Chapel Hill, NC

Living in North Carolina offers residents amazing access to some of the best-hidden gems in the region. Our real estate agents love discovering new and exciting activities around the state. With so many great natural spaces, museums and sites to explore, you can spend weekend after weekend falling in love with everything the Triangle and surrounding towns have to offer. Here are ten of our favorite hidden treasures.

1. Apex Nature Park & Seymour Athletic Fields — 2600 Evans Rd., Apex, NC 27502
   Get up and active at Apex Nature Park & Seymour Athletic Fields near Apex homes for sale. There are over 160 acres of space featuring a playground, multi-use trails, a dog park, picnic area and various courts for soccer, tennis and other sports.
   
2. Maple View Farm — 6900 Rocky Ridge Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
   The award-winning Maple View Farm sells the Triangle's highest quality milk and ice cream made fresh for you. Located near Chapel Hill homes for sale, visit their creamery to taste one of their seventeen delicious flavors.
3. Carolina Tiger Rescue — 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312
   Enjoy a wondrous experience while supporting wildlife preservation at Carolina Tiger Rescue. Close to Pittsboro homes for sale, you can take a tour and get up close and personal with twelve species of gorgeous cats including cougars, cheetahs, lions, tigers and more!
4. Videri Chocolate Factory — 327 W. Davie St. Sweet 100, Raleigh, NC 27601
   Looking for a tasty adventure? Head to the Videri Chocolate Factory not far from Raleigh homes for sale. Make a beeline to their chocolate counter to sample and purchase their handmade treats or grab a cup of coffee from their café after you tour their amazing factory.
5. Duke Lemur Center — 3705 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC 27705
   Did you know that the largest sanctuary of lemurs is located right down the road from Durham homes for sale? The Duke Lemur Center has a diverse collection of lemurs that you can view and learn about on an educational tour.
6. Knightdale Environmental State Park — 950 Steeple Square Ct., Knightdale, NC 27545
   Just around the corner from Knightdale homes for sale, the Knightdale Environmental Park is a great place to get away from the city and enjoy the fresh air. Walking trails guide you to serene overlooks, a quaint pond and public art displays.
7. Fantasy Lake Scuba Park — 3601 Quarry Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587
   Get a more in-depth look at North Carolina's natural beauty at Fantasy Lake Scuba Park. Not far from Wake Forest homes for sale, this 50-acre lake is used exclusively for scuba diving. Whether you're an experienced diver or willing to learn, Fantasy Lake is known by many as the Scuba Mecca of the region.
8. Mebane Historical Museum — 209 W. Jackson St., Mebane, NC 27302
   The Mebane Historical Museum is a fantastic way to spend the day near Mebane homes for sale. This interesting nonprofit organization collects, preserves, and displays the cultural and historical relics of Mebane's past. 
9. Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex — 171 Tradition Trl. Ste. 207, Holly Springs, NC 27540
   Grab your wheels and roll into an awesome afternoon at Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex. Bikes, mountain bikes, skateboards, scooters, and inline skates are all welcome in this sprawling skatepark near Holly Springs homes for sale.
10. Garner Performing Arts Center — 742 W. Garner Rd., Garner, NC 27529
    The Garner Performing Arts Center located within a few miles of great Garner homes for sale. This great venue in the heart of the historic district offers affordable entertainment for audiences of all ages.

For help finding a beautiful home close to these hidden gems, contact us today!10 North Carolina Treasures in Your Backyard

Fall is a favorite time of year for our real estate agents. Living in the Triangle puts us in close proximity to great family-friendly Halloween activities. Grab your loved ones and check out some of these fall frights and delights around the Triangle!

1. Trick-or-Treat the Trails — 2400 Aversboro Rd., Garner, NC 27529 | Oct 31
   No fall season is complete without a little trick or treating! Grab the kids and costumes before heading out to White Deer Park on Halloween. Not far from Garner homes for sale, you all can walk a one-mile loop and collect goodies along the way. This event is free for all children that are accompanied by parents.
   
