Moving from California to Chapel Hill and the Triangle NC 2026 (Relocation guide)

From Santa Cruz to Chapel Hill: Our Story

In 2020, in the middle of COVID, my husband James and I relocated from Santa Cruz, California to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

We had no idea how we were going to build community during lockdowns. We were leaving behind friends, coastline sunsets, and decades of familiarity. It felt exciting and uncertain.

What surprised us most?

The warmth.

People here are genuinely kind. Neighbors wave. Conversations linger. Community events matter. Even during a pandemic, we found connection.

And the food? We were delighted. From local farmers markets to Southern BBQ, incredible vegetarian options, and diverse international cuisine — the Triangle food scene is vibrant, creative, and locally rooted.

What started as a leap of faith became home.

And now I help others make the same transition.

Why So Many Californians Are Moving to Chapel Hill & the Triangle

Most of my relocation clients come from the Bay Area — San Jose, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, Mountain View, and San Francisco.

The reasons are consistent:

1. Cost of Living

Housing affordability is dramatically different.
In many parts of the Triangle, you can purchase:

• A luxury home on land

• A newer construction property

• A home near top universities

• Or a low-maintenance property in an active adult community

often for far less than comparable Bay Area pricing.

2. Space & Lifestyle

In Chapel Hill, Durham, and Cary, it’s common to have:

• Larger lots

• Walkable neighborhoods

• Access to trails and greenways

• Lower traffic

• More breathing room

You don’t feel compressed here.

3. Career Opportunities

The Triangle is anchored by:

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Duke University

• Research Triangle Park

This creates strong opportunities in:

• Healthcare

• Biotech

• Pharma

• Research

• Tech

• Higher education

• Entrepreneurship

Many of my clients are UNC and Duke professionals, RTP executives, remote tech workers, or retirees seeking intellectual energy without big-city chaos.

4. Taxes

North Carolina’s tax structure is often significantly more favorable than California’s, particularly for high earners and retirees.

What It’s Like Living in Chapel Hill & The Triangle

 

The Triangle includes:

• Chapel Hill – Charming, intellectual, walkable, UNC energy

• Durham – Historic-meets-modern, incredible food scene, Duke influence

• Cary – Master-planned communities, strong schools, polished neighborhoods

• Pittsboro & surrounding areas – Land, privacy, luxury estates, slower pace

You’ll find:

• Farmers markets year-round

• Greenways and trails

• Lake Jordan & Falls Lake access

• Active adult communities

• Country clubs

• Boutique neighborhoods with character

And yes — amazing food. Southern BBQ, fresh produce, vegan options, and globally inspired restaurants.

What Surprises Californians Most

Here’s what my clients say after moving:

✔ “People are so friendly.”
✔ “It’s easier to build community.”
✔ “We have space to breathe.”
✔ “Traffic is nothing like California.”
✔ “We can actually entertain at home.”

There is a strong sense of place here.

Neighborhood Guidance for Relocation Clients

For UNC & Duke Professionals:

• Walkable Chapel Hill neighborhoods

• Durham near Duke Forest

• Cary for commute balance

For Luxury Buyers:

• Governors Club

• The Oaks

• Preston Country Club

• Chapel Hill Country Club

• Land properties in Pittsboro

For Retirees:

• Low-maintenance communities

• Ranch-style homes

• Active adult neighborhoods

For Remote Bay Area Tech Professionals:

• Cary & West Cary

• Chapel Hill for lifestyle

• Durham for modern energy

A Step-by-Step Relocation Strategy (What I Recommend)

1. Virtual consultation first – We clarify lifestyle goals, commute tolerance, land vs. neighborhood preference.

2. School & tax deep dive – Especially important for families.

3. Targeted home tour week – Highly organized, strategic showings.

4. Local vendor network setup – Lenders, attorneys, inspectors.

5. Community integration – Introductions, resources, local spots.

Relocating is emotional and logistical. Having someone who understands both California and North Carolina culture matters.

What I Tell Every California Client

You’re not just buying a home.

You’re building a life.

When we moved in 2020, we worried about community. We found it. We worried about food. We found incredible local flavor. We wondered if it would feel like home.

It does.

And it can for you too.

Thinking About Moving from the Bay Area to Chapel Hill?

If you’re considering relocating from:

• San Jose

• Santa Cruz

• Palo Alto

• Mountain View

• San Francisco

• Or anywhere in California

I would love to guide you through the process.

As someone who made the move myself — and now helps UNC professionals, Duke physicians, RTP executives, retirees, and luxury buyers do the same — I bring both personal insight and market expertise.

📍 Serving Chapel Hill, Durham, Cary, Pittsboro & the Triangle
- Tana Widdows 

M 919-448-8424