Durham NC – Durham Accolades & Awards 2022
Research Triangle Park (approx. 90% in Durham county) is here: the world’s largest university-related research park with more than 170 companies employing over 49,000 people. Folks call us a Southern Silicon Valley with a booming, energetic startup culture. We’re home to institutes connected to Duke University and North Carolina Central University (NCCU), as well as unique organizations like the National Humanities Center. The accolades speak for themselves. Durham has been named a top high-tech metro, a trending destination, and one of the best cities to start a business.
INDUSTRY ACCOLADES & AWARDS
- Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022 – 2023 – U.S. News & World Report
- 2021 Trending Destination – Airbnb and Travel + Leisure
- RTP is Nation’s #4 Biotech Hub – Fierce Biotech
- #2 Smallest Gender Wage Gap in the Nation – GoodHire
- Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club Wins 2022 Star Award – Forbes Travel Guide
- Top 10 City Where Black Americans Fare Best Economically – SmartAsset
- Chef Ricky of Saltbox Seafood Joint Awarded Best Chef: Southeast – James Beard Foundation
- #10 Best-Run City in America – WalletHub
- M Sushi is NC’s Only Spot on the Top 100 Restaurants in America List – OpenTable
- Duke University ranked 10th Best University in the Nation – U.S. News & World Report
- #1 City for College Basketball Fans – WalletHub
- #2 Best Thing to do in NC: Sarah P. Duke Gardens – Dream Vacation Magazine
- #4 Best Place to Start a Business – WalletHub
- Top 5 Best Cities for Artists – Money Under 30
- Durham Distillery named Best Craft Gin Distillery in America – USA Today
- 4th Best Large Airport in the Country – J.D. Power
- Durham Bulls named Best Team of 2021 – Minor League Baseball
- DPAC #2 in Attendance in the US (Mid-Year 2022) – Pollstar
Durham, North Carolina has received recognition and media accolades in the past for various reasons. Some of the notable accolades and recognitions for Durham in recent years include:
“Best Places to Live” – Durham has been listed among the best places to live by multiple publications, such as Money Magazine and U.S. News & World Report.
“Foodie Destination” – Durham has gained a reputation as a vibrant culinary destination, with its diverse food scene and numerous acclaimed restaurants. It has been featured in publications like Bon Appétit and Southern Living.
“Innovative City” – Durham is home to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a hub for innovation. It has been recognized as one of the best cities for startups and technology by Forbes and other publications.
“Arts and Culture” – Durham is known for its rich arts and cultural scene. The American Tobacco Campus, Durham Performing Arts Center, and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University are among the notable cultural institutions in the city.
“College Town” – Durham is home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, contributing to its vibrant college town atmosphere. These universities have received recognition for their academic programs and campus facilities.