Morrisville, North Carolina, often called the "Heart of the Triangle," is a vibrant and rapidly growing town located primarily in Wake County, with a small portion extending into Durham County. Strategically positioned next to Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), it's a popular destination for professionals and families drawn to its thriving economy, diverse community, and excellent quality of life.
Morrisville's history is deeply intertwined with the development of the railroad. The town was named after Jeremiah Morris, who donated land for a train depot in 1852. It was officially chartered in 1875. Initially a small rural town, Morrisville experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by its proximity to the Research Triangle Park. Its population grew from around 5,000 residents in 2000 to over 31,000 by 2022, according to census data. The town has since been recognized as one of the best places to live in the nation by Money magazine and the best place to live and raise a family in North Carolina by Niche.
A notable historical event in Morrisville was the Battle of Morrisville on April 16, 1865, which was the last major cavalry engagement in Sherman's campaign during the Civil War. Negotiations between Union and Confederate forces following this battle led to the largest Confederate surrender of the war.
Morrisville boasts a robust economy, attracting Fortune 500 companies in technology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals due to its location adjacent to Research Triangle Park. Major employers in the area include Lenovo, Credit Suisse, Oracle, Microsoft, and FUJIFILM Diosynth Technologies. The town also fosters a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and startups across various industries. In 2023, the median household income in Morrisville was $125,404. The largest industries employing Morrisville residents in 2023 were Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance.
Morrisville is served by the highly-rated Wake County Public School System. The school system offers magnet programs, early college options, and a focus on STEM, language immersion, and global studies. Notable schools in Morrisville include Morrisville Elementary, Cedar Fork Elementary, and Parkside Elementary. The Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies, housed at the Wake Technical Community College campus in Morrisville, focuses on tech-based programs and allows students to graduate with college credits.
Morrisville offers a high quality of life with a blend of small-town charm and access to the amenities of nearby cities like Raleigh and Durham. The town is recognized for its exceptionally low crime rate, ranking among the safest places to live in the country. Community events are plentiful and reflect the town's diverse population, including celebrations like the Holi Festival, the Juneteenth celebration, and Diwali, the Hindu festival of colors.
Residents enjoy various recreational opportunities, including Lake Crabtree County Park with its hiking trails, playgrounds, and boating access. Morrisville also boasts numerous parks and green spaces like Morrisville Community Park and Church Street Park, which features amenities for tennis and cricket enthusiasts.