also provides access to several public gyms and sports fields. Residents are able to use these amenities anytime they aren’t reserved or scheduled for department programs.
Parks, Nature, and Recreational Services
There is no shortage of opportunities to get outside, explore nature, and get fresh air. Chapel Hill is home to over 730 acres of public space, including 18 community or neighborhood parks and plazas. With beautiful parks, athletic fields, green spaces, and outdoor plazas, there is plenty of space to get outside and play!
If you’re looking for even more solitude or an escape into nature, check out the greenway trails and nature preserves in the area. Whether you are looking for a brisk, mile-long trek in green space, a walk through the gardens, or a trip into the mountains, there is something for everyone.
Shopping and Dining
Ready to check out a new restaurant? Chapel Hill offers a wide range of dining opportunities to appeal to your taste buds. Want a night out with friends, your significant other, or the whole family? The restaurant selection won’t disappoint.
Whether you want handcrafted Italian specialties, American fare, international cuisine, burgers, or more, there’s something for everyone in Chapel Hill. Check out Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery, 411 West Italian Cafe, Al’s Burger Shack, or Cha House to get started.
Looking to shop til you drop? Check out University Place, the premier shopping destination in the Triangle region. This is the only enclosed shopping mall in the area. It offers 29 stores, dining options, a cinema, and even a grocery store.
Chapel Hill and Orange County are also home to boutiques, shops, and artisans selling one-of-a-kind products, Tar Heel memorabilia, antiques, and gifts. Franklin Street and Downtown Chapel Hill offer plenty of parking, making it easy to stop and browse your favorite stores.
Events and Attractions
No matter what type of outing you are on, there are plenty of things to do in Chapel Hill. Although it is considered a college town, young professionals, families, and seniors are proud to call the area home. Chapel Hill plans events with children, adults, and families in mind. From musical performances and outdoor movies to gardening, author events to UNC sporting events, there are numerous options to enjoy and explore the local community.
Need something to do this weekend in Chapel Hill? Check out the events calendar and try something new!
Quality Dental Services in Chapel Hill
During your time in Chapel Hill, we invite you to contact our office for all of your oral health needs. We offer comprehensive dental services in Chapel Hill and are happy to be your home for holistic dental care.
Book an appointment today! Our team is happy to serve you!