Of all the southern states, North Carolina real estate has to be one of the most attractive markets. In North Carolina, you can have an urban downtown condo, a misty mountain cabin, or a beach house by the coast, all within a three-hour drive. If you’re looking for the best-located homes for sale in North Carolina, you should consider these 9 reasons to relocate to Durham, NC.
Durham is centrally located in North Carolina
Durham is about three hours from the beach and three hours from the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and you don’t have to tangle with twisting state roads to get to either location. I-40 runs through Durham and links up with other interstates in Raleigh that can get you to virtually any corner of North Carolina in just a few hours. So if you’re trying to really experience the state, Durham is one of the best places to relocate to in North Carolina.
Durham, NC Has A Strong Real Estate Market
Rather than boasting affordability, Durham real estate excels in terms of appreciation. In five years the median home price for single-family homes in Durham has increased by nearly $100K. Condos in Durham have seen a $200K increase.
Though the Durham market median home price is $424K, about $60K higher than the median sale price for homes for sale in North Carolina, you’ll find plenty of homes falling into the $250K to $400K range, making Durham an accessible market for first-time homebuyers.
If you’re looking to relocate to Durham to get ahead of the rise in real estate, you’ve missed the boat. Instead what you’ll find is a strong, competitive market that you can count on to make you a big pay in 10 or 15 years when you sell your property. This isn’t a get-rich-quick market, but a stable market perfect for building wealth.
There Are High Living Standards in Durham, NC
If you are considering moving to Durham, it’s critical to note that the cost of living is 10.3% higher than the national average, thanks largely to the average home cost, as we referenced above.
However, the extra expenses don’t end there. Groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs are also higher than the national average in Durham. If you’re looking for a city with a high quality of life, Durham is definitely for you.
While the living costs in Durham are higher than average, there are ways to save money if you are willing to live frugally. You can cut costs with the many valuable resources available in the city, including discount stores, public transit, and many free outdoor activities in a safe environment.
Durham’s Economy Is On The Rise
Durham is well known throughout North Carolina as having one of the strongest economies for a city of its size. As part of the North Carolina Research Triangle (a term you’ll soon get sick of hearing), the tech field in Durham is the most prominent leader of the local economy.
The North Carolina Research Triangle is essentially like the Bermuda Triangle, only instead of getting lost as soon as you enter, you get inundated in a world of tech innovation that has been a huge economic gold mine for North Carolina.
The three points on the triangle are formed by North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Though the triangle is mainly meant for research, virtually every modern industry has seen unprecedented growth in the triangle as well, the research is like fertilizer for the overall health and wealth of the region.
With such a strong industry forming a tent pole of sorts for the local economy, the service, entertainment, and transportation industries have all benefited and grown accordingly from the steady influx of new people. In forty years, Durham has gone from a population of 100K to 300K, and there seems to be no end in sight.
So if you’re looking for a job in Durham, or better yet, you want to open up your own business, you’ll find an economic environment ripe with opportunities and potential customers. Relocate to Durham, NC and get to work.
Education Is Vitally Important In Durham
Durham’s own North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics is rated by niche.com as the top public high school in the state. Durham Public Schools have seen spectacular growth in performance, enrollment, and teacher retention in recent years. They don’t take their excellence for granted either.
It has taken hard work and dedication from the students, teachers, administrators, and parents involved in Durham Public Schools to increase the quality of public education in the district. If you relocate to Durham and enroll your kids in public schools, they’ll have a system they can be proud of.
For higher education, Durham is home to Duke University, one of the most prestigious private universities in the country. That being said, Duke employs over 40,000 people, so whether you’re looking to study, work in academia as a professor, or work for academia as a secretary or librarian, you’ll have a great chance of staying in school one way or another by moving to Durham.
Durham Is Known For Entertainment
Durham has two major draws in terms of entertainment. DPAC, the Durham Performing Arts Center, puts on a variety of shows throughout the year.
Productions of musicals like Hamilton, Wicked, and Les Miserables share the stage with comedians such as Lewis Black and Jim Jeffries, as well as artists like Bob Dylan, Father John Misty, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. DPAC is relatively new, built in 2008, and is always an exciting time and a big reason to relocate to Durham, NC.
