Living in Durham
Are you looking for a place to call home? Make IT Durham, North Carolina!
Durham, North Carolina is located in the central portion of the state, halfway between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the pristine beaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks. With over 204,000 residents (242,000+ in Durham County), Durham, the fourth largest city in the state, maintains its friendly character and southern charm. Both residents and visitors alike enjoy the host of cultural, historical, educational, and natural amenities that Durham has to offer.
Our reasonable cost-of-living, quality schools, first-class health care, plethora of sports, arts, entertainment, shopping options, and an abundance of the natural beauty typical of the Carolina Piedmont all contribute to the high quality of life that "Durhamites" enjoy. Our diverse community makes us a cultural gem in North Carolina, while our diverse and growing economic base continues to attract new investment from all over the globe. The presence of renowned colleges and universities, as well as the many high tech, biotech, and research based companies makes Durham a great place for spin-offs and entrepreneurial start-ups.
Housing options in Durham range from downtown trendy loft-style apartments for young professionals and empty nesters to horse farms in the country; from new suburban developments for family-style living to historic neighborhoods in the heart of the city.
Durham offers a plethora of daytime activities for the sole traveler and for families of any size. If it’s adventure and outdoor life that you crave, kayak down the Eno River or stroll through the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens. History buffs can take a trip back in time by touring one of Durham’s many historic sites like Duke Homestead, Bennett Place or Stagville. Explore the Nasher Museum of Art or take the hands-on route by visiting the acclaimed Museum of Life and Science.
If sports is at the top of your list, you'll be happy to know that Durham and the Triangle have them all. Spend an evening at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to enjoy America’s favorite pastime or take a quick 15 minute trip to the RBC Center to check out the 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes in action. When it comes to college basketball, we must warn you, we are fanatics! Join the Cameron Crazies at Duke University or cheer on the Eagles at North Carolina Central University. With UNC-Chapel Hill just eight miles away and N.C. State 25 miles, you can enjoy collegiate sports nearly any time of the year.
At night, Durham’s vibrant social scene takes center stage. Enjoy a live performance at beautifully restored Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham or a live Broadway show, direct from New York at the new Durham Performing Arts Center. Listen to live music at one of the city’s free outdoor concert series at Duke University, or at one downtown's new mixed-use developments like West Village, Brightleaf Square and American Tobacco Campus. We also have some of the Triangle's, and indeed the South's, best restaurants home to renowned chefs.
A visit to Durham is a great opportunity to experience a delightful mix of rich culture, history, terrific shopping, and nightlife. It’s a city that continues to delight visitors. View the Self-Guided Orientation to Durham.
Dying to know more? Visit our Make IT Durham webpage and discover Durham online through links that may be of interest and show you why Durham is "Where Great Things Happen" or contact our Director of Business Retention/Make IT Durham Services for Relocation Services at 919-328-8751 or email cweaver@durhamchamber.org for more information on Durham and its resources.