2. Garden Buds: Pumpkin Spice — 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606 | Oct 11
   If you're a fan of pumpkin spice everything then you've definitely got to head over to the J. C. Raulston Arboretum this fall! Their Education Yurt will host October's Garden Buds program featuring our favorite fall gourd, pumpkins! You and your little ones aged three to five can spend the morning decorating pumpkins together close to Raleigh homes for sale.
3. Hipp Farm's Corn Maze & Field of Fun — 299 Ballard Rd., Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 | Sept 14 — Oct 27
   Hipp Farm is the place to be this autumn when they open up for their annual fall festivities. Their corn maze definitely steals the show, especially when you go through it at night! In the day time, there are other awesome activities for families like a petting zoo, wagon ride, pumpkin patch, pony rides, bounce houses and more! Just down the road from Fuquay Varina homes for sale, a field of fall fun awaits you at Hipp Farm!
4. Spring Haven Farm Fall Festival: Carving Pumpkins With Goats — 5306 Homer Ruffin Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 | Oct 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27
   What's better than carving pumpkins with your family? Carving them with goats too, of course! Spring Haven Farm gets visitors up-close-and-personal with goats in nearly all of their activities. Stop by this October and live the farm life during their Fall Festival near Chapel Hill homes for sale.
5. Goblin's Groove Family Dance — 237 North Salem St., Apex, NC 27502 | Oct 26
   Ready to get groovy with a few goblins this Halloween? Then head on down to the Apex Annual Goblin's Groove Family Dance. This event is right down the street from Apex homes for sale at the Halle Cultural Arts Center. Costume contests, treats, prizes, games, and even a haunted art gallery await you for this night of moving and grooving!
6. Pumpkinfest — 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | Oct 30
   What better way to wave goodbye to October by spending an evening at a pumpkin party? Close to Pittsboro homes for sale is Fearrington Village, a quaint community that embraces local businesses. Come walk through their gardens and admire the decorated jack o' lanterns that their staff has carved in pumpkins from Porter Farms. Sample food from the vendors present at the state farmer's market and then head into the Village Center for a great party full of music and treats. Pumpkinfest is a great event for couples who want a low-key Halloween together.
7. Clayton Halloween Festivities — 715 Amelia Church Rd., Clayton, NC 27520 | Select Dates in Oct
   Take a stroll into a town, full of beautiful Clayton homes for sale, and enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed activities. Bring the family to Clayton Community Park for a Halloween Hayride or take the kids downtown for trick or treating on Main Street. There's also Boo Bash in the Clayton Community Center, a great Halloween special needs dance, that is free for all ages.

Looking for a scary good deal on a home in the Triangle? Contact us today and let us treat you to a tour around the Triangle — we promise no tricks!

Have you started planning your New Year's resolutions for this year? For many of us, the start of a new year is an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most, including health, wellness, and fitness. The Chapel Hill area is a great place to make your New Year's resolutions count, whether you already live in the area or are still searching for Chapel Hill homes for sale. If your plan for making the most of the upcoming year involves physical fitness, our real estate agents have seven great gyms and fitness centers in Chapel Hill where you can get started on your New Year's resolution.

1. UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont – 100 Sprunt St., Chapel Hill
   With more than 52,000 square feet of space filled with state of the art exercise equipment, the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont is a great place to work out for all ages. The facility also includes an indoor aquatic center, basketball court, and track, as well as extensive trails for biking and walking outdoors.
   
   
2. CrossFit 15-501 – 11552 Highway 15-501 N., Chapel Hill
   Interested in trying something different for your workouts this year? At CrossFit 15-501, everyone is welcome. Beginners and experts exercise together, with workouts that scale to each individual's experience/fitness level. The experienced CrossFit coaches here work hard to establish a sense of community.
   
   
3. Snap Fitness – 300 Market St., Chapel Hill
   Trying to fit your New Year's resolution into a busy schedule? Snap Fitness is a great spot for fitting in a workout whenever you have free time, open 24/7 with modern equipment, personal trainers, and a busy schedule of classes every day of the week.
   
   
4. Chapel Hill Community Center – 120 S Estes Dr., Chapel Hill
   Whether you're working out indoors or outside, the Chapel Hill Community Center has the facilities to help you achieve your goals for the new year. There's an indoor aquatics facility, gym, and climbing wall, along with extensive outdoor recreation facilities.
   
   
5. TITLE Boxing Club – 2140 Environ Way, Chapel Hill
   Enjoy a unique full-body workout and pick up some pugilistic skills along the way at TITLE Boxing Club, where the exercise program is based on an authentic boxer's workout. Classes at TITLE focus on boxing, MMA, and kickboxing, with fast-paced workouts available for every experience level.
   
   
6. Barre3 Chapel Hill – 201 S Elliot Rd., Chapel Hill
   Barre3 combines a variety of fitness disciplines to deliver a workout tailored to each individual, including pilates, ballet barre, and yoga. This studio has a class to fit everyone and provides everything that you need to enjoy a great workout. There is also a play lounge available, where kids can hang out while their parents work out.
   
