Durham 78 Exceptional
Durham Livability #30 ranked city in Connecticut#2,343 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Durham

PROS
  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

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What's it like Living in Durham?

Located in the state of Connecticut, Durham is a small-sized city with a population of 3,542 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Durham is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Durham, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.

Living in Durham can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Connecticut, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Durham and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 75/100, Durham is ranked #2,995 in the United States and #32 in Connecticut. Compared to the United States average, Durham ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Durham ranks well for crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). Durham does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Durham market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Durham is real estate affordability. The median home price for Durham homes is $312,300, which is 16% higher than the Connecticut average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Durham, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 31.6% lower than the Connecticut average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Durham

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Durham?

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Compare Durham, CT Livability

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      Durham transportation information

      Statistic Durham Connecticut National
      Average one way commute29min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.3%78.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.8%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.9%4.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%2.9%2.8%
      Working from home12.1%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Durham, CT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).