Raleigh was a typical southern capital, more like a sleepy town than a major city thirty years ago. In the mid 1960's, it began to change. Today, this vital and thriving city is one of the nation's success stories offering a diverse and sophisticated quality of life.

Few cities anywhere have changed as dramatically in so many ways. Few cities of any size enjoy such a solid economic foundation of higher education, high tech research and industry, government and business. Rand McNally describes Raleigh as a community with a lot going for it - a beautiful place to live, a manageable size and a friendly spirit.

Often described as a city within a park, Raleigh is the country's only pre-planned and deliberately developed state capital. Designated an All American City, it is a city attracting national attention. Growth has been meteoric and extensive. In some areas this rapid development has exceeded the infrastructure but the city is addressing those challenges.

Situated in Wake County in the geographic center of the state, Raleigh is 12 miles from the Research Triangle Park. With a population of over 280,000 Raleigh is the largest of the eleven municipalities in Wake County, the 17th fastest growing county in the U.S. It is the second largest city in North Carolina and the largest of the Triangle communities.

Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University, an outstanding college known for research in the applied sciences. Six other colleges and universities are located within the city's borders.

Since the 1960s, over 100 companies have moved into the capital city or have expanded existing operations. Nearly 150 additional companies have located in other communities in Wake County. In 1999, there were over 30 new companies and 50 company expansions in Wake County creating over 6,200 new jobs.

Residents are served by the excellent health care facilities at Rex and Raleigh Community Hospitals and at Wake Medical Center. Other superb medical facilities are easily accessible in Durham and Chapel Hill.

There is one county-wide consolidated public school system employing a neighborhood attendance plan. A school of choice Magnet Program offers parents an educational alternative. Shopping is plentiful. Numerous malls and centers, some of the largest in the southeast, are conveniently located in Wake County. New shopping areas with major national department store anchors continue to be developed.

Raleigh has become a culturally-oriented community and hosts many entertainment events to suit diverse interests. The state, the university and private organizations cooperate to sponsor a wide array of choices in music, theater, dance, the visual and performing arts, live concerts, comedy, crafts and festivals. The capital city is home to the NC Museum of Art and is the home base for the NC Symphony.

Recreational and leisure opportunities for all ages are abundant and varied. The city maintains an astonishing number of parks, small lakes, recreation centers and greenways. Programs, classes and team sports are available year-round.

The state capital is also an historic city with architecturally distinctive government and commercial buildings, and graceful residential areas dating from the early 1800s. Interest in the downtown area surrounding the capital was renewed in the 1970s as revitalization and restoration began in both commercial and residential districts. Innovative conversions of historic buildings into new uses have drawn resident and visitors back into the heart of the city. Fayetteville Street was converted from a roadway to a pedestrian mall and has served as a focal point of downtown redevelopment. The historic Oakwood neighborhood with graceful Victorians and ante-bellum colonials is being restored and enlivened by new owners.

All the attributes that make a city livable and attractive can be found in Raleigh: a good location and a moderate climate; seat of government; good schools; beautiful public parks and museums; fine dining and excellent shopping.

The influx of professionals, high tech executives, business people and skilled workers attracted to its quality of life has added a vibrant dimension to a population that was once dominated by government and education.

Raleigh has made its mark as a major city and has attracted national recognition over the last twenty years. It has moved progressively and successfully into the future while retaining a tradition of character and excellence.

Cary

Cary, today is one of the fastest growing small cities and one of the most desirable places to live in the country, according to US News and World Report. From an inconspicuous bedroom community, the town has exploded into its own well-rounded identity of fine neighborhoods, award winning developments, business parks and shopping malls. It is a sophisticated little town where the living is comfortable.

Ranking third in population, Cary has grown from 21,000 residents in 1980 to over 98,000 in 2001. In spite of this growth, the town still maintains the friendly spirit of a family community but with all the attributes of a lively metropolitan area.

Part of Cary's popularity is its strategic location. Just 10 minutes from the Research Triangle Park, 8 miles from Raleigh and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Cary is within 20 minutes of most Triangle Cities. The town is the corporate home of over 75 companies including an American Airlines Reservation Center, SAS Institute, Bahlsen Inc. and MCI Corporation.