The other major entertainment draw in Durham is the city’s very own minor league baseball team. The Durham Bulls are a minor league team affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. There’s been a baseball team in Durham, in one way shape or form, since 1902, so the tradition runs deep.
The Bulls play in a modern stadium with 10,000 seats on the edge of downtown. Tickets only average around $15, so if you’re looking for a way to spend a Sunday afternoon, head down to the ballpark and enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
Durham’s Weather Is Warm and Temperate
If you are considering moving to Durham, you should know that the city has a humid climate, with summers that experience temperatures upward of 90 degrees on average. Humidity can make the temperatures feel a lot higher.
The trade-off is that the winter months are typically mild. You will rarely see ice or snow. When it does snow, it usually lasts briefly, and temperatures rebound.
Durham is not on the coastline. Therefore, it’s rare that you will experience the full brunt of any hurricanes that pass through. However, it is possible to get significant amounts of rain.
The City Has a Rich History
Dr. Durham founded the city (sometimes called Bull City) in 1853. For many years, there was a strong focus on tobacco, which is still visible today.
The Bull Durham Tobacco Factory started operating ten years after the city’s establishment. It provided many employment opportunities for residents and drove the city’s strong economy.
The tobacco factory remained operational well into the 1900s. However, it now houses office buildings and apartments.
An important historical fact is that Bull City was a key area for the Civil Rights Movement. Notable organizations and committees from Durham worked to change segregation laws in the state.
Hungry? Durham is a Foodie Heaven
The city of Durham is a magnet for food lovers. You can easily find any type of cuisine that you are craving with minimal effort.
Finding old-fashioned Southern comfort food in family-owned restaurants is a given, but new and innovative fusion-style restaurants, farm-to-table, seafood, and fine dining are also available in Durham. The city has an eclectic mix of different cuisines, but if you’re after simple, honest food, you won’t be disappointed either.
You won’t run out of incredible places to eat when you are in Durham, whether as a resident or a guest. You can check out a new restaurant, coffee shop, cafe, and eatery every day! The city has you covered between a casual meal out with a lively crowd or a fancy date night with a great glass of wine.
FAQs: Reasons To Move To Durham, NC
There are a lot of things to consider when moving to Durham, North Carolina. If you’re still debating whether it is a good destination for you and your family, below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about it.
Is Durham, North Carolina, a good place to live?
Yes, Durham is a good place to live, albeit the cost of living is above the state and U.S. averages. Residents of this mid-sized city enjoy low crime rates, low unemployment rate, and a booming job market. You can also find many resources and activities unique to the area.
One of the top reasons that people move to Durham is the ease of finding employment. There are many top corporations in the city and an increasing number of start-ups offering business opportunities in the tech industry. This level of growth provides many job opportunities and career changes.
What should I know before moving to Durham, NC?
One of the biggest things people don’t realize when moving to Durham, North Carolina, is the level of humidity the area gets in the summer months. The change can be abrupt when coming from colder climates. Newcomers should also be aware that heavy traffic is a routine issue, especially prevalent during rush hour.
Furthermore, while hurricanes don’t typically affect Durham, lengthy periods of rain do accompany their passing. You may not see a lot of snow during winter in the city, but sometimes it does snow, which can come as a surprise.
Is it cheaper to live in Durham or Raleigh?
Raleigh, home of North Carolina State University and Meredith College, is a neighboring city of Durham, and the two cities have many similarities.
Therefore, many refer to the area as Raleigh-Durham. While the cost of living and the expenses of everyday necessities are nearly the same, Raleigh is somewhat more expensive.
Home costs are not as affordable in Raleigh, NC, with the average price of a home around $10,000 more than in Durham. While it doesn’t seem like much, it can make a significant difference for younger couples and professionals.
What is the #1 best place to live in North Carolina?
While the best place to live in North Carolina will ultimately depend on your preferences, you can choose between more than one city. In addition to Durham, the top spots to live in the state are:
- Raleigh
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Asheville
Each city has its own list of pros and cons. Some have a higher cost of living, while others are more remote and allow for simpler, more rural living.
