Research Triangle Park Area

Public transport

Research Triangle Park offers comprehensive transit options through GoTriangle and GoDurham services. GoTriangle Route 100 provides regular connections to RDU Airport, Raleigh, and Durham. GoDurham Routes 10 and 11 serve Davis Drive, connecting RTP to Duke University and downtown Durham. Additionally, the local microtransit program offers on-demand, door-to-door rides within designated zones from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., bookable through the GoDurham ACCESS app or by phone.

Airports

The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is approximately a 10-minute drive and serves as a hub for American Airlines, offering extensive domestic and international connections. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is approximately 160 miles southwest, while Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro provides additional options about 80 miles northwest of the area.

Cars and driving

Research Triangle Park offers highway access via Interstate 40, which runs directly through the area and connects to major regional destinations. Downtown Durham is approximately a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Raleigh's city center is about a 25-30 minute drive.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Research Triangle Park features 22 miles of interconnected trails throughout its campus, creating an extensive network for pedestrian and cyclist commuting within the area. The nearby American Tobacco Trail winds 22.6 miles through Durham County, with an 11-mile paved section ideal for recreation.

Research Triangle Park provides career opportunities across the technology, healthcare, and business services industries. This 7,000-acre business district hosts over 385 companies and employs approximately 55,000 workers, creating a robust job market that supports both recent graduates and experienced executives seeking advancement in North Carolina's premier research corridor.

Healthcare

Major employers include Biogen, Merck & Co., and Duke Health System, offering roles in clinical research, pharmaceuticals, and medical services throughout the region.

IBM, Cisco Systems, and Apple maintain significant operations here, with software development, biotechnology, and fintech companies driving innovation and job creation.

Business services

Service firms support the region's corporations through consulting, legal services, marketing, and project management across multiple industry sectors.

Finance and insurance

Fidelity Investments and Blue Cross & Blue Shield anchor the financial sector, while emerging fintech companies create new opportunities in digital banking solutions.

Educational services

Duke University and Research Triangle Charter Academy provide careers in higher education, academic support, and specialized educational program development.

Government

Federal agencies like the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences and state government positions offer stable public sector career paths.

Transportation and warehousing

FedEx, UPS, and specialized logistics companies serve the region's business community with distribution, freight handling, and supply chain management roles.

Real estate and construction

Major developments like the $1.5 billion HUB RTP project drive demand for construction workers, project managers, and real estate specialists.

Leisure and hospitality

Boxyard RTP and area hotels, including Marriott and Sheraton, provide opportunities in food service, event management, and hospitality operations.

Residents have access to strong educational opportunities through Durham Public Schools , which serves the RTP area with nationally recognized academic excellence. The district earned 19 North Carolina School Public Relations Association Blue Ribbon Awards in 2024, while prestigious schools like Pearsontown Elementary hold the National Blue Ribbon School designation for outstanding academic performance. Higher education options include Duke University's world-renowned research programs, and North Carolina Central University offers additional undergraduate and graduate programs for those living near Research Triangle Park.

From innovative container eateries to expansive botanical gardens and cutting-edge science exhibits, Research Triangle Park offers an array of attractions that blend innovation with recreation. The area provides opportunities to explore interactive museums, stroll through scenic trails, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and experience world-class performing arts venues, creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors in this dynamic research community.

Our top picks

Boxyard RTP

This innovative container marketplace transforms shipping containers into a culinary destination featuring local food vendors, craft breweries, and artisan shops. The outdoor venue creates a community gathering space where visitors can sample different cuisines while enjoying live music and seasonal events.

Duke Gardens

Spanning 55 acres, these world-renowned botanical gardens showcase themed collections including a historic terraced garden, Asian arboretum, and native plant gardens. The grounds provide peaceful paths and seasonal displays that attract nature enthusiasts year-round.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

This dynamic science museum features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and live animal displays that engage visitors of all ages. The museum's hands-on approach to learning covers everything from dinosaur fossils to cutting-edge research, making science accessible and exciting.

Duke Lemur Center

Home to the world's largest sanctuary for rare and endangered prosimians, this research facility offers guided tours where visitors can observe lemurs in naturalistic habitats. The center combines conservation education with up-close wildlife encounters that support ongoing research efforts.

American Tobacco Trail

This 27-mile multi-use trail connects Research Triangle Park to surrounding communities, providing a scenic route for exercising. The paved trail follows a former railroad corridor and offers access to parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas throughout the region.

Glasshouse Kitchen

Located in a stunning greenhouse-style setting, this farm-to-table restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The restaurant's innovative menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest available produce, creating a dining experience that celebrates the region's agricultural heritage.

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)

This premier entertainment venue hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, and comedy shows in a state-of-the-art facility. With thoughtful acoustics and sightlines, DPAC brings world-class performances to the Triangle region and serves as a cultural anchor for the neighborhood.

Eno River State Park

Covering 4,600 acres, this state park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along the scenic Eno River. The park provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation in a natural setting just minutes from the research district.