As a neighbor of Raleigh, Cary residents enjoy all of the amenities presented by the capital city along with resources of its own. The North Carolina Symphony performs its Pops Summerfest Series annually at Cary's Regency Park. Recently restored is the 1868 Page-Walker Hotel which has been converted into a center for the visual and performing arts.

Cary is served by strong neighborhood schools in the Wake County Consolidated System. Medical services are available at Western Wake Medical Center.

Shopping in Cary is upscale at several existing regional centers. New malls continue to be developed. In spite of the emergence of numerous modern perimeter shopping centers, downtown Cary retains a special appeal. In the heart of town at the intersection of quiet, tree-lined streets is the original drug store where neighbors still meet to share a friendly cup of coffee at an old-time soda fountain.

Public recreation programs in Cary are extensive with many arts and crafts events and team activities. Golf clubs, neighborhood pools, public and private tennis complexes, several parks, an ice rink and a new family YMCA add to the variety of resources within the town.

Residential growth has focused on planned neighborhood projects and the town boasts some of the finest developments in the region. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a community developed as a single entity with a master plan for clusters of mixed uses. Varying types of housing are grouped in district neighborhoods within the development. PUDs can also include commercial district, shopping centers, recreation clubs and day care centers. An emphasis on amenities exists with combinations of tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, lakes, and jogging and fitness trails.

Cary is proud of its community, its youth programs and its nationally recognized high school marching band. It is a dynamic and friendly community offering its residents the atmosphere of a small town along with the advantages and assets of a major metropolitan area.

Chapel Hill and Carrboro

Chapel Hill and her sister city Carrboro form the smallest of the three points of the Research Triangle Area. Chapel Hill is unique in its lifestyle and uncommonly beautiful in its scenery. It is considered an ideal place to live by many and residents take great pride in its enticing quality of life.

Called the "Southern Part of Heaven," Chapel Hill is a university town which has reserved the quaintness and charm of a village while enjoying the amenities of a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis. The town is experiencing dramatic changes even more pronounced, perhaps, than her neighboring cities.

The completion of the I-40 interchange has provided improved access and promoted residential and commercial growth. Additionally, several cooperative research projects between corporations in the Research Triangle Park, the town and the university are attracting service and supply firms. This new growth and development adds even greater variety to an unusually diverse university town.

Located in Orange County, Chapel Hill is about 10-15 minutes from the Research Triangle Park and 35 minutes from Raleigh. The town's permanent population is 46,798 which swells to over 69,000 when the university is in full session.

Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina. Founded in 1795, it is the nation's first and oldest state supported university and is ranked as one of the top ten in the country.

The history of Chapel Hill is linked to the university and the college continues to be the town's major employer. It serves as a focal point for many community activities including theater, concerts, guest speakers and championship sports.

The town is nationally recognized for its high quality public education system. Excellent health care services are provided by North Carolina Memorial Hospital and nearby medical services in Durham.

The village is well known for the variety and quality of its restaurants. Shopping is interesting and plentiful at regional malls and small shops.

The diversity of the population stimulates an astounding array of cultural, entertainment, recreational and enrichment offerings. A few of the special attractions are the Morehead Planetarium, the Arts Center, the North Carolina Botanical Gardens and the Aukland Museum.

Chapel Hill and Carrboro are district communities with separate governments but a common school system. The towns share all amenities including the YMCA and a gymnastic center.

Carrboro's growing population of 16,782 is expected to continue to increase. New subdivision and developments testify to an increasing residential demand. Current plans call for a polo field and equestrian center to be located next to the Carrboro Community Park. Carr Mill Mall with numerous specialty shops has added Talbots as a tenant signifying the growing interest in Carrboro's future expansion. Although it is considered a suburb of Chapel Hill, Carrboro has a distinct character of its own.

While growth in Chapel Hill and Carrboro has been the most restricted of the Triangle communities, recent development in both towns now broadens the housing market considerably. New construction in a wide variety of styles is available as well as the traditional homes in the more established neighborhoods.

Chapel Hill and Carrboro offer big city life and small town living. The cosmopolitan atmosphere, abundant resources and amenities and the aura of the best college town in America, contribute to the charm and appeal of this community . The youthful enthusiasm of the student population blends easily with professionals, executives, artists, retirees and world famous people, all fitting naturally into a way of life that is Chapel Hill.

