Geography of Residential Areas Surrounding RTP by Rosina Alston Orr The Research Triangle (cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) has recently been voted #1 for "Best Place to Live and Work"(MSN House & Home) , "Best Cities for Education"(Forbes Magazine) , and "Healthiest Place to Live" . Is it any wonder that residential real estate is booming? At an average of about 75 new residents per day (U.S. Census Bureau) , the Triangle's resident population is expanding much faster than normal natural growth would mandate. This would suggest that the increase is not only sprouting from within the state, but that there is also a mass migration directed from without. Over 45% of residents have traveled over a hundred miles in order to move to the Triangle area (Relocation Guide). In droves, they come from the cities of New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, and California� marking a distinct urban to urban migration (Relocation Guide). While the agricultural areas of North Carolina have seen population increases due to opportunities for migrant workers, the Triangle is a magnet for young urban professionals� with families. 36% of home owners are first time buyers. The average age of men and women living in the Triangle is 38 and 37 respectively. 69% of the present population is married, 80% of those have children, and over half of the homes of college-educated couples are dual income where both adults work in a professional capacity. The average income is $70,000 with 20% of the population earning over $75,000 and 10% over $100,000. (Relocation Guide) The proliferation of young middle-class residents in the Triangle area will do wonders for the tax base for each individual city and North Carolina's economy as a whole, but their shear numbers will certainly prove to be a strain on local environmental resources (as we have already begun to be aware of during the drought of 2002) and the issues of pollution are increased as for the industrial sectors. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides used for lawn care of freestanding homes and parks in residential areas will also add to run-off. Construction of new developments plus daily house-hold waste will significantly add to area land-fills.
