Home to America’s first public university, Chapel Hill exudes academic excellence and historic charm throughout its lively community. Ranked as one of the nation’s top college towns, Chapel Hill sets the stage for the perfect university experience with competitive sports, colorful culture, and a spirited student body of about 30,000.
Housing plays a big part in any university experience, especially when living off-campus. At Chapel Hill, you will find various off-campus housing options, from upscale apartments to historic homes. But with so many rentals to choose from, finding the perfect place can seem daunting. To help you navigate through the process, here are some tips on how to find off-campus housing near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Where Do Most UNC-Chapel Hill Students Live Off-Campus?
Chapel Hill boasts several neighborhoods for students looking to live off campus. Whether it be residential areas on the campus outskirts or lively communities near the downtown scene, there’s a place for everyone in UNC-Chapel Hill’s off-campus housing community.
Below are some of the top neighborhoods for students at UNC-Chapel Hill:
Southern Village
Located just a few miles south of the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, Southern Village is a great place for student renters to settle down. This “new urban” neighborhood boasts a variety of rental properties, from apartments and condominiums to townhomes and single-family houses. Not to mention, it’s also home to delectable eateries, parks, theaters, and more. When you live here, you’ll find something new on every corner!
Northside
Northside is a student renter’s paradise. Just steps away from campus and Downtown Chapel Hill, this popular neighborhood is perfect for students wanting to be in the center of the action. Northside is also relatively affordable compared to other neighboring communities, with an average rent of $1,421 per month for 530 square feet. Popular residences in Northside include large apartment complexes like Carolina Square or single-family homes like 107 Caldwell St.
Pine Knolls
Just west of campus lies Pine Knolls, a quieter, more secluded neighborhood perfect for students looking to escape the hustle and bustle of campus life. This area offers a desirable mix of housing options and is conveniently located near local amenities like parks, trails, and shopping options. It’s also one of Chapel Hill’s oldest neighborhoods and is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
How Much Does Off-Campus Housing Cost in Chapel Hill?
The average cost of rent in Chapel Hill as of September 2024 is $1,525 per month. This is 2% lower than the national average, making Chapel Hill a relatively affordable option for renters in the Southeast.
The cost of off-campus rentals in Chapel Hill will vary depending on your living situation. If you want to live alone, you can expect to pay about $1,500 per month for a 742-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment or $1,600 a month for a 580-square-foot studio. Or, if you’re planning to live with roommates, you can rent a 1,054-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment for about $1,800 a month or a 1,362-square-foot, three-bedroom apartment for about $2,300 a month.
Along with square footage, location will also determine your monthly rent in Chapel Hill. Closer proximity to campus and popular areas like Franklin Street will generally result in higher rent prices, which explains why areas like University Place and Estes tend to be more expensive. However, you can also find plenty of affordable housing in areas like Northside or Carolina North that are still within walking distance of local amenities.
In addition to monthly rent, you’ll also be responsible for paying utilities costs. Sometimes, landlords will include utility costs within your monthly rent. However, it’s also just as common for utilities to be on a separate bill. Before signing a lease, be sure to inquire about monthly utility costs with your landlord or property manager. On average, you should expect to pay about $100-$200 monthly, either alone or split up amongst roommates.
Can You Live Off Campus as a Freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill?
First-year students are required to live on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill. According to UNC-Chapel Hill Housing, this requirement provides freshmen with the educational benefits and campus connections created by living on campus. Students can choose to live in one of the school’s on-campus residence halls or at Granville Towers, a privately managed community independent of UNC-Chapel Hill Housing.
First-year students can be exempt from the on-campus living requirement under certain circumstances like the following:
- The student is under the age of 17 before the fall term of their first year of enrollment and lives within 30 miles of campus with parents or family members.
- The student is 21 or older before the fall term of their first year of enrollment.
- The student lives with a spouse/partner and/or children.
- The student is a military veteran with at least two years of prior active service.
- The student has a medical condition requiring special accommodations not available through on-campus residence halls or Granville Towers.
If you meet at least one of the above requirements, you may apply for an on-campus living exception through UNC-Chapel Hill Housing. Once approved, you can begin your search for an off-campus rental in the area.
What to Consider When Searching for UNC-Chapel Hill Student Housing
When searching for off-campus housing in Chapel Hill, you’ll need to consider how your rental will affect your university experience. Factors such as location, safety, and amenities should all play a role in your decision-making process. Otherwise, you might find yourself unhappy with your housing situation and how it affects your student lifestyle.
