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Top 10 Reasons to Live in The Triangle

When my family & I moved to North Carolina 11 years ago, it was a surprise to many people who knew me.  I absolutely loved and enjoyed living in Central Florida.  While there are so many wonderful things about Orlando, we now call Cary, NC home.  It may not be for everyone, but, here are the top reasons we think residents find living in the Triangle irresistible.

 #10- Recreations:  There are so many things to do in the Triangle.  Many people find boating, water skiing, wakeboarding or swimming at Jordan or Kerr Lake at the top of their list.  If you enjoy cultural arts, make sure you visit one of the many museums NC offers or spend the day at an outdoor concert at Koka Booth Amphitheater or Pavillion at Walnut Creek.  Take in the ballet or a musical at the Progress Energy Center for Performing Arts.

#9 - Professional Sports - If you enjoy professional sports,you'll be swept up with the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey team.  You may score a goal with the Carolina Railhawks Men's Soccer Team or hit a home run with the Durham Bulls.  The Carolina Panthers are just a short drive away.  Local Universities bring out the sideline athlete in Triangle residents.  Who will you cheer for...UNC Tarheels, NC State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, ECU Pirates, or Wake Forest Demon Deacons?  

#8 - Mountains - Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall, if you enjoy the mountains, you'll especially love the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  A day trip may find you snow skiing at one of the NC Ski Resorts such as Sugar Mountain or Ski Beech.  If you like hiking, golfing, camping or fishing, a summer escape may be just what the doctor called for.  People drive from all over just to see the trees change colors in the fall. 

#7 - Beaches - Ahh!Relax on the Carolina Crystal Coast!  History and Beauty are plentiful on the Coast of North Carolina.  You'll have fun discovering the different beaches up and down the coast of NC.  Go for the day or week, you'll love the beautiful sand beaches and crystal views.  Visit the historical site where the Wright brothers first took flight, NC's famous lighthouses, or learn about NC's sea life.  A short drive and a couple hours, you'll be dining on fresh seafood straight from the ocean.  You may even find yourself there during the holidays.  For those who have always wanted to learn to sail, a day trip to historic Beaufort might be just for you.  There is so much to do you'll never want to leave. Trivia: Did you know Nicholas Sparks's new movie, Nights in Rodanthe, was filmed in parts of the Outer Banks?   

#6 - 4 Seasons - NC offers enjoyable weather year round with four distinctive seasons.  Just when you're ready for a change-you get change.  You'll enjoy the beautiful colors of fall across the parkway and throughout NC as the trees begin to change to shades of red, orange, yellow and brown.  Excitement is in the air as school and football crank up the fall season.  The sun still shines in the winter and if we're lucky, we'll receive a stunning blanket of white snow to enjoy.  What a great time to travel to the mountains to cut a fresh Christmas tree for your home.  Spring bounces in with magnificent shades of pinks, yellows, lilacs, and pale green.  The community comes alive in the spring with outdoor activities.  Summer won't be outdone with its glorious sunshine and long days.  Residents cherish the time at the pool or spent with friends and family at BBQ's.  Just when you're ready for a break, the seasons begin again.

#5 - Universities - You'll find some of the top Universities in the Triangle area which is what brings many families here.  Known for its schools of medicine and technology, NC has a lot to offer the scholar.  In the heart of Raleigh you'll find NC State along with many Wolfpack fans.  Not far away, Chapel Hill offers the University of North Carolina and in Durham, Duke University.   The list is endless.

#4 - Schools (SAT Scores): North Carolina continues to set and achieve higher goals each year.  That evidence is strongest in Wake County where the average SAT scores exceed the state and national average.  Not only will you find great public schools, charter, magnet, and private schools are widely available.

#3 - Youth Opportunities:  There are so many activities for kids in the Triangle that you can't possibly do everything.  When it comes to sports, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, dance, cheer, gymnastics, ice hockey, golf, horseback riding, football, and baseball are just a few.  By the way, there are many adult sports leagues too.  If your child is fortunate enough to be creative, you'll find many opportunities for them to practice their skills through music, drama and art.  Maybe your child enjoys more intellectual activities?  There are many interactive museums and programs such as IMACS to stimulate their minds.  You'll find church activities and community service projects for the entire family.  Other notable organizations to check into are National League of Junior Cotillions, YMCA of the Triangle, C'est si Bon! Cooking School, Impact Athletics and Fitness Center, Duke Talent Identification Program, and Institute of Reading Development at NCSU.

#2 - Job Opportunities:  The Triangle is known for "Research Triangle Park" where you'll find several top employers.  Wake, Durham & Orange Counties as well as individual towns are active in keeping and bringing jobs to the Triangle area.  The Triangle is known as one of the "Best Cities to Live and Work".

#1 - The People:  It's true; some of the friendliest people live in the South.  However, Triangle residents aren't all originally from the South.  You'll find individuals from almost any state and a large variety of countries.  Because there are so many transplants in the area, you'll notice people eager to make friends and learn about each others culture and traditions.  So what makes Triangle residents so friendly?  Well, I think it's all the reasons I just mentioned and more. 

Disclaimer: There are so many people, locations, schools, teams, and events that make the quality of life in the Triangle that I couldn't possibly mention everyone.  It was difficult enough to narrow down my list.  So, if you're from the triangle and I didn't mention your favorite, please don't hold it against me.  However, please feel free to mention your favorite thing about the Triangle in my comment section.  Thanks and Enjoy Carolina Living!