Triangle Region 2023 Growth Hotspots

  • Regional Strength and Recognition:

    • North Carolina named 2022 State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine.
    • CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) highlights $111.8 billion in capital investment and 100,112 possible jobs in the pipeline.

 

  • Fast-Growing Cities:

    • Raleigh and Durham ranked 4th among the nation’s Fastest-Growing Cities for 2022 and 2023.
    • RTP cited as a biotech powerhouse with over $1 billion worth of lab construction in progress.

 

  • U-Haul Growth Index:

    • North Carolina ranked 4th Top Growth State of 2022, with Raleigh-Durham leading the growth market.

 

  • Hottest Areas for Growth in 2023:

    • Research Triangle Park (RTP) anticipated to experience significant growth, necessitating infrastructure planning.
    • Carolina Core’s megasites in Randolph, Lee, and Chatham counties expected to see dramatic growth, especially in warehouse space and residential land development.
    • Triangle’s restaurant industry, including cities like Cary, Garner, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina, continues to witness growth, with Durham facing high demand and opportunities for expansion.

Episode 18 | Networking, Education, and Technology through CCIM with James Milner, CCIM

May 26, 2026

In this installment of our Behind the Building mini-series, we head to the High Country to sit down with a true titan of the Western North Carolina market: James Milner, CCIM.

As the President and Owner of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, LLC, James has been a cornerstone of the region’s commercial landscape since 2008. His firm isn’t just about transactions; it’s a full-service powerhouse providing everything from high-stakes brokerage and leasing to specialized consulting and appraisal services. Whether he’s working with a first-time local investor or a national franchise, James brings a level of technical precision that has become his professional trademark.

Episode 17 | Inside the CCIM Designation with PJ Doherty

May 6, 2026

In this Behind the Building episode, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Marcus Thomas, AIA, NCARB, President and CEO of KEi Architects, to explore the intersection of visionary design and community impact. As the leader of a prominent minority-owned architecture firm serving the Southeast, Marcus brings a unique perspective on how thoughtful design drives long-term institutional goals and equitable growth.

Episode 16 | Cost Segregation Explained with Kevin Giles

April 9, 2026

In this episode, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with Kevin Giles, Director at Giles Flythe Engineers, to pull back the curtain on the technical and financial lifecycles of commercial real estate. Since 2010, Kevin has been a pivotal partner for investors and developers, providing the critical due diligence and tax optimization strategies that turn a “good deal” into a high-performing asset.