Area Information

Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill are located in part of a metropolitan area of North Carolina called the Research Triangle Park (RTP) that encompasses Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding communities. The area has been ranked as the best place in America for living, working and for education by a number of publications including MSN, Forbes, Money magazine, Employment Review and others.

The town of Chapel Hill began as the village that grew around UNC after its establishment as the first state university in 1789. While it has experienced significant growth over the years, Chapel Hill still maintains its small-town charm and grace and is frequently referred to as “the southern part of heaven.” Besides the many activities and cultural opportunities available through UNC, the Town offers renowned gardens, historical sites and museums. For more information about UNC, please visit www.unc.edu.

Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina, a city known for its vibrant medical, research, and arts communities. Durham annually hosts the world-renowned American Dance Festival, a Documentary Film Festival and the Durham Blues Festival. Durham has its own performing arts center, symphony, art galleries and theater community. The city also hosts the Durham Bulls baseball team. Duke’s campus offers numerous activities, from professional theater, music and film festivals to exciting intramural and NCAA athletic events. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens and nearby Duke Forest offer beautiful locations for a picnic or a hike. For more information about campus activities, please visit the Duke website, www.duke.edu.

The nearby Research Triangle Park is home to multi-national corporations and organizations such as the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), Quintiles and GlaxoSmithKline. Twenty-five miles to the southeast, Raleigh, the state capital, offers numerous museums and cultural activities. Aside from the abundant academic and cultural opportunities, the area offers an average of 220 sunny days a year, mild winters, and incredible scenery. Just a few hours’ drive to the east are beautiful beaches, and to the west are the scenic Blue Ridge mountains. Washington D.C. is a four hour drive north.

Additional links:
http://www.chocvb.org/
http://www.durham-nc.com/