   
7. Franklin St. Yoga Center – 431 W Franklin St., Chapel Hill
   Geared toward empowering people who wish to live a healthy lifestyle, the Franklin St. Yoga Center features a variety of classes that benefit both mind and body. Participate in a yoga class, relax with a meditation class, or jump into a bootcamp workout perfect for getting in shape. The experienced teachers at the facility come from a wide range of backgrounds, so there is always something new to try.

Is finding the perfect Chapel Hill home also high on your list of New Year's resolutions? Our team is here to help. Contact Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout the Chapel Hill, NC area.

Are you shopping for Chapel Hill homes for sale, and searching for the perfect neighborhood to call your own? Finding the right neighborhood is one of the biggest keys to choosing a home that you will love long-term, and Chapel Hill has a community to suit every taste. Briar Chapel, a relatively new neighborhood in Chapel Hill, has been earning great reviews from the day that the first residents moved in, and has grown into one city's most appealing areas for a wide range of homeowners. Our real estate agents are here to help you get acquainted with Briar Chapel, a Chapel Hill, NC neighborhood.

Learn Why Chapel Hill Residents Love the Briar Chapel Neighborhood

Outdoor Attractions and Amenities

Briar Chapel is an ideal neighborhood for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle, with tons to do outdoors and ample natural spaces to explore. There are more than 20 miles of trails winding through the community, along with 900 acres of open space. There are picnic areas, outdoor art installations, and plenty of great places to sit back and enjoy the scenery. The waterpark is one of Briar Chapel's biggest outdoor attractions, with two water slides, a lap pool, cabanas, and a splash pad. You'll also find modern, well-maintained athletic facilities for games including basketball, bocce, and tennis, perfect for getting a workout while forging new connections in the community.

A Home to Suit Every Taste and Budget

While Briar Chapel is a planned neighborhood, homes for sale in Briar Chapel or not built by just one developer. Instead, there are five excellent developers to choose from, each offering different options and pricing. Purchase a custom home where every detail is based on your taste, or shop with a developer who offers set floor plans. The number of developers in Briar Chapel means that you'll have a broad range of pricing options to fit your budget, and keeps the neighborhood looking fresh with a wide selection of home designs.

Everything You Need Close to Home

While there is plenty to do within walking distance in the Briar Chapel neighborhood, you may need to hop in your car to reach some of the nearby Chapel Hill amenities. The good news is that you definitely won't have to drive very far because Briar Chapel offers easy access to tons of nearby shopping, dining, and service-related destinations. You'll also find a ton of amenities very close to home at Veranda, Briar Chapel's one-stop shop for fantastic food, shopping, and services.

A Green Community

A love of the great outdoors is evident everywhere you go in Briar Chapel, and the neighborhood is also committed to green living. The clubhouse is LEED-certified, homes are NHAB-certified, and there are large, natural areas that serve as safe habitats for local wildlife. If you want to live in a community where green living is a priority, this is a great place to shop.

Learn More about the Briar Chapel Lifestyle

The Briar Chapel lifestyle features something for every member of the community. It's conveniently located, filled with outdoor fun, and committed to being environmentally friendly. Extensive social activities make this an excellent neighborhood for meeting new people, and you'll find that everything you need is nearby when you call Briar Chapel home.

Are you ready to start shopping for homes in Briar Chapel, or in one of the many other excellent neighborhoods in the Chapel Hill area? Our experienced, local team is here to help. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes in Chapel Hill, NC.

Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, the leading real estate company in the Triangle region, has appointed Rachael Elliott as Associate Sales Office Manager of its Chapel Hill and Pittsboro real estate sales offices. Elliott will focus on agent recruitment and training to help grow the Chapel Hill and Pittsboro real estate teams, support existing sales associates and gain additional market share over area competitors.

"Rachael's understanding of our business and marketplace, along with her commitment to helping people succeed, was a natural fit for our company," said Randy Cox, sales manager and broker-in-charge of the Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Chapel Hill and Pittsboro offices. "We are excited to have her on our team and look forward to what the future holds for both our Chapel Hill and Pittsboro agents."  

Elliott earned her real estate license in 2015 and has been loving it ever since. "I am very excited and honored to be part of a company with an already fabulous reputation that consistently strives for excellence and improvement," said Elliott.  "I am looking forward to growing the office and helping the agents in the best way possible. I have felt a strong connection to real estate since as long as I can remember. My grandfather owned a successful realty firm in Hilton Head, and my aunt has been a practicing agent for almost two decades. I helped with an open house at 9 years old and was "sold" ever since!"

