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 $420,000 median — $130,000 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 N/A/100. 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 | $420K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $75K | $75K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 35/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 40/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 55/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 41 min ✓ Shorter commute | 50 min |
| 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 | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.2/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesProfessionalsCollege students | FamiliesRemote workersThose who value a relatively low cost of living |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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