Seven townships stretch throughout the four hundred square miles of scenic Orange County. These townships include Bingham, Cedar Grove, Chapel Hill, Cheeks, Eno, Hillsborough and Little River. Interstates 40 and 85 converge in central Orange County providing easy access to the Piedmont Triad and Research Triangle regions. In addition to the interstate system, the Piedmont Triad International and Raleigh-Durham International airports are within a reasonable drive of anywhere in the county.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation's original public university, lies at the heart of Orange County. In 2004, Princeton Review ranked UNC-Chapel Hill first in a list of America's "Best Value" colleges. Additional fine institutions of higher learning include Duke University, Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University, all in Durham, with Meredith College, and North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Orange County's two public school systems boast ratings among the finest in the southeastern United States. In 2001, Newsweek Magazine recognized both Chapel Hill High School and East Chapel Hill High for being in the top 100 high schools nationally for the participation of students in advanced placement course work. Clearly, Orange County, NC places great importance on education at every level.

Carrboro and the townships of Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, function as municipalities. These communities support a thriving labor market, lower than average unemployment rates and a diverse work force that is exceptionally well educated. A member of the Triangle J Council of Governments, Orange County's economy has received a boost resulting from growth in the construction, service and retail sectors. Orange County's major employers include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, General Electric, Sports Endeavors, the University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its affiliated hospitals.

Numerous museums, historic sites and guided tours attract visitors to Orange County. Carrboro and Chapel Hill feature a bustling nightlife scene, a variety of dining experiences and shopping opportunities that are sure to please. Hillsborough, the county seat, served as a center of political activity during the Colonial and Revolutionary periods. Hosting such important historic events as NC's state Constitutional Convention in the 1700's, Hillsborough was instrumental in the addition of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. There remain over a hundred eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings, as well as numerous bridges, mill sites and dams along the Eno River, illustrating Hillsborough's historic beginnings.

Orange County, North Carolina provides a dedicated research community, superior educational environment, and excellent quality of life. In combination with its flourishing economy and strategic location, Orange County is a model place in which to live and work.