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11 Jan 2022
5 min read
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Southern Village is an award-winning new urbanist community located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Developed starting in 1997, this charming neighborhood offers a unique mix of residential, retail, dining, and entertainment options in a walkable layout. As a real estate agent who's helped countless clients buy and sell homes in Southern Village over the past 17 years, I've come to appreciate the special appeal of this community. Let's dive into what makes Southern Village such a desirable place to live.

Location and History

Southern Village is conveniently situated just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina. You'll find it off US-15/501 south of the main UNC campus. The community was master-planned and developed beginning in 1997 by DMB Associates and Cousins Properties.

What sets Southern Village apart is its design philosophy. The developers embraced the principles of new urbanism, emphasizing neighborhoods with sidewalks and porches rather than isolated subdivisions dependent on cars. This approach has created a vibrant, connected community that feels more like a small town than a typical suburban development.

Notable Developers

The success of Southern Village can be attributed to the vision and expertise of its developers:

  • DMB Associates: A prominent new urbanist developer behind communities like Seaside, Florida and Verrado, Arizona
  • Cousins Properties: A real estate investment trust based in Atlanta
  • Ram Realty: Took over management of Southern Village in 2004

These developers brought a wealth of experience in creating walkable, community-oriented neighborhoods to Southern Village.

Neighborhoods and Housing

One of the things I love about Southern Village is the variety of housing options available. The community contains a mix of:

  • Townhomes and condos built over retail space along Market Street
  • Single-family homes and cottages with front porches along the neighborhood streets
  • Apartment homes at Southern Village Apartments

Home styles in Southern Village range from craftsman bungalows to townhomes with French country flair. This diversity means there's something for everyone, whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, or looking to downsize.

Amenities and Attractions

Southern Village boasts a wealth of amenities and attractions that make it a popular community. Some of the highlights include:

  • Market Street: A mixed-use street with shops, dining, a coffeehouse, movie theater, and more
  • Weaver Street Market: A popular local grocery store and eatery
  • Southern Village Park: A 10-acre park with trails, fields, playground, and outdoor amphitheater
  • Rite Aid Pharmacy and medical offices
  • Concerts on the Green and Movies Under the Stars events
  • Farmers market on Saturdays
  • Walkability and sense of community

The vibrant Market Street gives Southern Village a downtown feel, while amenities like the new park provide recreational options. It's this combination of urban convenience and natural beauty that makes Southern Village so appealing to residents.

Top Local Restaurants

One of the perks of living in Southern Village is the fantastic dining scene. Here are some favorite local spots:

Casual

  • Pepper's Pizza: Custom pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven
  • Spicy 9: Chinese comfort food with lots of flavor
  • Mediterranean Deli: Quick and casual Mediterranean eats

Upscale Casual

  • Kitchen: Farm-to-table southern food and craft cocktails
  • Four Corners Grill: Creative flatbreads and upscale pub fare
  • La Residence: French bistro with cozy outdoor patio

Fine Dining

  • Crook's Corner: Iconic southern food in historic farmhouse setting
  • Elaine's on Franklin: Seasonal new American cuisine, farm fresh
  • Panciuto: Authentic handmade pastas and Italian entrees

The walkability of Southern Village allows residents to enjoy this vibrant dining scene without having to drive. It's not uncommon to see neighbors strolling down Market Street, deciding where to grab dinner or meeting friends for a drink.

Engaging with the Community

One of the things that sets Southern Village apart is the strong sense of community. Here are some ways residents can get more involved:

  • Attend concerts, movies, and events happening right in Southern Village
  • Join the Southern Village Homeowners Association to stay updated on community news
  • Volunteer at community events like the farmers market and movie nights
  • Shop local at Market Street businesses to get to know your neighbors
  • Take fitness classes or join clubs at the Southern Village Clubhouse
  • Meet neighbors by taking walks and spending time in the park

The programming and amenities within Southern Village make it easy for residents to connect. It's not uncommon to see neighbors chatting on front porches or families gathering in the park for picnics.

Advice on Selling in Southern Village

For homeowners looking to sell in Southern Village, here are a few tips:

  • Highlight popular community amenities like Market Street and the park in your listing
  • Stage your home to showcase Southern Village's neighborhood charm
  • Hire a real estate photographer to beautifully capture your home's best features
  • Price competitively based on recent sales of comparable homes
  • Be flexible with showings to accommodate buyers strolling the neighborhood
  • List with a local agent who understands Southern Village's value and appeal

As part of the Tim M. Clarke real estate team, we know how to market Southern Village homes to sell quickly and for top dollar. Our expertise with this unique community is invaluable when it comes to positioning your home in the market.

Nearby Healthcare and Education

Residents of Southern Village enjoy close proximity to healthcare and education options:

  • UNC Hospitals: Top-ranked hospital complex with leading medical care
  • Private schools like Durham Academy, Raleigh Charter High School, and more
  • Highly rated Chapel Hill-Carrboro public schools

The location provides convenience to quality healthcare facilities and school choices, making it an attractive option for families and professionals alike.

A Local Realtor's Perspective on Southern Village

As a real estate agent who has helped many clients buy and sell homes in Southern Village over the past 17 years, I've come to appreciate the special appeal of this new urbanist community. It offers residents a real sense of place, something rare among master-planned developments.

Life in Southern Village revolves around Market Street and the new park. You can walk to dinner, grab a coffee, catch a movie, shop for groceries, and enjoy a farmer's market all in your own neighborhood. There are always concerts, movies, and events bringing people together.

Yet despite this walkable setup, Southern Village homes maintain a cozy, almost small town feel with inviting front porches and southern-inspired architecture. It's the best of both worlds - convenience and community.

As Chapel Hill's largest new urbanist development, Southern Village attracts buyers looking for more than just a house. They want a lifestyle. I love helping clients find their perfect home here that suits their needs and desire for community. Southern Village offers residents a high quality of life they can truly be part of.

Listings in Southern Village

**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**

Featured Listings

**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**

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