Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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.
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.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Located in the state of New Hampshire, Durham is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,464 residents. In Durham, there are 4,645 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. 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. With an average age of 20 years old, Durham could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Durham, only 13% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Durham is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Durham could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New Hampshire if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Durham, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, employment, housing and more.
With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Durham is ranked #766 in the United States and #7 in New Hampshire. Clearly, Durham is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Durham has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Durham ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+), employment (B) and housing (B-). The bad news for Durham, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (D-) and cost of living (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 41 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Durham boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Durham, the average school test scores are an impressive 76%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Durham. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Durham are affordable. The median home price for Durham homes is $682,521, which is 59% higher than the New Hampshire 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 7.6, which is 85.4% higher than the New Hampshire average.
| Statistic | Durham | New Hampshire | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 42.1% | 81.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 2.6% | 7.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 7.1% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 38.3% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.9% | 6.1% | 4.6% |
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