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Overview 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 Courtesy of NC Dept. of Tourism
General Information
Education
Durham's commitment to education is demonstrated by
its enthusiastic reception of the nations first and only
state-supported residential high school for students
gifted in mathematics and science. The community is
served by a county-wide consolidated school system
utilizing the neighborhood attendance plan.
School Information
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