Durham · Chapel Hill · Raleigh
Living in the Triangle
New here, or just tired of hunting for the right link? Find the services, local places, and practical answers that make everyday life in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Raleigh easier.
Brand new here?
Pick a city guide for the local basics, or browse the resources below when you have a specific task.
Utilities & everyday essentials
Start with your street address. A mailing address alone may not tell you which government or utility serves your home.
- Durham One CallStart with the city’s service desk for water questions, missed collections, damaged carts, and other non-emergency requests.
- Durham water serviceRead the document checklist and request a new water account before moving day.
- Durham trash & recycling calendarLook up collection days by address, including holiday changes.
- Town of Chapel HillFind town services, trash collection information, parks, and public meetings.
- Town of CarrboroCarrboro has its own town services. Start here for garbage collection, parks, and town notices.
- OWASA water & sewerThe water and sewer utility for the Carrboro–Chapel Hill community. Check service coverage and new-account requirements.
- Orange County governmentCounty services, recycling, property records, and public notices.
- Raleigh water serviceStart, stop, or transfer a Raleigh Water account. Check the processing time before choosing your move-in date.
- Raleigh trash & recyclingFind collection information, holiday changes, and disposal options.
- NCDMV new-resident checklistLicense, title, registration, and insurance requirements in one place. Check which office handles each step.
- NC voter registrationRegister, update your address, or check your registration through the State Board of Elections.
Buses, traffic & the airport
Plan the whole trip, including the ride home. Regional and local buses have separate routes, schedules, and fare policies.
- GoDurhamLocal bus maps, arrival information, service alerts, and accessible transportation in Durham.
- Chapel Hill TransitFare-free local buses serving Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Check the route map and active detours.
- GoRaleighRaleigh bus routes, rider alerts, fare information, and trip planning.
- GoCaryCary’s local transit routes and connections to the regional network.
- GoTriangleRegional connections across Durham, Orange, and Wake counties, plus fares and airport-shuttle information.
- DriveNCNCDOT’s live map of crashes, road closures, work zones, and traffic conditions.
- RDU ground transportationCompare airport bus, shuttle, taxi, rental-car, and rideshare options from the airport’s own guide.
Schools & libraries
Use the school district’s address lookup before making enrollment plans. For libraries, check the card policy for the system you want to use.
- Durham Public Schools enrollmentStart enrollment and find student-assignment help for your home address.
- Durham County LibraryFind branches, apply for a card, and browse programs, digital borrowing, and research tools.
- Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools enrollmentUse the enrollment overview and school assignment map to check your address.
- Orange County SchoolsA separate district from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Find enrollment and school information here.
- Chapel Hill Public LibraryLibrary cards, books, digital resources, and the program calendar at Pritchard Park.
- Orange County Public LibraryCheck branches, borrowing options, card eligibility, and county library programs.
- Wake County school assignment lookupEnter an address to see base schools, calendars, and assignment details by school year.
- Wake County Public LibrariesFind your nearest branch, card requirements, digital books, and upcoming programs.
Parks, trails & gardens
Pick an entrance before you set out. Trail conditions, parking, accessibility, and pet rules vary by location.
- Eno River State ParkTrail maps, access points, park alerts, and ranger programs near Durham.
- American Tobacco TrailPlan a walk or bike ride along the rail-trail. Check the map for parking and changes between paved and unpaved sections.
- Sarah P. Duke GardensAdmission is free; parking has a separate charge. Check entry, parking, and garden policies before visiting.
- North Carolina Botanical GardenNative-plant gardens and trails in Chapel Hill, with visitor information and seasonal programs.
- William B. Umstead State ParkHiking and multiuse trails between Raleigh and Cary. Use the official map to choose your entrance.
- Jordan Lake State Recreation AreaFind swimming areas, boat access, campsites, fees, and closure notices around the lake.
Museums & family outings
A rainy afternoon needs a backup plan. Check admission, reservations, and any extra charges before promising the kids a train ride.
- Museum of Life and ScienceDurham’s indoor and outdoor science museum. Check tickets, exhibits, and train availability.
- Morehead Planetarium and Science CenterChapel Hill planetarium shows, exhibits, and science programs. Check the current show schedule.
- NC Museum of Natural SciencesGeneral admission is free in downtown Raleigh; some special exhibitions and programs cost extra.
- Pullen ParkRaleigh playgrounds and amusement rides. Check ride hours, ticket requirements, and weather closures.
- NC Museum of ArtThe collection and Museum Park are free to visit. Some exhibitions and events require tickets.
Events, music & local culture
Use the Brief’s calendar for a curated starting point, then the organizer’s page for the final details.
- The Triangle Brief calendarUpcoming events across Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and the wider Triangle.
- Discover Durham eventsDurham’s visitor bureau calendar, with festivals, performances, markets, and more.
- DPACDurham’s calendar of Broadway tours, comedy, concerts, and other ticketed shows.
- Visit Chapel Hill eventsThe visitor bureau’s calendar for Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange County.
- Cat’s CradleCarrboro concerts, tickets, age restrictions, and details for each room.
- Visit Raleigh eventsWake County’s visitor calendar, searchable by date and event type.
- Triangle on the CheapAn independent local guide to free and low-cost outings. Confirm offers with the organizer.
Farmers markets
Bring a bag and check the season’s hours. Market days and vendor lineups can change.
- Durham Farmers’ MarketMarket hours, vendor information, and local-food updates for Durham Central Park.
