Durham is a city within the U.S. state of North Carolina and amongst the three corners of the Research Triangle, a research park. The city of Durham serves as the county seat of Durham County. A smaller portion of the city falls within Wake County. With a population of 228,330, Durham is the fifth-largest city within the state of North Carolina. Two major universities are located there: North Carolina Central University and Duke University.
The research Triangle Park is the site of more than 130 businesses. Moreover, there are an additional twenty industrial, research and office parks that surround the Triangle. Thousands of the areas residents work within the research park. Corporate administration and the medical/health sector hires a big number of individuals in the region.
The Chapel Hill-Durham MSA has a population of 504,357 (2010 census). The Durham-Cary-Raleigh Combined Statistical Area has a population of 1,749,525 (2010 census).
Forbes Magazine has ranked Durham City, as the 3rd best place to reside within the United States for business and careers. Duke University & Medical Center is the regions biggest employer. The foundation of the city's economy is its industries related to health and medical and businesses in high-technology. Important businesses within these sectors operate in the electronics, telecommunications and biopharmaceutical fields. Plastics, textiles and chemicals are likewise significant. Companies like for instance Glaxo Smith Kline, Nortel and IBM employ thousands of local people.
There are lots of music-related activities and festivals within Durham City. Visitors and residents are able to enjoy the various jazz and blues festivals in addition to symphony concerts. A yearly American Dance Festival is also held within the city of Durham. There are likewise art exhibitions, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Residents benefit from a lively series of programs at the Carolina Theatre. Among the best restaurants are situated in the Brightleaf, Ninth Street, and University Drive areas. Culinary offerings are many and diverse.
Within the Durham area, there is an abundant amount of outdoor recreation opportunities. The American Tobacco Trail is a 12-mile trail which runs from downtown to the county line. These trails are great from cycling, jogging and hiking. Eno River State Park is a popular destination where visitors could enjoy canoeing, rafting, fishing, bird-watching and hiking. Horseback riding is offered at Crane Creek Ranch with its many acres of riding trails. Flat River is an outstanding site for sailing, boating, hiking, fishing and rock hounding.