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Moving to Durham? Here's what it's like living in the Bull City!
Are you moving to Durham, NC? Here are 11 Reasons You'll Love Living in Durham.
Our team has helped thousands of people relocate to North Carolina, and Durham is one of the most popular locations where people choose to settle down. Durham offers an incredible blend of Southern charm, innovation, and cultural richness that's attracting newcomers from across the country.
As part of the Research Triangle, Durham has transformed from a tobacco town into a thriving hub of technology, healthcare, and education. Companies like Apple, Meta, Google, Amazon, and more make the Triangle area of NC a primary part of their growth plans.
Best known for its beautiful real estate and family-friendly atmosphere, here's your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about making Durham your new home.
Here Are 11 Things to Know Before Moving to Durham, NC
1. The People you Meet
One of the best parts about Durham is the great people you meet in the city. With a population above 301,870, Durham is a mid-sized city with great personality and character.
You'll find a unique mix of long-time residents with deep Southern roots alongside transplants drawn by world-class universities and booming tech companies. The community is known for being welcoming to newcomers, with a strong sense of civic pride and engagement.
The backbone of Durham is Duke University, one of the best colleges in the country. The University and students make the city something special. If you have the opportunity, it's worth checking out.
The city attracts young professionals, families, researchers, and entrepreneurs who appreciate Durham's progressive values and collaborative spirit.
2. Real Estate and Neighborhoods
Durham's real estate market remains more affordable than nearby Chapel Hill or many parts of Raleigh, though prices have risen significantly in recent years. The median home price hovers around $350,000-$400,000, with considerable variation by neighborhood.
Durham is home to some of the best neighborhoods in the Triangle area, especially if you love living among mature trees yet near the action. Check out these best neighborhoods in Durham:
Downtown Durham features converted tobacco warehouses now housing loft apartments, with walkable access to restaurants, breweries, and the Durham Performing Arts Center. The area has seen significant revitalization and offers urban living with Southern character.
Trinity Park is beloved for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to Duke University. This established neighborhood features beautiful early 20th-century architecture and a strong sense of community.
Brightleaf combines historic preservation with modern amenities, offering condos and apartments in a walkable setting near downtown's attractions.
Hope Valley provides suburban family living with larger homes, excellent schools, and easy access to Research Triangle Park.
Woodcroft offers newer construction homes in a planned community setting, popular with families working in RTP.
Walltown and Trinity Heights are emerging neighborhoods attracting young professionals with their affordable housing options and proximity to downtown.
3. Community
The community is one of the best reasons to relocate. Durham has an incredible feeling of society, directly resulting from the city's history, culture, Duke University, and the number of people transitioning to North Carolina.
The city has earned recognition as a cultural destination, with numerous galleries, theaters, and public art installations throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
The community strongly supports local businesses, evident in the thriving independent restaurant scene and locally-owned shops. Durham's commitment to social justice and progressive values creates an environment where diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
Festivals and events happen year-round, from the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival to the Durham Blues Festival. The city's size allows for genuine community connections while offering big-city cultural amenities.
4. Job Opportunities
Research Triangle Park, hospitals, and schools are the backbone of economic opportunity in Durham. The city is a fast-growing hub for technology and medicine. Recently, companies like Amazon and Google have chosen the Triangle to set up new warehouses and offices.
The Triangle area has one of the best unemployment rates, and Durham's neighbor, Raleigh, has been ranked the #1 place for job happiness in the country.
The unemployment rate consistently runs below national averages, and the diversity of industries provides economic stability. The presence of three major universities (Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State) ensures a pipeline of talent and continuous innovation.
5. Delicious Food
Durham is one of the hottest foodie destinations in the south and one of the city's best-kept secrets. The city has earned national recognition for its innovative chefs and restaurants while maintaining its barbecue and Southern food traditions.
Downtown Durham offers everything from upscale farm-to-table restaurants to casual brewpubs. The city's food halls and markets showcase local vendors and diverse cuisines. Durham's barbecue heritage remains strong, with both traditional joints and modern interpretations available throughout the city.
If you can visit Durham, be sure to check out Dame's Chicken and Waffles, it constantly shows up on the list of best restaurants in the area!
Be sure to check out Amber Watson's blog, Bites of Bull City, where she does an incredible job keeping the locals up to date on current restaurant openings and happenings and is an excellent place for outsiders to learn more about Durham Restaurants.
6. Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons people are moving to Durham is affordability. The affordability of the Northeast and the West Coast is driving people to look for a better quality of life in North Carolina. A massive influx of people is relocating here specifically for affordability and economic opportunity.
Durham offers a favorable cost of living compared to many similar-sized cities, particularly on the East Coast. While housing costs have risen, they remain below those in nearby Chapel Hill and many parts of Raleigh.
