Wilson, North Carolina is fondly called the 'City of the Beautiful Trees'. Renowned for its charming Southern hospitality and the graciousness of its elegantly preserved historic homes, Wilson also hosts the East Coast's largest antique market. Wilson residents have worked hard to preserve their historic past while ensuring a prosperous future. With an ideal location at the crossroads of Interstate Highway 95 and US 264, Wilson lies only 45 miles from the N.C. state capital of Raleigh, and the high-tech Research Triangle Park is just one hour away.

Serving as the county seat to Wilson County, one of North Carolina's most promising economic development areas, Wilson's population stands at about 45,000 (Census 2000). Brand new residential areas spring up each year, nestling next to family farms and historic districts. Water, electricity and natural gas are abundant and reasonably priced, providing a large draw for incoming firms. Wilson County's pro-business attitude and many incentives have attracted over twenty-two industries, while the county's farmland produces over $100 million dollars of crops per year.

The temperate climate holds its own enticement, with an annual average temperature of 60 degrees. Summer nights are warm and pleasant and snow remains a rare winter treat. The four inches of rainfall per month create the perfect condition for growing tobacco. Wilson also holds the title of 'America's Largest Tobacco Market.'

Education and cultural growth keep pace with the growing population of the city. Wilson has an excellent public school system while Barton College and the Wilson Technical Community College provide higher learning. The Eastern NC School for the Deaf and the Sallie B. Howard School for The Arts and Education round out the educational opportunities here.

Housed in a refurbished 1919 Vaudeville Theatre, the Edna Boykin Cultural Center delights Wilson residents with a wide scope of performances ranging from ballet to drama. The Arts Council of Wilson runs several art galleries as well as providing numerous programs through out the year.

Antique shops line the historic downtown district of Wilson, and visitors from all over the world attend the seasonal Flea Markets here. For sports enthusiasts there is the North Carolina Baseball Museum and the Southern National Speedway. Golfing, boating and fishing are also available.

Wilson, North Carolina, with its rich mixture of gracious Southern heritage and progressive future, truly offers something for everyone.