Elliott has called the Triangle her home since birth. She was born in Raleigh and has family who lives all throughout the Triangle. "I love living in the Triangle because it is the best of all worlds," said Elliott. "I love the diversity in the people, restaurants, architecture, etc. I love the sporting events and university rivalries. Also, we get to experience the beauty in all four seasons, and we can drive to the beach or mountains with ease."

Elliott enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, reading, yoga, running and spending time with family and friends.  She is also involved with giving back to our community and helping to make a difference. "I have been active in Susan G Komen's Walk for the Cure," said Elliott.

Every year, around the start of March, Chapel Hill comes alive in powder blue to celebrate another run through March Madness for the University of North Carolina basketball team. While basketball season is one of the most exciting times of the year, it's far from the only time that UNC plays a starring role in the community. The University is a fantastic place to discover throughout the year, whether you're interested in history, entertainment, classes, or just exploring the scenic, historic University of North Carolina campus. Our real estate agents have the details on what to expect as you discover the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

A History of Excellence: Experience the University of North Carolina

Explore the University of North Carolina Campus with a Walking Tour

If you're looking to explore what the UNC campus has to offer – and you're not a prospective student taking an admissions tour – then a Priceless Gem tour is a perfect way to see the campus. Priceless Gem tours are free, open to the public, and occur on select Fridays starting at 3 pm. Tours begin at the UNC Visitor's Center and take you throughout the campus as you learn about the history, mission, and stories that make the university such an important part of the community. Tours last from 60 to 90 minutes and are lead by members of the UNC Visitor's Center team.

Discover the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Located on the UNC campus, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is one of Chapel Hill's most popular destinations for educational fun. Every day, you'll find a busy schedule of shows and learning opportunities, geared toward people of all ages. There are special youth and family learning programs, including summer science camps for the kids. Enjoy live demonstrations on the science stage, or explore the center for hands-on learning opportunities. The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center offers something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Enjoy World-Class Athletics on the UNC Campus

The University of North Carolina men's basketball and women's basketball teams often rank among the best in the country, while bringing exciting athletics to the Chapel Hill area. Men's basketball games take place at the Dean E. Smith Center and women's basketball games are played in Carmichael Arena, where you can join thousands of passionate fans in cheering on your local teams. Every game is a chance to see something special, in the same arena where Michael Jordan first became a household name.

Arts and Culture at the University of North Carolina

Interested in exploring art and culture from across the world? The Ackland Art Museum, located on the University of North Carolina Campus, is your destination for amazing art in Chapel Hill. With a rotating schedule of exhibits from artists near and far, the Ackland Art Museum is a local treasure for anyone who loves the arts. Admission to the museum is free, and there is a stacked schedule of events available for UNC students and Chapel Hill residents of all ages.

The Ackland Art Museum's collections include nearly 17,000 pieces of art, with frequent exhibitions showcasing art from the collection, and from outside sources. No matter the time of year, there will always be something new, interesting, and educational to explore at the Ackland Art Museum.

Are you searching for a home for sale in Chapel Hill near the University of North Carolina? Our team is here to help. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout the Chapel Hill, NC area.

Running through the heart of Chapel Hill, you will find a street that is filled with culture, entertainment, food, and fun for all ages. Franklin Street has been a hub of the city since the University of North Carolina was established in the 1790s, when the street consisted of little more than a few homes, stores, and public buildings. Today, Franklin Street is a great place to find food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family, and our real estate agents have all of the details on Chapel Hill's favorite street.  

Food, Fun, History & Entertainment on Franklin Street

The Franklin Street dates back to those humble beginnings in the 1790s when the street was named for Benjamin Franklin. Over the years, more businesses, attractions, and public facilities have been added to the area, but the historic charm of Franklin Street has always remained. Businesses on Franklin Street serve students at the University of North Carolina, as well as residents from throughout the city.

Fantastic Food for Every Taste

The city of Chapel Hill wants Franklin Street to keep its unique, local feel and encourages small businesses to lay down roots in the area, rather than big chains. That leads to a fantastic collection of local restaurants, which have been serving the city for decades. Grab a breakfast you'll never forget at Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe, savor a tasty frozen treat at the Yogurt Pump, or enjoy a hot, delicious cup of coffee at the Carolina Coffee Shop. Whatever you crave, you'll find it on Franklin Street.

Family Fun at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Did you know that Franklin Street is home to one of the first training facilities for NASA astronauts? The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is one of Franklin Street's biggest attractions, with programs for kids, teens, adults, families, and everyone in between. Immerse yourself in the history of spaceflight, or take in one of the many dazzling shows that the planetarium has to offer.

