Raleigh and Durham are exciting and dynamic cities located in the northeastern region of North Carolina. Both have traditional Southern charm along with the energy and vitality of modern metropolitan cities. These two cities are approximately twenty miles apart and yet are intertwined in so many ways. Raleigh has an approximate population of 316,802 residents and Durham has about 187,035 people who call it home.

Raleigh is North Carolina's capital and is situated within Wake County. It is one of the state's most livable cities in one of the state's most livable regions. Fortune, Money and other magazines agree that this is one of the best places in the country to live and work. Money magazine has again voted it among the top ten. The region has a world-renowned reputation in the biotechnology, telecommunications and computer hardware/software industries. It has one of the finest research universities in the country and is adjacent to two of the other finest. The unemployment rate has been under 4 percent in the past 15 years. Raleigh had the 13th highest household income among the country's 68 largest cities last year. The median household income is $48,500 per year.

Raleigh is the hub and acts as the central point for twelve municipalities in Wake County. Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Research Triangle Park are approximately 17 minutes away, plus you can get to the beach or to the mountains in two and a half hours. Raleigh is a friendly, ever-growing town where you can pursue many interests and a variety of life-styles.

The housing market in Raleigh is outstanding, with great availability from starter homes to luxury executive mansions. Prices for single-family residences range from the low hundreds to over 4 million dollars, with the average price at $220,000. The style of the older homes is "traditional", while the newer ones tend to be "transitional", with gables, vaulted ceilings, Palladian windows, open floor plans and lots of light. Raleigh is said to be a city within a park, as most neighborhoods have trees in their yards.

Consistently rated with the top places in the nation to live and do business, Durham is a compact, diverse and textured community with a vibrant quality of life. The city of Durham encompasses over 94 square miles. The median age of its residents is 31, with an annual household income of $41,160 and home values around $128,000.

The Durham has long been know for its tobacco and textile industries. Today, it is now a major center for Research and Development (R&D) and has been given the name "City of Medicine, USA." Double-billed with Raleigh, Durham today is Fortune magazine's choice as the Best City for Knowledge Workers in the entire country. Durham County today is home to seventy five percent of Research Triangle Park, the largest planned R&D industrial park in the country. Not surprising, there is much more to Durham business today than RTP.

In addition to Research Triangle Park, cutting edge medical centers and other healthcare facilities are highly concentrated in the city. In fact, Durham has a physician per capita ratio five times the national average! Duke University Medical Center, one of the world's premier centers for medical treatment and advances is located in the heart of the city and is the county's largest employer.

Durham is located in the north central portion of North Carolina's rolling piedmont region, four hours east of the mountains and three hours west of the Atlantic Ocean beaches. Durham is also home to 13 historic sites, three art centers, nine signature annual events with national or regional recognition, plus dozens of other core and celebrated annual events, six science and nature centers and great spectator sports venues.

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.

Raleigh and Durham are excellent places to live, work, retire, or raise a family! The Southern charm, along with the diverse culture and strong economy make this region a very special place. If you are considering moving to either city, or would like more information, please feel free to request a free relocation package today!