Wake County

Knightdale, originally established as a farming center, is a friendly suburb of Raleigh which is experiencing industrial and residential growth. The population is approximately 5,958. Lower land costs and a convenient location just eight miles east of Raleigh are attracting developers and newcomers. Four Wake County public schools serve this community.

Wake Forest is just East of Falls lake, 15 miles north of Raleigh and 30 miles from the Research Triangle Park. Originally the site of Wake Forest College, the town has kept the charm and appeal of a college community. The beautifully landscaped campus now houses a Baptist Theological Seminary. The current population of 12,500 is on the rise.

Wake County Public School System (919-850-1600)
Wake County has one consolidated school system serving nearly 90,000 students in grades K through 12 on 106 campuses in Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding communities in the county. The Wake County system is the second largest in the state and the 33rd largest in the nation. The schools differ even though they are a part of one county-wide system. The Wake County system is distinguished by its school-of-choice program, giving parents the opportunity to determine whether their child attends a traditional or a year-round school, or specializes in a magnet program.

Durham Public School System (919-286-4454)
The Durham Public School District serves all of Durham County as well as the City of Durham. The Durham Public School System enrolls over 29,000 students in grades K through 12 on 44 campuses. It is the sixth largest system in the state and, next to Wake County, the fastest growing system in North Carolina. All schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools (919-967-8211)
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School System enrolls 5,500 students in grades K through 12 on 10 campuses. Although Chapel Hill and Carrboro are separate towns run by different governments, they share one superb school system. Residential districts for elementary and junior high students determine the school of enrollment. Attendance zones are revised when necessary to maintain enrollment balance. The district includes some of the areas surrounding the city limits. Students outside the district may attend schools in Orange, Durham or Chatham Counties.

Orange County Public Schools (919-732-6271, Ext. 295)
The Orange County system enrolls approximately 6800 students in grades K through 12 on 9 campuses. All schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the system serves Hillsborough and the section of Orange County north of Chapel Hill.

Private and Parochial Schools

Duke University (919-684-8111)

Duke University is ranked sixth in the nation among colleges and universities. It is a private college and maintains a highly selective admissions policy. About 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend eight major schools and colleges on two campuses. More than 86 percent of the undergraduate students come from outside North Carolina. Graduate programs are offered in the arts, sciences, and engineering. Professional schools offer degrees in business, medicine, divinity, forestry, law, and nursing. The Duke Medical Center serves as the teaching hospital for the Duke Medical School.

North Carolina State University (919-515-2011)

North Carolina State University is among the top universities for research in theoretical and applied science. With over 27,000 students, primarily from North Carolina, State is the largest of the educational institutions in the consolidated University of North Carolina System. The academic programs are organized into 12 colleges and schools, with the largest enrollment in the engineering program. Programs are offered in 90 undergraduate fields, 85 masters, and 52 doctoral degrees. Eight professional degrees are also awarded. State's College of Textiles is not only the largest in the country but is considered to be the best by those in the industry. State's curriculum also includes forestry, humanities and social sciences, physical and mathematical sciences, veterinary medicine, education and psychology, management, and design.

University of North Carolina (919-962-1630)

The University of North Carolina is ranked in the top ten of all colleges and universities. It is the hub of a 16-campus consolidated university and is the most comprehensive university in the state. Established in 1789 as the first state university in the U.S., Carolina enrolls over 24,000 students in 14 colleges and schools. More than 70 departments and related centers provide instruction in over 100 fields. Curriculum offerings lead to 40 different undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. North Carolina Memorial Hospital serves as the teaching facility for the UNC Medical School. Carolina's School of Dentistry is one of the nation's best. The law, business, and medical graduate schools rank in the nation's top twenty.

The Triangle encompasses an astonishing number of state and local parks with thousands of acres of land available to area residents. Many offer special features.

The William B. Umstead State Park, located between Raleigh, Cary and Durham, is the largest park in the region. More than 5,000 acres of nature trails along ridges and streams include some of the most picturesque scenery in the eastern Piedmont. Facilities are available for boating, fishing, camping and picnicking.

The Eno River State Park, located northwest of Durham, includes parts of one of the oldest rivers on earth. The park encompasses 1,600 acres and follows a 14 mile stretch of this wilderness river. Nature trails, camping, fishing, canoeing and rafting are available.