Home to the oldest state university in the nation, proud of its sustainability initiatives and a leader in social, economic and environmental issues for North Carolina, the city of Chapel Hill is a unique treasure in the Tarheel State. Sure, the city may be a college town, but there are people from all walks of life living in Chapel Hill apartments for rent. As one of the most livable cities in North Carolina, Chapel Hill is one of the best places in the state to call home. According to a 2011 estimate for the U.S. Census Bureau, the population in Chapel Hill is around 58,000, giving residents in Chapel Hill apartments a great small-town atmosphere.

People shopping for Chapel Hill apartments for rent will be happy to know that the city boasts several awards and distinctions. Some include being named one of the best places to live in the country by CNN/Money Magazine, rated one of the top ten best places to raise kids by BusinessWeek, ranked one of the top ten best places to start a business by Entrepreneur Magazine and ranked one of the top 25 small cities for the arts by American Style Magazine. The entire Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan area has been experiencing a boom lately, so there is plenty of opportunity to be had in apartments in Chapel Hill.

The city has seen a 17 percent jolt in population from 2000 to 2011, and the cost of living in the area is one of the main reasons why. Despite have a business and residential boom, the cost of living index for people looking at Chapel Hill apartments for rent is below the national average, making the city a very affordable place to live, work and play. According to AreaVibes, the cost of a gallon of gas is around 2 percent higher than the rest of the state, but the average commute time is around 16 percent shorter, so you should be able to save money on fuel.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is not only one of the biggest schools in the state, it also draws many students into apartments for rent in Chapel Hill every year. It's also one of the biggest employers in the area, along with the UNC Healthcare Systems. Education is a huge factor in this city, as 75 percent of residents ages 25 and older have a bachelor's degree or higher.