How much do you need to make to live in Durham, NC?
To find out how much you need to make to live comfortably in Durham, take the base cost of your housing option and multiply it by three.
This amount affords you enough income to cover utility costs, housing, groceries, transportation, and any other expenses.
While this calculation gives you an idea of how much money you need to live comfortably in the city, it doesn’t reflect each person’s circumstances. Therefore, if you have medical costs or young children, you may need additional funds.
Why do people move to Durham?
People who live in Durham, North Carolina, love it for many reasons. The area is affordable, and there are many opportunities to get out and explore the beautiful outdoors through national parks, such as Eno River State Park and Forest Hills Park. The amazing mountains are a big draw for nature lovers.
Additionally, Durham has excellent healthcare and is home to some of the best doctors in the nation. Additionally, the bustling start-up scene makes jobs easier to find than in other areas of the U.S.
How far is Durham, NC, from the beach?
Because it is in a central spot of North Carolina, Durham is not near any significant bodies of water. The closest beaches are on the coast, including Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. You can reach these areas after a short drive.
If you are looking for a waterfront and not necessarily a beach, there are several lakes within Durham that you can enjoy. Places like Lake Michie, Falls Lake, and Lake Crabtree are popular for fishing and swimming.
Is Durham, NC, a walkable city?
The city is walkable, although some areas are more so than others. While you can walk in areas like the downtown Durham district, residential areas often require driving or public transportation to reach.
That said, you can reach many of the areas within Durham through the city’s public transportation system. The city is continuously working to expand public transportation options to reach more areas outside of downtown.
Does it snow in Durham, NC?
While it’s rare to experience ice and snow in Durham, North Carolina, it is possible. On average, six to seven inches of snowfall each winter.
If you come from an area with cold winters, it’s important to note that Durham residents lack the skills to drive in winter conditions. Therefore, be cautious if you have to venture out in winter conditions.
Is Durham cheaper than Chapel Hill?
Housing expenses are significantly more expensive in Chapel Hill than they are in Durham. However, in terms of living expenses, the two cities are similar. Expect to pay about the same amounts for groceries and other bills.
What is it like to live in Durham?
The best features of Durham are diversity, the mild winters, the beautiful landscapes, and many attractions. As the home of Duke University, the city is a great sports venue, and the whole community enjoys cheering its players on.
There are many free options if you’re on a budget. You can visit parks, enjoy the wonderful scenery, and participate in free outdoor events. The city is a paradise for nature lovers.
What are the Best Neighborhoods To Live in Durham, NC?
Durham has no shortage of amazing neighborhoods. However, if you’re on a hunt for the best of the best, there are a few areas that definitely stand out. If you’re looking for a hip, trendy vibe, you can’t go wrong with Downtown Durham or the Brightleaf District.
For a more family-friendly atmosphere, consider areas like Trinity Park or Forest Hills. Need additional, more in depth information? Make sure to check our guide to the 12 best neighborhoods in Durham.
What is Durham, NC, famous for?
Outside of the city’s history involving Dr. Durham and its past interlinked with the tobacco industry, Bull City is also famous for Duke University. You may have heard about the school’s basketball team when March Madness rolls around.
Durham also has top hospitals and doctors. Finally, the area also attracts top corporations, including Fortune 500 companies. Start-ups are also finding the area a good spot, so your employment opportunities are great in the city regardless of your choice.
What city in NC has the lowest cost of living?
The city with the lowest housing cost in North Carolina is Laurinburg. Laurinburg is located in Scotland County, which is in the Southern portion of the state. The city, near the South Carolina border, has a population of under 20,000.
Because the city has a small population, you will not be able to find the same opportunities for employment as in Durham. Laurinburg may be attractive to retired individuals and those who can work remotely, however.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to moving to a new state or even a new city, researching whether it will be a good fit can be exhausting. In addition, analyzing the cost of living and the quality of resources such as school districts adds another level of stress.
If you’re considering moving to Durham, NC, this guide and our custom home search tool will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision on your future home. Finding a real estate agent familiar with the area is key, so contact a local eXp agent for assistance today!
