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Durham, NC

About Durham
Top Schools
Free Market Report
Duke University

Durham, NC Homes for Sale

Top Subdivisions

  • Trinity Park
  • Duke Park
  • Old West Durham
  • Brightleaf at the Park
  • Woodcroft
  • Hope Valley Farms
  • Chancellor's Ridge
  • Northgate Park
  • Old North Durham
  • Colvard Farms​
  • Durham, North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The city was founded on the success of the tobacco industry, which played a crucial role in its development. Durham was officially incorporated in 1869. Over the years, the city has evolved from a tobacco town to a thriving hub for education, healthcare, and technology.

    Durham’s growth was significantly influenced by the establishment of Duke University and the transformation of the American Tobacco Campus. The city has successfully preserved its historical roots while embracing modern development and innovation.

    Shopping Centers

    • The Streets at Southpoint
    • Brightleaf Square
    • Downtown Durham
    • University Hill (UHill)
    • Renaissance Center
    • Patterson Place
    • 2021: Named one of the "Best Places to Live in the U.S." by U.S. News & World Report.
    • 2022: Recognized as a "Top City for Tech Jobs" by CompTIA.
    • 2023: Awarded "Top City for Quality of Life" by Forbes.
    •  #10 Duke University ranked 10th Best University - US News and World Report 
    • #1 City for College Basketball Fans - WalletHub
    • #4 Best Place to Start a Business - WalletHub
    • #6 Top US Metros in New Tech Innovation - NCTech

    Overview

    Durham, North Carolina, is a vibrant city in the heart of the Triangle NC area and is known for its rich history, culture, and was made famous as the setting for the 1988 movie Bull Durham with Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon. Durham is known as the City of Medicine because it is home to Duke Hospital and the Triangle's Veterans (VA) Hospital, along with numerous medical facilities.

    Education

    Durham is served by Durham Public Schools, known for their commitment to educational excellence. The city is home to several top universities, including Duke University and North Carolina Central University. Additionally, Durham's proximity to Research Triangle Park provides access to North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

    Sports and Entertainment

    As one of the larger cities in the Triangle, NC area, Durham offers numerous entertainment and social options, including the various sports programs at Duke University, NC Central University and Durham's Minor League baseball team, the Durham Bulls, who have their own stadium in downtown Durham, known as DBAP, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. One of the area's premiere concert and theatre venues is also in downtown Durham, the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), which is ranked in the top 5 concert and theatre venues in the US.

    Economic Growth and Development

    Over the past 20 years, Durham, North Carolina, has seen remarkable economic growth, transitioning into a hub of innovation and technology in Southeatern US. The city has attracted numerous tech companies, startups, and research institutions, bolstering its economy and creating a strong job market. Durham's population and workforce have expanded significantly, with major employers including Duke University, Aisin, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Wolfspeed, IQUVIA, Biogen, Fidelity, Cisco, IBM, and GlaxoSmithKline. The city's commitment to fostering a diverse economy, coupled with investments in infrastructure and education, has strengthened its position as a leading economic center.

    Accolades

    • US News & World Report named Durham one of the Best Places to Live in the US (2022-2023)
    • RTP is Nation’s #4 Biotech Hub by Fierce Biotech (2022)
    • GoodHire named Durham the #2 Smallest Gender Wage Gap in the Nation (2022)
    • Durham is #1 City for College Basketball Fans According to WalletHub (2024)

    Places of Interest

    • Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
    • American Tobacco Campus
    • Duke Gardens
    • Durham Bulls Athletic Park
    • Eno River State Park
    • NC Nuseum of Life & Sciences
    • Duke Lemur Center
    • Nasher Museum of Art

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    Schools In The Area

    Browse local schools, complete with ratings and contact info.
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    Duke University

    Duke University, founded in 1838, is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its rigorous academic programs, world-class research, and strong emphasis on public service, Duke plays a pivotal role in the cultural and economic landscape of Durham and the greater Research Triangle area.

    Academic Excellence

    Duke is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and globally. It offers a broad array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. Notable schools and programs include:

    • Fuqua School of Business: Known for its MBA program and leadership training.
    • School of Medicine: Renowned for its medical research and healthcare services.
    • Nicholas School of the Environment: A leader in environmental science and policy.
    • Pratt School of Engineering: Offers cutting-edge engineering education and research.

    Research and Innovation

    Duke is a powerhouse for research and innovation, attracting substantial funding and fostering groundbreaking discoveries. Key research institutes and initiatives include:

    • Duke Health: A top-ranked health system providing advanced medical care and research.
    • Duke Cancer Institute: Conducts pioneering cancer research and treatment.
    • Duke Global Health Institute: Focuses on addressing global health challenges.
    • Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Supports entrepreneurial ventures and innovation.

    Campus Life and Culture

    The vibrant campus life at Duke is characterized by diverse student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs. Highlights include:

    • Athletics: Home to the Blue Devils, Duke boasts strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and lacrosse.
    • Arts and Culture: The university hosts numerous cultural events, including performances at the Duke Performances series and exhibitions at the Nasher Museum of Art.
    • Student Organizations: A wide range of student-run organizations foster a strong sense of community and engagement among students.

    Economic and Community Impact

    Duke significantly contributes to the local economy and community development. Key impacts include:

    • Employment: Duke University and Duke Health are among the largest employers in the region, providing jobs to thousands of residents.
    • Innovation and Startups: Duke fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting startups and driving innovation through initiatives like Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
    • Public Service: The university is deeply committed to public service, with students and faculty engaged in various community service projects and initiatives.

    Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill together form the backbone of the Research Triangle's academic and research prowess, driving economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in the region.