DURHAM
Durham today ranks among the top cities in the
United States for standard of living. Once a quiet hamlet with its roots in textiles and tobacco,
Durham is now a pacesetter in medicine, education, research, high tech industry and the arts. It is a city of many firsts and its residents enjoy exceptional resources and amenities. Unlike Wake and
Orange
Counties, the city of
Durham is the only incorporated municipality in the
County of
Durham. The city is located 23 miles northwest of
Raleigh and 12 miles northeast of
Chapel Hill.
Durham
County encompasses 75% of the internationally acclaimed
Research
Triangle
Park . Nearly 50 national and international corporations are located in the RTP within the boundaries of
Durham
County . Other companies are selecting sites in Treyburn, a multi-use project in north
Durham . This development combines areas for research and development and manufacturing with areas for residential and recreational purposes.
Durham is also home to
North Carolina
Central
University and
Duke
University , one of the nation's most outstanding private colleges. Great pride is taken in Duke's reputation and residents enjoy the many resources available on campus.
Known as the City of
Medicine,
Durham is the southeast's leader in range and quality of health care. The city supports five hospitals as well as many other medical-related services and industries, all of which contribute to its reputation as a pacesetter in this field.
The influence of this diverse and solid economy, represented by major corporations, the university and health care, has encouraged sophistication in
Durham that is unusual in a city of such a size.
Durham's residential picture is undergoing considerable change as growth continues to create more demand. New and existing neighborhoods offer a broad range of options. Housing is plentiful and varied from English Tudor, Colonial and
Williamsburg to Transitional and Contemporary. Residential choices include historic districts, well established neighborhoods, traditional subdivisions and planned developments.
Brightleaf Square
, comprised of twin tobacco warehouses dating from the early 1900s, represents the state's most innovative approach to conversion. Now restored, they serve as retail and office space as well as the site of numerous entertainment happenings. Turn of the century
Trinity
Park,
Durham 's oldest in-tact neighborhood, on the edge of Duke's campus, has been rediscovered. Spacious colonial homes are being restored to their former elegance.
Because of its many strengths and attributes,
Durham is predicted to be one of the state's most appealing areas for the next 20 years. Gracious hospitality, diverse and friendly residents and a variety of business and cultural advantages are the components of this city's attraction.
––Photo Coutesy of NC Dept. of Tourism
