Duke & Durham links

Getting involved with the Durham Community

Durham is consistently ranked in the regional and national media as one of the top places to live and do business in the United States.  Recently Durham was rated first among 274 similar-sized counties nationwide on the Creativity Index, compiled by "creative class" economics researchers from Carnegie Mellon University.

Durham’s vibrant quality of life and commitment to arts and culture contribute to its ever-growing popularity.  Durham’s neighborhoods surround Duke and North Carolina Central universities and the Research Triangle Park, and range from historic homes on tree-canopied streets to renovated downtown lofts to communities planned around lakes or golf courses.

It should be noted that Durham is not a university town like Chapel Hill, where the University of North Carolina is located.  Durham's past history includes an economic base built around tobacco and the textile mills, both industries have died out considerably.  The city promotes itself currently as "The City of Medicine" with Duke University & Duke Health Care System being the largest employer in Durham.

Many newly arrived internationals can't wait to go to the Durham city center to explore.  Unfortunately there is not much action happening downtown, although there is more to it than meets the eye.  Durham's downtown, as has been the case with many downtowns in the USA, experienced an economic downturn back in the 1960s and 70s, when many businesses and shops started moving out to the shopping malls located in the suburbs on the outskirts of town.  There are concerned citizens who are trying to revive the city center such as the group Durham Downtown.  The American Tobacco Historic District was recently renovated with various offices and fun restaurants located there.  There are also free music concerts in summer.  Another place to check out is Brightleaf Square Historic District for fun places to shop and eat.  They also have free summer music concerts as does the West Village Apartments. 

We do tell international students and scholars that living in Durham is a real slice of U.S. American life.  Sure, it might be fun to be studying in NYC or LA.  But if you want to experience "real" life in the United States outside of the glamour of the large and expensive U.S. cities, then this is it.  We highly recommend taking a break from studying and trying to involve yourself in some aspect of the community while you are here.  Not only will it be culturally informative, but it is also wise to spend some time outside of academia.  Community Service is an experience that allows you to get involved with the local people and institutions in a much more meaningful and valuable way.  Click Here for a good place to start.