To ensure you find the best off-campus housing option for you, here are some things to consider:
Proximity to campus and downtown
Living close to campus and Downtown Chapel Hill means easy access to classes, cultural events, and popular on and off-campus hangout spots. Though driving, biking, or taking public transit is always an option, being just steps away from campus and downtown really makes a difference for a student renter.
Lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues, Franklin Street is the heart of Chapel Hill’s social and cultural life. This downtown hub also serves as the backdrop to many Tarheel sports celebrations and student organizations and events. Some popular neighborhoods offering easy access to these local happenings are Northside and University Place.
Walkability
Renting in a walkable part of town is conducive to the student lifestyle. Not only does it offer outlets for fitness and exercise, but it also provides student renters with an easy way to get around the city quickly and conveniently.
Chapel Hill has a walk score of 75, meaning it’s a great place to travel by foot. Whether it be a scenic stroll through campus or a quick errand run on Franklin Street, living in a walkable part of town will undoubtedly optimize your time in Chapel Hill. Consider areas like Meadowmont or Downtown Chapel Hill if walking is your preferred way to get around.
Public transportation
If you plan to live further from campus, you might choose somewhere with public transportation access. Chapel Hill offers public transit options for students so that commutes never stand in the way of their university experience.
Chapel Hill has a fare-free transit system that travels between the University, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. This bus service operates on weekdays, with adjusted service during the weekends and academic breaks. The local transit also features a late-night bus service called Safe Ride, which runs Thursday to Saturday from 11 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Students can also take advantage of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Point-to-Point transit system. This University-operated service provides on-demand and fixed route options to help students get across campus both after dark and during normal working hours. This service is strictly offered to UNC-Chapel Hill students and faculty.
Lifestyle fit
Lastly, consider how your off-campus rental will fit into your lifestyle. Depending on what you enjoy doing in your free time, different neighborhoods and off-campus housing options might be a better fit than others.
For example, if you want to participate in campus events and social gatherings, you’ll probably want to live near Downtown Chapel Hill in a large, social community like Carolina Square. On the other hand, if you’re an introvert who values quiet and privacy, you might choose a rental home in a more secluded area like Chapel Hill North.
Find Student Housing in Chapel Hill with Apartments.com
Finding off-campus housing in Chapel Hill is easy with the right tools at your disposal. With Apartments.com, you can search for available Chapel Hill rentals based on your preferences and budget. Using our student search filters, you’ll find the perfect off-campus rental for your time as a Carolina Tarheel.
Start by entering "Chapel Hill, NC" in the search bar. Then, use our filtering options to narrow your search. Click on “Specialty Housing” and choose “Student” to access a range of customized filters. These filters will then show options based on your specific needs, like listings within a certain distance from downtown or with campus shuttle access.
So what are you waiting for? Start your housing search with Apartments.com and find an off-campus rental that enhances your university experience at UNC-Chapel Hill. Go Heels!
FAQs
Where is the best off-campus housing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
The best off-campus housing options for UNC-Chapel Hill students vary depending on personal preferences and needs. Some popular neighborhoods for students include Pine Knolls, Northside, and Southern Village.
Is it cheaper to live on or off campus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
The cost of living on or off campus at UNC-Chapel Hill can vary depending on your living situation. Generally, renting a shared apartment or house with roommates can be more affordable than living alone or in an on-campus residence hall. However, it's important to compare prices and consider other factors, such as location and amenities, before making a decision.
What is the average rent cost in Chapel Hill, NC?
As of September 2024, the average rent cost in Chapel Hill is $1,525 per month. This is slightly lower than the national average, but it can vary depending on factors such as location and living situation.
Are there any specific requirements for first-year students living off-campus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Yes, first-year students are typically required to live on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill. However, certain exceptions apply for students who meet specific criteria, such as living with family or having a medical condition that requires special accommodations. Students can apply for an exception through the university's housing department.
Are utilities typically included in the rent for off-campus housing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Utilities may be included in the rent for some off-campus housing options, but it's important to clarify with your landlord or roommates beforehand. In some cases, utilities may be on a separate bill that is split among the tenants. When considering off-campus housing options, it's important to factor utilities into your overall budget and living expenses.
