For someone planning on settling in central North Carolina, Raleigh Durham real estate is a good place to consider. The state capital of Raleigh, founded in 1792 as the capital and established on land bought for the purpose, is unique among that nation's capital cities for that. Durham arose as a tobacco town at the junction of two railroads after the Civil War.

As the capital, Raleigh--known as the city of oaks since its founding and still proud of its parks--centers first around politics and secondarily around its university. Raleigh's population was about 317,000 in the 2000 census. Durham, with a population of some 190,000, is also known--despite its tobacco background--as the city of medicine. It is home to the world-renowned Duke University. Unique to the school is that its sports team the Blue Devils have long been as strong as its academic programs.

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The amenities that go along with Raleigh Durham real estate go far beyond the property itself. In the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont, the gently rolling hills of the Triangle area here are home to countless cultural and leisure centers. Golf courses and fly fishing lakes are immediately available. Libraries, museums, theaters and sporting venues are right at your fingertips.

The neighborhoods you'll be looking at in your search through Raleigh Durham real estate for just the right home will be varied. Most will offer single-family homes, though condominiums and town houses are also available. Your choice might yield you a home in the upscale North Ridge of Raleigh. The historic West Durham neighborhood, known as Pin Hook when it began in the 1850s, might be your dream spot. The possibilities are rich.