Durham is a big city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 251,761 inhabitants. Individuals of White (48%) and Black or African American (40%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Durham residents is 33.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Durham is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Durham, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, health & safety, employment and more.
Using data and statistics Durham has received a livability score of 81/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Durham could be a great choice! Durham has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Durham has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), cost of living (B+), employment (B-) and housing (A). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Durham. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F).
Location, location, location - those 3 words empasize the significance of the location of any property and are possibly the three most important words in your search for a new place to live. Fortunately, in Durham, there are an abundance of amazing local amenities and other interesting things to do. These include grocery stores, coffee shops, places to eat and parks. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Durham: Sarah P. Duke Gardens, DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center, and Museum of Life + Science.
For buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Durham apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Durham is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Durham come in at $183,900, which is 17.1% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Durham, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 6.1% higher than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Durham | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.6% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.2% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.7% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.8% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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