Accolades
Have we captured your attention? You’re not the only one.
Research Triangle Park is here: the world's largest university-related research park with more than 170 companies employing over 49,000 people. Folks call us a Southern Silicon Valley with a booming, energetic startup culture. We're home to institutes connected to Duke University and North Carolina Central University (NCCU), as well as unique organizations like the National Humanities Center. The accolades speak for themselves. Durham has been named a top high-tech metro, a trending destination, and one of the best cities to start a business.
Get a Digital Copy
Download a digital PDF version of this slide directly to your personal device.
Download a Handout
Download a printer-friendly, one-sheet digital PDF handout of these accolades.
Everyone's Talking About Durham, NC
A video narrative illustrating why the press can't stop talking about Durham.
Industry Accolades & Awards
- "One of the best places to live in the U.S. in 2025" – Livability
- 25 of the USA's Most Underrated Destinations – CNN Travel
- Durham-Chapel Hill Ranks #6 Top Tech Innovation Metro-Areas – NC Tech Association
- Durham Named #7 for Best Cities for Working Women in 2025 – McKinsey & Company
- Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and Fairview Dining Room Included in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide – Forbes Travel Guide
- Best Cities for Black Families to Thrive in the United States, Raleigh-Durham #6 – Lending Tree
- Bar Beej Semi-Finalist for Best New Bar in the Country and Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox a Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Chef in 2025 – James Beard Foundation
- Durham Voted #15 Best Run City in America – WalletHub
- M Sushi Named One of the Top 100 Date Night Restaurants in the US – Yelp
- Duke University ranked 7th Best University in the Nation – U.S. News & World Report
- #1 Mid-Sized City for College Basketball Fans – WalletHub
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens Among the Top 15 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the South – Southern Living
- Durham #3 City in the US to Start a Small Business – Lending Tree
- Durham Distillery's Conniption Navy Strength Gin Wins Best in the US for Six Consecutive Years – World Gin Awards
- RDU the 5th Best Largest Airport in the Country– J.D. Power
- Cameron Indoor Stadium is the South's Most Iconic Basketball Venue – Garden & Gun
- DPAC Ranked #2 Theater in America – Billboard
- "One of America's next great food cities." – Food & Wine