Area History

As a discrete area, the Triangle traces its beginnings to the development of Research Triangle Park in the 1950s. Launched to attract high tech industries, keep intellectual talent in the state, attract talent from elsewhere, and provide an economic stimulus, the Park has exceeded all expectations. Called “Silicon Valley East,” the Park is now home to about 140 companies (start-ups, high tech, international research corporations), employing over 50,000. The Greater Triangle area has some 36,000 private and public enterprises employing over 630,000.

Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, and has an approximate population of 311,000 people. Residents here have access to a strong local economy, several top universities, outstanding health care facilities, a mild climate most of the year, and are located within close proximity to the Research Triangle Park. These factors alone make Raleigh a great place to live But there's more.

Home of the North Carolina Symphony, the nation's first state-supported symphony, Raleigh is the site of many theatres and art galleries. As the state's capital, Raleigh is also home to the state's museums of art, natural sciences and history. This area is nationally acclaimed for its parks system too, containing more than 7,540 acres of parks and greenways, that include more than 40 miles of trails. This city has earned a multitude of awards for its business environment as well, but these next three are possibly the best: In 1996 Child Magazine called Raleigh one the five best places to raise kids in America, In the same year Swing Magazine called the city one of the ten best places for "twenty-somethings" to live, And in 1997 Career Press ranked Raleigh among the 50 fabulous places to retire in America.

You can learn more about Raleigh by visiting their official web site. [ web site ]

Durham County has evolved from a tobacco and textile to an international center for culture, education and medicine. Known as the "City of Medicine " Durham offers some of the most affordable housing in the area. The largest part of "Research Triangle ParK" ( also known as RTP ) lies within the boundaries of Durham. Durham is home to one of the newest and largest shopping malls in the area. The Streets of Southpoint offers residents and tourists alike a wide array of shopping and restaurant selections. Recreational lakes and plenty of golf courses and parks enhance the quality of living for all.

You can learn more about Durham by visiting their official web site. [ web site ]

Innovative, booming and progressive, Cary offers its residents a place of landscaped beauty dotted with trails and groomed pathways through its bountiful forests to enjoy hiking and jogging. Featured in Forbes and National Geographic, Cary is one town that everyone asks about! Home to SAS institute the worlds largest privately owned software company and located conveniently close to the Research Triangle Park and Airport great schools and great people make Cary a great place to live and raise a family! Recently voted the 5th safest city in the Untied States.

You can learn more about Cary by visiting their official web site. [ web site ]

The town of Chapel Hill is located principally in Orange County and the north central portion of North Carolina on the Piedmont Plateau. This area coincidentally is equidistant between Washington, DC, and Atlanta, Georgia. The surroundings here can be characterized by rolling hills, and beautiful sprawling meadows. Incorporated in 1819, Chapel Hill presently covers an area of 21 square miles and has a population of 52,000 people. This is also the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's oldest public university, established in 1789. Even today, it continues to boast a reputation as one of the best public universities in the nation.

You can learn more about Durham by visiting their official web site. [ web site ]