Durham County, North Carolina, one of the most exciting and fastest growing counties in the Carolina Piedmont Region, is located in the north-central portion of NC. Durham County is the apex of the Research Triangle, an area that claims as its slogan "The place where the minds of the world meet." The Triangle extends from Durham to the north, down to Chapel Hill and the state capitol of Raleigh.

Found primarily in southern Durham County, North Carolina's famed Research Triangle Business Park houses the world's largest selection of research and development corporations.

Durham County's only municipality is its county seat, the city of Durham. Known as the "City of Medicine", Durham is home to 187,000 of the county's 230,000 residents, (Census 2000 data). Durham claims its title due to the enormous amount of biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical corporations that call it home. Duke University and North Carolina Central University, both in Durham, rank among the nation's finest universities. The Duke University Medical Center claims national fame as one of America's top health care providers.

The lovely city of Durham contains a refreshing mix of cultural diversity, yet Durham manages to retain its small-town Southern charm. The high influx of international firms to the Greater Durham Area ensures a rapidly expanding retail and dining market. Ethnic foods of all kinds are available here, right along with Southern-fried down-home cooking. Durham offers a wide variety of housing, from modern downtown loft apartments, to country farm properties in easy commute of the city. Twelve marvelous historic districts entice tourists throughout the county. Many fine homes are available for residential or commercial purposes.

The town of Gorman lies only seven miles north of Durham city limits. With a population of 1,002, Gormanites experience small-town living at its finest. Raleigh and Chapel Hill are each less than twenty miles distant, offering excellent employment and educational opportunities. Twelve miles from Durham is the town of Bahama, equally small, found in the Rougemont area, so named for its nearby red mountain.

The remainder of Durham County is rural farmland and over 98,000 acres of old-growth forests, one of the last remaining stands in North Carolina's Piedmont Region. Numerous rare bird species and twenty-six rare plant species thrive here. Many meandering streams cut through the rolling hills and small mountains of this area. Combined with a gentle climate, this makes Durham County a physically beautiful place to dwell.

Durham County boasts three times the national average of nurses, four times the number of physicians, and the third largest medical school in the nation. Over five million visitors come to Durham County each year, many taking advantage of the cutting-edge research facilities located here. Durham hosts more than 4,000 conventions annually. Many events and festivals take place in Durham County, as residents celebrate their home and the high quality of living. Music is a daily addition to this highly educated region. Jazz and Blues Festivals are common. The nightlife and clubs throughout the region offer fine performances.

Durham County, North Carolina complements the benefits of the Research Triangle with its natural splendor and charm. This delightful community holds a promising future for its residents and for its businesses.

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