Cities & Towns That Make Up the Research Triangle Park

CITY/TOWN

2006 POPULATION

PROXIMITY TO RALEIGH

WHY WE LOVE IT!

Raleigh

Pop. 356,321

Money magazine ranks the Triangle the seventh top appreciating metro area. (December 2007)

MarketWatch list Raleigh in the top 25 places for retirement jobs.  (November 2007)

The Association of University Research Parks names North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus the top research science park.  (November 2007)

North Carolina is listed as the number one business climate in the U.S. by Site Election. ( November 2007)

The National Policy Research Council names Wake County the third hottest economic development spot. (September 2007)

The U.S. Census Bureau list Raleigh the third techiest city in America. (September 2007)

Bizjournals list Raleigh as the 12th best market for female execs and women business owners. (August 2007)"

http://www.raleigh-nc.org/

Apex

Pop 30,208

@ 14 Miles South & West

"The Peak Of Good Living - Located in southwestern Wake County; Apex combines a relaxing small-town atmosphere with convenience to big-city amenities. It is positioned for future growth and the town planners are working to ensure that the small-town character remains while allowing for many new residents to join our community." http://www.apexnc.org/

Cary

Pop. 112,414

@ 12 Miles West

"On the whole, Caryites are a blessed, hard-working group with one of the highest median household incomes in the state. And being no further than 20 minutes from major universities such as Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina, it's no wonder that education is an important part of Cary life. More than two-thirds of adults hold a college degree. Nearly 9 in 10 citizens have access to the Internet in this, the Technology Town of North Carolina." http://www.townofcary.org/

Chapel Hill

Pop. 49,919

@ 28 Miles North & West

"The Southern Part of Heaven - Chapel Hill is a town rich with traditions, ideas, spirit, and exuberance for healthy living." http://www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/

Clayton

Pop. 13,842

@ 17 Miles South & East

"You hear it around town a lot. Clayton's a great place to live! You hear it from folks who've lived here all their lives, and you hear it from newcomers, too. A town has to have a great sense of confidence and success to proclaim itself The Premier Community for Active Families----and Clayton has it." http://www.townofclaytonnc.org/

Durham

Pop. 209,009

@ 24 Miles North & West

"Where Great Things Happen - Durham's vibrant quality of life and commitment to arts and culture contribute to its ever-growing popularity. Durham's neighborhoods surround Duke and North Carolina Central universities and Research Triangle Park and range from historic homes on tree-canopied streets to renovated Downtown lofts to communities planned around lakes or golf courses." http://www.durham-nc.com/

Fuquay Varina

Pop. 13,669

@ 18 Miles South

"Distinctive Name - Distinctive Charm. Variety is the key to relaxation and recreation in the Town of Fuquay-Varina. From an 18-hole walk through a round of golf or a fast-paced game of tennis to a leisurely hike through the woods or a challenging game of bridge, you can find all sorts of ways to relax, get fit or just have a good time." http://www.fuquay-varina.org/

Garner

Pop. 23,741

@ 8 Miles South

"A Great Place to Be - Along with quick access to everything the triangle area has to offer, Garner residents can be at the beach, on the eastern coast of the state in approximately 2-3 hours. They can also travel to the mountains, in the western part of the state of North Carolina, in approximately 4-5 hours. Ask our residents what they like about Garner and you will find that many say they enjoy the small town atmosphere, that the area is less congested, and that they have all the benefits of city living, as well as, the enjoyment of many parks, recreational activities, arts and entertainment right here in their community." http://www.ci.garner.nc.us/

Hillsborough

Pop. 5403

@ 37 Miles North & West

"Hillsborough is a small town with a big history. The downtown historic district - listed on the National Register of Historic Places - features more than 100 homes, churches and buildings from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Hillsborough is a tourist and permanent destination and a haven for artists and writers. The town is centrally located in North Carolina with fast access to the Triad and other Triangle cities. Interstate 85 runs through the town, and Interstate 40 is just outside its limits. Barbecue lovers descend on the town each June for the annual Hog Day, and the downtown comes alive Friday evenings with arts and entertainment the last Friday of each month during warm weather. In addition to Revolutionary War reenactments and guided tours of the historic district, Hillsborough is home to Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and several other trails. Work is beginning on a riverwalk." http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/

Holly Springs

Pop. 17,425

15 miles South & West

"While the Town welcomes growth, leaders also are determined to control the quality and placement of new developments while preserving open space and creating public areas. One of the recent focuses has been on encouraging commercial development in downtown Holly Springs. We're looking at downtown as a center for development of places that will be destination points, places that will generate traffic to draw people here," said Holly Springs Town Manager Carl Dean. "We want to make it a place where people want to come and shop." http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/

Knightdale

Pop. 6,479

@ 14 miles East

"Living, at its Best" - The Town of Knightdale's bond rating jumped two rating categories - from A+ to AA following a review of the Town's finances and economic condition by the national rating agency Standard and Poor's. The rating also reflects the town's suburban community, adjacent to and benefiting from participation within the deep and diverse economic and employment base of nearby Raleigh and the greater Research Triangle; moderate to above average resident wealth and income levels; growing and diversifying tax base; sound fiscal performance with healthy fund equity levels; and favorable overall debt position, coupled with modest future capital needs. Knightdale becomes the smallest town to hold the distinction, joining Apex, Asheville, Cornelius, Greenville, High Point, Huntersville, Mathews, Wake Forest and Wilmington." http://www.ci.knightdale.nc.us/

Mebane

Pop. 9,285

@ 45 Miles North & West

"The Perfect Place to Call Home" - Mebane is a city in transition, and as such, we are welcoming many new businesses, homes and people into our community. As one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina, we encourage community members to become active in our various civic, social, and religious groups." http://www.cityofmebane.com/

Pittsboro

Pop. 2,501

@ 32 Miles West

"Residents of Pittsboro embrace small town values of respect for one another and a strong sense of community. Its' people are a diverse group of artists and farmers, merchants and students, and it is home to the North Carolina Zen Center . It supports software developers, bio-fuel research and production, antique shops and art galleries." http://www.pittsboronc.org/

Sanford

Pop. 27,771

@ 43 Miles South & West

"Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region - Some of the world's best known companies thrive in Lee County. Solid transportation. World-class workforce. Outstanding Training. And an exceptional quality of life. YOU CAN THRIVE HERE TOO!" http://www.sanfordnc.net/

Siler City

Pop. 8,449

@ 50 Miles West

"A Gracious Welcome Awaits You -  in Siler City - a community known for its friendly people, prosperous business environment and easy living.  This is a prime spot to put down roots and raise a family, thanks to our fine schools, numerous recreational opportunities, and exciting cultural arena." http://www.silercity.org/

Wake Forest

Pop. 22,651

@ 17 Miles North & East

"Located in northern Wake County, Wake Forest is a progressive community of over 25,000 residents with a vibrant downtown that boasts more than 100 businesses, including several outstanding restaurants and specialty shops. Mindful of its rich heritage, the downtown is also an officially registered historic district." http://www.ci.wake-forest.nc.us/

Zebulon

Pop. 4329

@ 23 Miles East

"The last three decades in Zebulon have seen tremendous growth. Since the 1970 census, the Town's population grew from 1,830 to 4,000+ residents. While it continues to grow and prosper, Zebulon still offers a close knit community environment and it remains, "The Town of Friendly People." http://www.ci.zebulon.nc.us/index.htm