Let the numbers do the talking.
Chapel Hill, NC vs Hillsborough, NC
Chapel Hill, NC vs Hillsborough, NC: What the data shows
Chapel Hill, NC is in Chapel Hill, NC while Hillsborough, NC is in Hillsborough, NC — both in the same state. On home prices, Hillsborough, NC is the more affordable option at $285,000 median — $265,000 less than Chapel Hill, NC's $550,000. WYLT rates Chapel Hill, NC as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Hillsborough, 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. Hillsborough, NC has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Chapel Hill, NC has Moderate flood risk and Hillsborough, NC has Low flood risk.
Chapel Hill, NC is the more walkable neighborhood. Chapel Hill, NC scores 35/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Hillsborough, NC's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Hillsborough, NC has the higher school rating — Chapel Hill, NC rates 7.1/10 and Hillsborough, NC rates 7.4/10.
| Category | Chapel Hill, NC | Hillsborough, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $550K | $285K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $75K | $78K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 35/100 ✓ More walkable | 29/100 |
| Transit Score | 40/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | 55/100 ✓ More bikeable | 2/100 |
| Commute | 41 min ✓ Shorter commute | 53 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesProfessionalsCollege students | Families with childrenSuburban commuters to RaleighStudents and staff of Orange County Schools |
Bottom line
If you're a young professional or family seeking a vibrant community with good schools and amenities, Chapel Hill is the better choice despite its higher cost. If you're a family or commuter looking for a quieter, more affordable option with easy driving distances to Raleigh, Hillsborough is a solid option. Ultimately, Chapel Hill's higher quality of life and stronger economy make it the more desirable choice for most people.
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