- Carrboro Farmers’ MarketSeasonal schedules and growers, makers, and food vendors at Carrboro Town Commons.
- State Farmers MarketRaleigh market information from the NC Department of Agriculture. Check individual building and business hours.
Community help & getting involved
Find help with a practical need, a place to volunteer, or the right source during severe weather.
- NC 211Call 211 or search online for local food, housing, utility, and other community support resources. Availability depends on the program.
- Food Bank: find foodSearch the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s partner network. Confirm hours and requirements before traveling.
- ReadyNCOfficial North Carolina information on emergency planning, weather readiness, and disaster resources.
- Activate GoodFind Triangle volunteer opportunities by cause, date, and organization.
Living here: your questions, answered
Quick answers, with links to the people who handle the details.
What is the Triangle in North Carolina?
The Triangle is the region anchored by Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. Its name connects the area’s three research universities: Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State University. Research Triangle Park, or RTP, is the research park between the cities; it’s one part of the wider region.
Where should I start if I just moved to the Triangle?
Start with your address: confirm your water provider, trash collection, and school district if you need one. Then use NCDMV’s moving checklist, update your voter registration, and check your commute. Our city guides give you a starting point for Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, or Raleigh.
Who provides water service in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Raleigh?
Start with Durham Water Management for a Durham city water account, OWASA for the Carrboro–Chapel Hill community, and Raleigh Water for addresses in its service area. Confirm coverage for your exact address before applying. Ask your landlord whether water is included in rent or requires your own account.
How do I find my trash and recycling pickup day?
Use your local government’s collection information for your street address. Durham and Raleigh have address-based collection calendars. Chapel Hill and Carrboro publish their own service information; Orange County also has a separate recycling program. For apartments or homes outside town limits, confirm the arrangement with the property manager or county.
How do I find the public school assigned to my address?
Use the school district’s official address lookup or enrollment office, and check the school year. Start with Durham Public Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, or Wake County Public School System. Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Orange County Schools are separate districts. Confirm assignments, calendars, and any enrollment restrictions directly with the district.
How do I transfer my driver license and car registration to North Carolina?
Follow NCDMV’s new-resident checklist for the license, vehicle title, registration, and insurance steps. Driver license offices and license plate agencies handle different tasks. Read the document requirements and timing for each step before booking or visiting; don’t assume one appointment covers everything.
Where do I register to vote or update my address in North Carolina?
Use the North Carolina State Board of Elections registration hub. It links to eligibility rules, registration methods, address updates, and the Voter Search tool. Check your record after moving and use the official site for current election dates and deadlines.
Which buses serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Raleigh?
GoDurham serves Durham, Chapel Hill Transit serves Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and GoRaleigh serves Raleigh. GoCary covers Cary, while GoTriangle provides regional connections. Check each operator’s current routes, fares, and service alerts. A trip across the Triangle may require a transfer between systems.
Are Chapel Hill Transit buses free?
Chapel Hill Transit’s regular local routes are fare-free. Check the route schedule and detours before you travel. If your trip connects to GoTriangle or another operator, check that operator’s fare policy separately.
How can I get to RDU airport without driving?
RDU’s ground transportation guide lists public transportation, shuttles, taxis, and rideshare options. GoTriangle also publishes airport-shuttle information. Plan with your actual arrival or departure time, including any transfers, and check the final service of the day before relying on a bus home.
What are some free things to do in the Triangle?
Start with Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, general admission at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, or the NC Museum of Art’s collection and Museum Park. Library calendars are another source of free programs. Parking, special exhibitions, and ticketed events may cost extra even where general admission is free.
How do I get a library card in the Triangle?
Apply through the library system you want to use, and check its proof-of-address requirements. Durham County Library, Chapel Hill Public Library, Orange County Public Library, and Wake County Public Libraries have their own eligibility and borrowing rules. Check accepted proof of address, nonresident options, and digital access before applying.
Where can I find things to do this weekend in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh?
Start with The Triangle Brief’s calendar, then check Discover Durham, Visit Chapel Hill, and Visit Raleigh for more listings. Triangle on the Cheap focuses on free and low-cost outings. Open the organizer’s listing before heading out to confirm the date, location, admission, and any cancellation notice.
Where can I find trail maps and park closures in the Triangle?
Use the official park page for Eno River, William B. Umstead, or Jordan Lake, and the American Tobacco Trail’s trail guide. Choose the access point before leaving and read current alerts. Check surface, distance, restroom access, and accessibility information for the specific route you plan to take.
Where are the main farmers markets in Durham, Carrboro, and Raleigh?
Durham Farmers’ Market is at Durham Central Park, Carrboro Farmers’ Market is at Carrboro Town Commons, and the State Farmers Market is in Raleigh. Use each market’s official website for current days, seasonal hours, and vendor information. Individual businesses at the State Farmers Market may keep different hours.
Where can I find food, housing, or utility assistance in the Triangle?
Call 211 or use NC 211’s resource search to find local programs for food, housing, utility bills, and other needs. The Food Bank’s food finder lists partner food resources. Contact the program to confirm eligibility, hours, and availability. For an immediate emergency, call 911.
How can I find volunteer opportunities in the Triangle?
Activate Good lists volunteer opportunities with local organizations. Choose a project by cause, date, or location, then read its age requirements, accessibility details, and signup instructions. Check whether you need an orientation before bringing a group.
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