Johnson Service Corps maintains houses in Durham and in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, two corners of the Research Triangle. The state’s capital, Raleigh, is very close as well and the third point of the triangle. The region is regularly rated as one of the best places to live in the United States based on cost of living, a growing job market, and people’s desire to live here. With rich college rivalries, thriving entrepreneurship, and a vibrant arts scene the Triangle has something to offer everyone.
Both of our houses are within walking distance of lively downtown areas with a wide assortment of restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. There are plenty of places to enjoy live music or watch a live theater performance. Chapel Hill and Durham have a large university presence so there are often free or discounted performances and events that are perfect for living on a limited budget. The area is also known as the “Smithsonian of the South” for its abundant, high-caliber cultural museums, most of which are open to the public free of charge. Each point on the Triangle has its own distinct atmosphere and things that make it unique so there is always something new to explore.
Enjoying spending time outdoors? You’ll experience all four seasons in North Carolina with hot summers and mild winters. We’re within driving distance of the beach and the mountains. Eno River State Park is always a favorite place for our corps members to go on a hike or set-up a hammock along the water and go for a swim. Places like Duke Forest, Umstead Park, and Duke Gardens also provide excellent opportunities to step outside of the city and enjoy the natural world.
If you’re interested in sports the area has a rich history in college athletics. Home to one of the best rivalries in all of sports (UNC – Duke) the shade of blue that you wear around here matters, especially during basketball season. Durham is also home to one of the most storied minor league baseball teams in the county, the Bulls. Featured in the classic sports movie Bull Durham and playing in a newly renovated downtown stadium (within walking distance of one of our houses) a Bulls game is a lot of fun at an affordable price. Not far down the road in Raleigh are the Carolina Hurricanes, winners of the 2006 Stanley Cup.
There is a reason that so many of our alum decide to continue to call this area home after their time with JSC. No matter what your interests are or what you enjoy doing for fun, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle region has something to offer you.