Durham, North Carolina has some of the most diverse and unique offerings in the country. Full of vibrant green rolling hills and sparkling waterways, Durham has some spectacular countryside. And with a world class university as the heart of the community, residents benefit from easy access to education, employment and recreational activities.

The city of Durham encompasses over 94 square miles and supports a current population of nearly 200,000. The median age of its residents is 31, with an annual household income of $41,345 and home value around $117,000.

One of the top leisure activities in Durham is golf, with a dozen private and public courses to choose from. Many of the courses here have received top marks from sources such as Golf Digest and Carolina Golf magazines. At the Duke University Golf Club, you can play 18 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones and Rees Jones. This was also the site of the 2001 NCAA Men's Golf Championship. The Hope Valley Country Club was where Byron Nelson won the fourth of his record-setting eleven wins in a row during the PGA Durham Open, and called by Donald J. Ross one of the "Twelve Hidden Gems" in America.

If you prefer to spend your free time in a more social setting, check out the annual World Beer Festival at historic Durham Athletic Park. Over three hundred beer vendors converge to showcase their wares. Restaurants bring samples of their best offerings, and local bands perform live music throughout the day. There are plenty of food festivals to attend throughout the year. To celebrate Valentine's Day, the Durham Art Guild presents the Sweet Arts Festival featuring artful confectioneries and sweet drinks. Several times throughout the year, local chefs gather to showcase local and regional cuisine, which is increasingly drawing high praise.

Durham presents year round music festivals, and many are offered to the community at no cost. The Summer Music Festival organizes all types of live music performances at public parks throughout the city. The annual Bull Durham Blues Festival draws national acts to celebrate the world renowned Delta Blues. And the Grady Tate Jazz Festival is a two day event that spotlights jazz vocals and the legendary Grady Tate himself. For a sampling of New York, the Broadway at Duke series brings bits of Broadway with collegiate performances and national touring companies.

Of course, the presence of Duke University adds so much to Durham's local flavor. You don't have to be a student or employee to take advantage of many of Duke's amenities. Some of the most popular campus attractions draw visitors and locals alike. Duke Forest covers 7,900 acres and over thirty miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens draw over 300,000 visitors each year to stroll its five miles of walkway and delight in the changing exhibits. The Duke University Museum of Art has a wide assortment from ancient to modern. It has been recognized as the finest university gallery in the country. The community is additionally served by the presence of Duke University Medical Center, offering some of the best medical care in the country.

But many locals care about just one thing offered by the university--the Blue Devils. Duke's athletic programs are consistently top ranked. The men's basketball team has brought home the national championships three times in the past ten years. The football team participates in all major bowl events and has proudly accepted The American Football Coaches Association's academic achievement award a whopping ten times for leading the country in its players' graduation rate.

Durham, North Carolina is a thriving city with deep roots. It offers its residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor and family fun while maintaining an affordable cost of living.


If you're thinking of moving to Durham, North Carolina, our relocation packet is yours for the asking.