Chapel Hill is filled with educated people.
That is not breaking news to local residents. But, a couple of impressive statistics regarding the amount of education received by residents of Chapel Hill led to a high spot on a recently released list of the 20 Smartest Small Towns.
Chapel Hill is No. 6. The list was compiled by TopValueReviews.net.

UNC campus. (Photo by SP Murray)
Of the more than 57,000 residents of Chapel Hill, 95 percent have earned a high school diploma and 76 percent have earned a bachelor’s degree. UNC was cited a primary driving force for the the high education level of Chapel Hill. The site writes, “UNC has a great reputation when it comes to health and medical studies, and a state-owned system of hospitals that tie into the university’s school of medicine is a major employer of the town’s non-student residents.”
Amherst, Massachusetts topped the list. More than half of its residents work in education and 40 percent have advanced degrees. Bethesda, Maryland, Bloomington, Indiana, and Brookline, Massachusetts round out the top five. Proximity to universities is a common theme among most of the 20 towns on the list.
See the full list.
TopValueReviews.net is a data-driven, customer-centric, value-conscious website featuring product reviews and rankings.
Related Stories
‹
![]()
On Air Today: Glenn Boothe of AndMoreAgainPresents Talks Concert PromotionGlenn Boothe of AndMoreAgainPresents joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, July 17. He discussed recent concerts he's attended, and looked ahead to some he's looking forward to. He also discussed a recent trip to Minneapolis for a conference of independent concert promoters and venue owners, and more.

Patrick Greene Named as Next Principal of Chapel Hill High SchoolThe CHCCS Board of Education has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Greene as the next principal of Chapel Hill High School.
![]()
The Morning News: Orange County's Wolf Dogs, Five Years LaterIn today's news: we revisit the wolf dogs who captivated our community when they went loose in Cedar Grove five years ago.
![]()
Chapel Hill: The Land Use Management Ordinance Rewrite Draft Goes LiveChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 16. She discussed the release of the town's long-awaited rewrite of the town's Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO). She outlined the key tenants of the current document, and also recounted the history of the document and the reason for the rewrite. She previewed some community outreach on the document and talked about the timeline going forward. She also previewed some upcoming events and more.
![]()
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry TaylorThe Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, July 13. He discussed an eventful weekend that involved rescuing a stray cat. He also talked about the latest on Chapelboro social media platforms, including a recent increase of attention on Instagram, and more.
![]()
Chapel Hill: Chantal Anniversary, State Budget, Summer ScheduleChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, July 9, discussing town news and events. She talked about the after effects of Tropical Depression Chantal. She also talked about the passage of the state budget, which could includes potential Chantal Relief funds, and more. She also talked about the summer schedule for the town council, which includes some community outreach on LUMO, an more.

Combination Jimmy John's, Baskin-Robbins Store Coming to West Franklin StreetA combination Jimmy John’s and Baskin-Robbins store will soon open on West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. The store is located at 143 West Franklin Street, Suite 90, in the same building which houses Target. The suite was most recently occupied by pūrvelo cycle. Currently, neither Jimmy John’s nor Baskin-Robbins have any open stores […]

Celebration of Independence Day to Alter Local Government Services in Orange CountyThe celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what typical services will and won’t be happening during the weekend: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, as […]

Drone Shows and Parades: Here's What to Know Before Orange County's July 4 CelebrationsA variety of July 4 festivities are set to take place across Orange County. Here's how local governments are celebrating.

Chapel Hill Man Wins $200,000 Lottery Prize on Scratch-Off TicketKevin Valdez of Chapel Hill won the top prize of $200,000 on a $5 scratch-off ticket, the North Carolina Education Lottery said in a release Wednesday. Valdez bought his lucky ticket for the Cash King game from the Short Stop convenience store on West Main Street in Carrboro. He arrived at lottery headquarters in Raleigh […]
›