The “Research Triangle” — for which RTP was named — is formed by the geographic nexus of the region’s three world-renowned research universities — Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Research Triangle region is anchored by the cities of Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill and is one of the country’s fastest growing metropolitan areas with a population of 1.6 million and nearly 3 million in the area within a 60-mile radius of the Park. With RTP at its core, the region boasts a rich intellectual climate with an impressive core of highly-skilled workers, mature and expanding infrastructure, and a modest cost-of-living.

The Triangle also offers an unrivaled quality of life, from its dynamic cultural amenities and vibrant history to its world-class medical facilities, educational opportunities and outdoor recreation. The Triangle region is roughly halfway between North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains and the State’s celebrated coastline, making it an unsurpassed region in which to work and live.

Business Climate

As one of the key economic drivers, RTP works with partners around the Research Triangle region and the state of North Carolina to help attract quality employers to locate or expand in the region.

Despite the recession, several RTP companies have expanded. Companies in the Research Triangle region find many benefits to growing their presence here, in large part due to the region’s strong business climate and knowledge assets, as well as strong support of state leaders to encourage job growth and the state’s continued investment in high-tech worker training.

In 2010, North Carolina was recognized as the state with the “Top Business Climate” by Site Selection magazine for the ninth time in 10 years.