Let the numbers do the talking.
Chapel Hill, NC vs Durham, NC
Chapel Hill, NC vs Durham, NC: What the data shows
Chapel Hill, NC is in Chapel Hill, NC while Durham, NC is in Durham, NC — both in the same state. On home prices, Durham, NC is the more affordable option at $363,000 median — $187,000 less than Chapel Hill, NC's $550,000. WYLT rates Chapel Hill, NC as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Durham, NC as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Chapel Hill, NC has the stronger safety profile of the two. Chapel Hill, NC has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Durham, NC has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Chapel Hill, NC has Moderate flood risk and Durham, NC has Low flood risk.
Chapel Hill, NC is the more walkable neighborhood. Chapel Hill, NC scores 35/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Durham, NC's 27/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Chapel Hill, NC has the higher school rating — Chapel Hill, NC rates 7.1/10 and Durham, NC rates 6.2/10.
| Category | Chapel Hill, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $550K | $363K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $75K ✓ Higher income | $66K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 35/100 ✓ More walkable | 27/100 |
| Transit Score | 40/100 ✓ Better transit | 28/100 |
| Bike Score | 55/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 41 min | 41 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.2/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesProfessionalsCollege students | FamiliesYoung ProfessionalsRemote Workers |
Bottom line
Chapel Hill offers better schools, walkability, and a more vibrant community, but its median home price is high. Durham is more affordable and still has decent schools, but it’s less walkable and more car‑dependent. Choose Chapel Hill if you’re willing to pay more for a higher quality of life; opt for Durham if budget and car access are your priorities.
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