With an overall cost of living that is 1% below the national average, housing expenses in Durham are 2% higher than the national average, while utility costs are 6% lower than the national average.
If you're looking to buy real estate, have a steady job, and send your kids to good schools, the Raleigh-Durham area is a spot to check out. There is a reason why the city is growing so fast. People love living here.
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price in Durham, NC |
| Median Home Price | $528,821 |
| Energy Bill | $194.33/month |
| Phone Bill | $183.17/month |
| Doctor's Visit | $150.96 |
| Dentist Visit | $123.22 |
| Loaf of Bread | $4.03 |
*Data Sourced from PayScale.
7. Weather
Durham enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s. Air conditioning is essential during summer months.
Winters are mild by Northern standards, with average temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Snow is possible but infrequent, usually melting quickly when it occurs. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant weather, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage.
The image from weather.com shows the average monthly temperatures and what to expect should you relocate to Durham.
8. Education
Durham ranked second among the top ten cities where the most educated Americans live. Raleigh ranked number six. Education is highly valued in the Triangle area, which stems from the local universities.
With Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University all within a 30-minute drive from one another, students have an excellent opportunity to continue their education at a great local University.
Niche and GreatSchools are two websites that do a great job helping potential students understand which schools are the top-ranked in Durham, NC. For those moving with school-aged children, Durham is also home to top-rated public schools in the Durham Public School District.
Check out these highly-rated schools in Durham, NC:
| Elementary School | Middle School | High School |
| Pearsontown Elementary School | Rogers-Herr Middle School | J D Clement Early College High School |
| Easley Elementary School | Durham School of the Arts | Durham Schools of the Arts |
| Burton Elementary School | Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Research Triangle Academy |
*Data Sourced from GreatSchools.
9. History
Durham's history as a tobacco manufacturing center shaped much of its character, with many former tobacco warehouses now serving as apartments, offices, and entertainment venues. The transformation of these historic buildings symbolizes Durham's evolution from industrial town to innovation hub.
The city played significant roles in the civil rights movement and continues to honor that legacy through historical preservation and community programs. Durham's history includes both the challenges and triumphs that characterize much of the American South.
Understanding this historical context helps newcomers appreciate the city's current culture and the community's commitment to progress while respecting its past.
10. Sports
Sports culture in Durham centers around Duke University's Blue Devils, particularly the legendary basketball program. Cameron Indoor Stadium creates an electric atmosphere during basketball season, and the community rallies around the team's success.
The Durham Bulls, a Triple-A baseball team, provide affordable family entertainment from April through September. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park offers a classic minor league baseball experience with modern amenities.
Youth sports programs are well-developed, with numerous leagues and facilities available for children and teenagers. The presence of Duke's athletic programs also means excellent sports medicine and training facilities are available in the community.
The Carolina Hurricanes are the city's only professional sports team within a twenty-minute drive. They play in Raleigh at the PNC Arena.
11. Live Music
Durham's entertainment scene offers something for everyone, from intimate live music venues to major touring acts. The Durham Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway shows, major concerts, and other large-scale performances.
Local venues like The Carolina Theatre and smaller clubs provide platforms for both emerging and established artists across various genres. The city's music scene reflects its diversity, with everything from indie rock to jazz to hip-hop represented.
The proximity to Chapel Hill and Raleigh expands entertainment options significantly, while Durham's own venues create a thriving local scene that doesn't require traveling to larger cities for quality entertainment.
Methodology
Data was sourced from Payscale, Great Schools, and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the top things to know about moving to Durham, NC.
Common Questions About Durham:
Is Durham a Good Place to Live?
Durham, NC, is a great place to live for all ages. Many people from other areas love living in Durham, North Carolina, thanks to its affordability, real estate, job opportunities, and many things to do.
Can You Move to Durham Without a Job?
One of the biggest questions we receive from people relocating to the area is, "What if I move to Durham without a job?" There are so many jobs available in the RDU area that you will be able to land one quickly.
The opportunity for people moving to the triangle is one of the best in the country, and the value of the real estate in this area can't be beaten. It's among the safest real estate markets and has the best deals in the entire country.
Are You Moving to Durham For a Job?
Many people we work with when buying a home in Durham are relocating for a job, most often in healthcare, tech, or education. With some of the world's biggest technology companies building campuses in our area and access to the best healthcare and education, it's no wonder so many companies are making the Triangle a focus area.
Ready to Make Durham Home?
Durham offers the perfect combination of Southern charm, economic opportunity, and cultural richness that attracts newcomers from across the country.
Whether you're drawn by career opportunities in the Research Triangle, Duke University's world-class offerings, or simply the welcoming community spirit, Durham provides an excellent foundation for your next chapter.
Are you considering a move to Durham? Our team at Raleigh Realty understands the Triangle area's unique neighborhoods and market conditions. Contact us to learn more about finding your perfect home in the Bull City.
