Durham today ranks among the top cities in the United States for standard of living. It is the city of many firsts and its residents enjoy exceptional resources and amenities. 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.

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 85 percent 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 new multi-use project in North Durham. This development combines areas for research, 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 its 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 a sophistication in Durham that is unusual in a city of such a size.

Durham's cultural renaissance has drawn the attention of a nation to a city featured in Horizon, the 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 premiers bound for the nation's premier 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 during 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 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.

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

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 intact 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 & friendly residents and a variety of business and cultural advantages are the components of this city's attraction.