Anchored by the cities of Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, the Triangle region of North Carolina is home to more than 1.5 million residents. It originally gained recognition as a hub of higher learning, thanks to four prestigious universities that are located within its boundaries: North Carolina State University in Raleigh, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University and North Carolina Central University in Durham. In the 1950s, however, the region’s focus began to include research and development with the creation of Research Triangle Park, a 7,000-acre high-tech research park. Today, Research Triangle Park is widely recognized as a global center for scientific research and the Triangle’s residents are considered among the most educated in the nation.

That’s not to say that education and industry are the region’s only attractions. Live arts aficionados can enjoy year-round performances by the Carolina Ballet, the North Carolina Symphony, the North Carolina Theatre, and the popular Broadway Series South, while sports fans can cheer on the Carolina Hurricanes and the Carolina Mudcats, the Florida Marlins double-A affiliate. Even the region’s smaller cities and towns, featuring such charming nicknames as “the Town of Friendly People” and “the Peak of Good Living,” can claim a packed calendar of events, with family-friendly activities ranging from festivals and fairs to parades and 5K races. Parks, lakes, and golf courses also abound in the region, providing endless leisure activities for outdoor enthusiasts and contributing to the Triangle’s informal motto of "Trees, Tees, and PhDs."

From its excellent schools and seemingly unlimited employment opportunities to its enticing mix of big cities and small towns, it’s no wonder the Triangle has become one of the nation’s fastest growing regions.