If your idea of the good life is a home on a large lot, expanses of rolling hills and winding roads, small towns and a slower pace of life all within a few minutes' drive of several major metropolitan areas, then look no further than Randolph County. Because of its large size (800 square miles), this county of 130,000 residents feels more rural than suburban.

What draws so many newcomers to Randolph County is its location in the center of the state, low tax rate (lowest in the Triad), and strong employment base. Companies ranging from Energizer Batteries to Klaussner Furniture (the nation's largest privately held furniture company) to Sealy, Inc. whose international headquarters are here, provide county residents with solid employment opportunities. Not to mention the fact that thousands of folks live in Randolph County and commute to Guilford and other Triad counties for work.

Economic and real estate development are expected to continue increasing thanks to the new Interstate 73/74 corridor that will pass through a number of Randolph county cities. US 220, currently the county's main highway, will become part of the new interstate.

Located in NW Randolph County and along I-85, Archdale/Trinity provides a convenient location coupled with a small town atmosphere. Host to the Bush Hill Heritage Festival, the Triad Highland Games and the Jerome Davis Rodeo, Archdale/Trinity offers something for everyone. Many Winston Cup Racing enthusiasts find their way to the Labonte Racing showroom in Trinity.

Other cities in Randolph County include Randleman and Liberty. Randleman will be the site of the new Randleman Reservoir that will provide water for most of the Triad. Liberty is well known in the southeast an antique haven. The semi-annual Liberty Antiques Festival draws more than 350 dealers and thousands of shoppers each spring and fall.

Asheboro is Randolph's county seat and is probably best known as the home of the N.C. Zoological Park. The NC Zoo is the largest walk-through natural habitat zoo in the U.S. 500 of the 1450 acres have been developed into African and North American habitats. The city operates its own school system, separate from Randolph County Schools. Asheboro City Schools have been rated "superior" by the state. There are also a number of private schools.

For a small town - population 246 - Seagrove certainly has a big reputation. One of the oldest and largest communities of working potters in the U.S., Seagrove is home to over 100 skilled artisans whose pottery trade has been passed down through generations. The Spring Kiln Opening each April and the Seagrove Pottery Festival in November are annual highlights, drawing thousands of visitors at once. The North Carolina Pottery Center, at the heart of the town, tells the long history of potters in North Carolina and includes a gallery of works by Seagrove artists.

If you're a NASCAR fan, you'll want to visit Level Cross, home of racing's King, Richard Petty. His museum is located here featuring memorabilia from his long career and 7 Winston Cup titles.

Randolph County is served by Randolph Hospital, a 145-bed medical facility. Originally known for its Rehabilitation Center, the hospital today includes maternity, emergency, medical/surgical, and intensive care services. Also nearby is the High Point Regional Health System, which features a 368-bed hospital.

Randolph County Schools are rated "superior" by the state. The system consists of 28 schools spread over four attendance areas. Each attendance area includes a high school and elementary and middle schools that feed them. The Archdale/Trinity attendance area also features a 6th grade only school, one of just handful of single grade schools in the state.

Randolph County Community College offers study 26 areas, including its well-respected photography program.