Explore the History of Chapel Hill

Whether you're visiting a business, restaurant, cultural destination, or performance venue on Franklin Street, you'll be exploring the history of Chapel Hill first-hand. Many of local businesses on Franklin Street are family-owned and have been here for generations. Historic buildings from throughout Chapel Hill's history still stand, and there are unique stories to be discovered all along Franklin Street. The University of North Carolina is also a huge part of Franklin Street history, with both students and the university itself supporting many cultural initiatives in the area.

Entertainment, Art, and Culture on Franklin Street

Do you love exploring the arts and culture scene of your home city? Then there's no doubt that Franklin Street is the place to be. Enjoy a unique spin on art at the Gypsy Hill Tattoo and Art Gallery or explore unique exhibits from local artists at Light Art + Design. The Varsity Theatre on Franklin Street has been a local landmark for more than 50 years, with both new and classic movies on the big screen. You can combine art and live performances at Current Artspace + Studio, which offers shows that truly get the audience involved. The art galleries along Franklin Street do a great job of supporting local artists, while also showcasing the work of talented artists from across the world.

Searching for a home in the heart of Chapel Hill, close to all of the action on Franklin Street? Contact Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout Chapel Hill, NC.

Life is just a little sweeter when you call Chapel Hill, NC home. As part of the Research Triangle with Raleigh and Durham, Chapel Hill is an excellent place to find employment, and a city with more than enough attractions to keep you busy for years to come. Whether you're looking for a great job with a short commute, fabulous food, or the arts, you'll find it close to home. Our real estate agents know Chapel Hill, and we've put together ten reasons why you'll love calling the city home.  

Loving Life in the Research Triangle

1. Big City Convenience, Small Town Feel
   Chapel Hill is home to an estimated population of nearly 60,000 residents and offers all the amenities of a large city without losing its small-town charm. Throughout Chapel Hill, you'll find unique local businesses, safe neighborhoods, and special events that bring the whole city together.
   
   
2. Fast Growth, Bright Future
   If you choose to live in Chapel Hill, you won't be the only new resident finding out why the city is such a great place to call home. In fact, Chapel Hill has grown at a rate of 22 percent since the 2000 Census, and the city is more than prepared to accommodate all of those new residents each year.
   
   
3. Arts and Culture Close to Home
   If you love getting out to explore arts and culture in your home city, you'll fit right in with the people of Chapel Hill. Visit the Ackland Art Museum to take in the many exhibits on display, or head to the Varsity Theater to catch the latest movies.
   
   
4. UNC Is the Place to Be
   Walk the streets of Chapel Hill for a short time, and it won't be long before you see the iconic powder blue colors of the University of North Carolina. UNC is a large, historic university, with a beautiful campus and some of the best collegiate athletics programs in the country.
   
   
5. Enjoy a Healthy Economy
   When you buy a home in Chapel Hill, you're investing in a city with a very bright future. Both home values and median household income in Chapel Hill check in well ahead of state averages and compare favorably to the other big cities in the Research Triangle.
   
   
6. Special Events for All Ages
   The list of special events available throughout the year in Chapel Hill is a mile long, with fun events for every member of the family. Take in an art festival, get geared up for a big game, or settle in for some of the most impressive fireworks displays you'll find anywhere during the big summer holidays.
   
   
7. Fantastic Food Close to Home
   Ranked as one of the "foodiest" cities in the country, Chapel Hill is an excellent place to find creative meals with fresh, local ingredients. Chefs throughout the city turn food into an art form, and local farms supply the ingredients found on dinner tables throughout Chapel Hill.
   
   
8. The Best of Basketball
   Every fall, college basketball fever hits Chapel Hill as the University of North Carolina basketball takes the floor to start its season. Every March, the city is bathed in blue as the UNC basketball team makes another run through the March Madness bracket.
   
   
9. A Home to Suit Every Buyer
   Why settle for a home that's "just okay" when you can have so much more? Chapel Hill homes for sale include something to suit every buyer and budget. Whether you're looking for a family home in a safe, high-quality school district or a luxury listing, you'll have no trouble finding it in Chapel Hill.
   
   
10. An Excellent Healthcare System
    Chapel Hill is a great place to call home if you love a healthy lifestyle and offers the medical services necessary to stay healthy long-term. Founded in 1998, UNC Healthcare provides an excellent standard of medical care throughout the Chapel Hill area.

Are you ready to find out first-hand why Chapel Hill, NC is such a great place to call home? Contact our team at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout Chapel Hill, NC.