I live in Concord (about 20miles ne of Charlotte) Durham is where I would live if I had to move to the Triangle.
Not assuming you are liberal, but Durham is. (often voting more (D) then even San Francisco County .CA.) A fact in which I love to share with my friends on the other coast.
Durham has a great Arts scene for a city it's size with a beautiful pac.
So yeah, you will enjoy your year down South!
BTW. Charlotte is just a short 2hr drive from Durham, and has NFL, NBA, and MLS. (starting in 2022). You will find plenty(too many) of fans from NE acting as obnoxious as we love them to be when the Patriots are in town.
BTW part 2. yonder is used mostly by native Appalachian people. You won't hear it often in Durham.
Lastly
In the South "Tea" does not mean to grab the biscuits because it's 2pm.
Tea is a beverage that better be in all native North Carolinians fridge.
How to prepare the "House wine of the South"
Bring 5 cups of water to a boil.
Remove pot from burner.
Add 2-3 cups(you read that right) of sugar to hot water then 3-4 tea bags.
Let steep for 2-3 hours.
Remove tea bags. Squeeze out tea bags if you prefer a stronger tea taste.
Stir to ensure all sugar is dissolved.
Pour into a gallon container, add water and stir.
Lemon is optional.
Welcome to North Carolina!