Relocation

Thinking about the move? Discover why Durham works for living, working and never getting bored.

It looks like Durham’s gotten its hooks — er — horns in you. You’re not the only one. Droves move to Durham every day, and that’s not by accident. People relocating to Durham discover a city that delivers on quality of life – from a thriving job market and top-rated schools to award-winning restaurants and year-round outdoor activities. As we like to say, seven-star attractions make Durham one of the best places in the U.S. to live, work and retire. We’ve got that sweet Carolina weather, equally hospitable people and access to some of the best education and healthcare in the country. What’s not to love?

We're here to help you get to know the Bull City before you arrive and once you're here. Explore neighborhoods, learn what makes Durham different and discover the attractions, events and hidden gems that make living here (and visiting) something special.

Welcome to Durham. Start exploring what your new home has to offer.

Stop by the Visitor Info Center after you arrive for an educational welcome to the Bull City. There, you will meet friendly locals who are eager to provide resources and recommendations that will help you transition to your new home.

Welcome Home

Ask locals what makes Durham, Durham, and you're likely to hear a laundry list of superlatives. This is a community that's full of pride and ready to show it. We’re proud of our intentional diversity and welcoming of newcomers who want to plant roots here. Innovative research and entrepreneurialism flourish here, and our creative and artistic communities are collaborative — not competitive. This is the kind of place that interesting, progressive and passionate people are thrilled to call home.

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A Burgeoning Business Hub

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 small city with the second most economic potential, and one of the best cities to start a career in.

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An Emphasis on Education

When you live here, you're only a short distance from leading professors, scholars, researchers and writers. Duke University was named one of the top colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report, but is far from the only educational institution in town. North Carolina Central University was the first publicly supported liberal arts college for African Americans in the country, and it carries on that legacy today, training new leaders in a variety of fields. Durham Tech has a treasure trove of innovative programs, as well. Durham also offers a wide variety of primary and secondary education options, including the North Carolina School for Science and Math and the Durham School of the Arts.

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Where City and County Coalesce

Durham is a mid-sized city nestled into a small county, but it feels like much, much more. Here, you can escape to Durham’s natural beauty, but bask in the benefits of a large urban environment; culture, restaurants and industry. The small-town feel and the big-city conveniences are enjoyed here —not to mention the lower cost of living. Live in two harmonious worlds of your own making.

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A Full Calendar of Events & Things to Do

Once you move here, you won’t be lacking for things to do. In the Tastiest Town in the South, you will feel at home eating your way through mouth-watering dishes at dozens of acclaimed restaurants, markets, food trucks and more. When you need to go shopping, you’ll find everything you could ever need at Durham’s local shops, and boutiques, along with recognizable national and international brands. You’ll also enjoy getting to know the history of your new home. There's also over a century's worth of history here. And when you want to get out and about, there are plenty of options. Durham hosts 5,000 annual events, including many in art and entertainment, sports and outdoor adventure. Welcome to your new home.

We’re glad to have you.

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