Wilmington, North Carolina

PPD's worldwide headquarters is located in historic downtown Wilmington. The 400,000-square-foot building overlooks the Cape Fear River and is within walking distance of the marina, shops and local businesses.

• Forbes rated Wilmington in 2005 as one of the best cities for business and careers. The business community is vibrant and varied, from small shops and medium-sized commercial operators to large-scale organizations. The job growth rate exceeds 7 percent annually.

• The cost of living in Wilmington is just below the national average. Housing is particularly affordable and a good investment; Money magazine projects 37 percent growth in home prices over a five-year period (2006-2011). Wilmington's climate is temperate, with cool ocean breezes and sunny skies.

• The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is one of the best public universities in the state with 71 undergraduate degree programs and 26 graduate programs. The area's K-12 schools receive strong support from the business community.

• Ranked as one of America's best small towns for art and culture, Wilmington has a superb modern art museum, acclaimed theatrical productions, and a thriving film and television production industry.

• The city keeps things lively with festivals year-round, including the Wilmington Riverfest, the Cape Fear Blues Festival and the North Carolina Azalea Festival.

• Golf Digest magazine ranked Eagle Point, designed by Thomas Fazio, in the top five best golf courses in the state. It's one of 20 golf courses in the greater Wilmington area.

• The area's 31 miles of pristine beaches provide a true haven for sun seekers, beachcombers and nature lovers, and a sportsman's paradise for anglers, mariners and watersports enthusiasts.

• UNCW teams include conference champions in swimming, diving, baseball and basketball; spectator sports fans will also thrill to the pro soccer Hammerheads and the semi-pro baseball Sharks.

For additional information on the area, please visit the following Web sites:

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Wilmington Today
Cape Fear Convention and Visitors Bureau