![]() North Carolina Central University is a historically black university that is part of the University of North Carolina system. Duke and its Duke University Health System are the largest employers in the city. Durham is also a national leader in health-related activities, which are focused on the Duke University Hospital and many private companies. ĭurham is home to several recognized institutions of higher education, most notably Duke University and North Carolina Central University. While these industries have declined, Durham underwent revitalization and population growth to become an educational, medical, and research center. Textile and electric power industries also played an important role. It became known as the founding place and headquarters of the American Tobacco Company. The establishment of Durham County was ratified by the General Assembly 12 years later, in 1881. The town was incorporated by act of the North Carolina General Assembly, in April 1869. Following the American Civil War, the community of Durham Station expanded rapidly, in part due to the tobacco industry. Ī railway depot was established in 1849 on land donated by Bartlett S. The Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham- Cary, NC Combined Statistical Area, commonly known as the Research Triangle, which had a population of 2,043,867 at the 2020 census. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 649,903 at the 2020 census. The city is located in the east-central part of the Piedmont region along the Eno River. With a population of 283,506 in the 2020 census, Durham is the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina, and the 71st-most populous city in the United States. Small portions of the city limits extend into Orange County and Wake County. ![]() state of North Carolina and the county seat of Durham County. The area is far enough inland to reduce the effects of coastal storms. Rainfall is well distributed year-round with most occurring in summers as thunderstorms, some of which can be intense. ![]() The mountains form a partial barrier to cold-air masses, resulting in few winter days with temperatures below 20 degrees.ĭuring summer, tropical air is present over eastern and central sections of North Carolina, producing warm temperatures and high humidity. The central location between the mountains and coast means a favorable climate aside from some summer heat. The surrounding terrain is rolling and heavily wooded and becomes more so in Chapel Hill and west. Balanced positives across all ranking categories help drive the high ranking.ĭurham and Chapel Hill are located in a transitional zone between the Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Plateau. While home prices for the area in general are reasonable, prospective residents will find prices in Chapel Hill much higher. While cost of living is low on a national scale, it is relatively high for the region. The Durham side is more peaceful with a slower pace and relatively easier commutes to the center, and is somewhat less affected by urban sprawl. Employment is strong and stable throughout the area, anchored by the immense and unique Research Triangle Park business and technology complex which actually straddles the line between the Durham and Raleigh-Cary areas. Homes in the Chapel Hill area are set on large wooded lots and are noticeably more expensive. Some of the old tobacco processing plants in town add some historic interest.Ĭhapel Hill, on the other hand, is a model college town, with the usual nice small-shop and restaurant oriented downtown, plenty of trees, and a vibrant, moderately upscale feel. Durham is an old tobacco town, not too prosperous, not too interesting but livable. The Durham area includes Chapel Hill, so on the surface, the two major cities in the area are both college towns – Durham is home to Duke University, while Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina. Now Raleigh, and the large suburban enclave of Cary, have been split off into a metro area of that name, leaving the western half of the former metro area under the name Durham. ![]() Previously, the so-called “Durham” metro area was part of the larger Research Triangle triumvirate of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metro area.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |