Durham

Links of Interest

• Population: 167,349
• Area: 92 square miles
• Major Highways: I-40, I-85
• Avg. Home Price: New $239,688 Resale $196,688
• Major Governing Body: Durham City Council
• Chamber Info: (919)967-7075

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.

With a population of over 167,000, Durham is North Carolina's fifth largest city. 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 over 85 percent of the internationally acclaimed Research Triangle Park. Over 50 national and international corporations are located in the Research Triangle Park within the boundaries of Durham County. Other companies are selecting sites in Treyburn, a new multi-use project in north Durham. This project combines areas for research and development and manufacturing, with areas for residential and recreational purposes.

Durham is also home to 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 con-tribute 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 a sophistication in Durham that is unusual in a city of such a size.

Durham's cultural renaissance has drawn the attention of the nation to a city featured in Horizon, a national arts magazine. An exceptionally wide range of cultural and entertainment attractions are available in this community. The city enjoys a distinct status as one of a few select cities for Broadway premieres bound for the nation's best stages. The city was selected from 50 possible sites for the permanent home of the prestigious American Dance Festival. Several feature films were shot in Durham in recent years. More than 600 concerts, performances, productions and lectures are offered annually. Organizations, both private and public, coordinate numerous events in music, dance, theater, fine arts and crafts. The Durham Arts Council, with 30 affiliates, provides classes, exhibitions, festivals and performances. The Council is the largest and most active in North Carolina.

Durham's commitment to education is demonstrated by its enthusiastic reception of the nation's first and only state-supported residential high school for students gifted in mathematics and science. The community is served by a countywide consolidated school system utilizing the neighborhood attendance plan.

Numerous public parks, recreation centers, lakes and greenways offer plentiful leisure activities, team sports, events and classes for all ages. Durham Bull's Athletic Park is home to the Durham Bulls, a minor league team affiliated with the Atlanta Braves. The Bulls attract thou-sands of fans from all over to their summer season.

Durham's residential picture has undergone 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.

Revitalization, development and restoration have dramatically changed Durham's downtown area. Recent renovation of the historic Arts Center has transformed it into a showcase for the visual and performing arts.

Brightleaf Square, comprised of twin tobacco warehouses dating from the early 1900's, 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-fact neighborhood on the edge of Duke's campus, has been rediscovered. Spacious colonial homes have been 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.

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