<p>I am strongly considering UNC for grad school but am completely unfamiliar with the area. What neighborhoods surround the campus? Are there areas where grad/professional students tend to live? I have heard about Cary, is this that kind of area? What neighborhoods have coffee shops and bars and little shops? Any help would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>The area surrounding UNC, from what I can see, is quite nice. The northern border of the University is Franklin Street, which is basically downtown Chapel Hill, has plenty of these small coffee shops and bars. It's really easy to get around Chapel Hill as well, I can pretty much walk anywhere I personally need to go from campus, and the bus system, when I need to get somewhere off campus, is really good as well.</p>
<p>Cary is not what you're looking for. It's more of a Raleigh suburb, full of wealthy families. It's probably a 20 minute commute to campus too. There's tons of student-oriented housing in the area surrounding the campus. Carrboro is a great place to live as well--it's full of great restaurants and bars and definitely has a student feel.</p>
<p>I live in Cary, and it's definitely more family-oriented. Grad students probably wouldn't find it enjoyable.
I'd suggest looking at places in Carrboro and apartments in areas near Meadowmont Plaza. There are lots of options for professional students!</p>