What BestPlaces Users Say about Durham
Durham, North Carolina is a diverse city known for its strong sense of community and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to prestigious universities, a booming tech hub, and a rich history. With its affordable cost of living and temperate climate, it's no wonder why many people choose to call Durham their home. However, like any place, it has its upsides and downsides. In order to get a better understanding of what it's like to live in Durham, let's take a look at what some residents have to say about their experiences.
One resident, named Maria, praised Durham's welcoming community in her review on Best Places, stating "The people here are friendly and accepting, creating a warm and inclusive environment for all." This sentiment was echoed by another reviewer named Sam, who mentioned the strong sense of community and support among neighbors. On the other hand, not everyone had the same positive experience with the community. A user named Rachel expressed concerns about the growing gentrification in Durham, saying "The city is changing rapidly and it's becoming harder for long-time residents to afford living here." This highlights the ongoing issue of gentrification and its impact on the city's affordability.
Some residents also mentioned the city's thriving food scene as a major perk of living in Durham. In her review, Joanne raved about the variety of restaurants and local eateries, saying "There are so many amazing restaurants to try here, from Southern comfort food to international cuisines, you'll never run out of options." Another reviewer named Max highlighted the city's access to outdoor activities, saying "Durham has plenty of parks and green spaces where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking." This is a major draw for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Despite its many positive aspects, there were also some complaints from residents. One user, named John, mentioned the city's traffic as a major downside, stating "The traffic can be unbearable, especially during rush hour." Another reviewer, named Sarah, expressed concerns about the city's lack of public transportation options. She said, "Getting around the city without a car can be a challenge. It would be great to have more reliable and accessible public transportation." These reviews highlight some of the common challenges that residents face in Durham.
Overall, it's clear that Durham has its strengths and weaknesses. Its strong sense of community, diverse culture, and thriving food scene make it a desirable place to live, but issues like gentrification and traffic should also be considered. Ultimately, the decision to live in Durham will depend on individual preferences, but the city certainly has a lot to offer.
based on 43 ReviewsGet to know Durham with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Durham
Durham: A great city to grow with - 10/4/2018
I've lived in Durham since 2013, originally working at a technology company in the Research Triangle Park. I now have my own consulting company and find that Durham is also a great place to maintain a home office/traveling sales career.
I bought a 4 bed, 2.5 bath house in a golf course neighborhood at the bottom of the market for $197k and it now has a comparative value of $250k. The market is hot right now, but if Apple or Amazon move it, prices will rocket.
My son entered ECU when we moved into the area and he's now employed nearby in the medical field. My spouse commutes to downtown Raleigh and spends 45 minutes each way. When I commuted, my drive to the far south of RTP was 20 minutes with traffic.
The public schools are average, but that hasn't affected my family. If I had school age children, I'd consider Wake County or Orange County Schools. There are charter options around the city, including a science and math academy operated by the state.
Durham
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No One I Know Likes Durham - 3/25/2014
Durham is strange, if you are black or yankey Durham is a great town but otherwise... This is a backwater one horse town that does not like locals. The main employer in town does not hire local people, they want the cachet of bringing in talent; if you do not work for this horse, you wait tables or work for minimum wage if you are lucky. No mistake there are people that make money here but they are only in one or two fields and certainly not native nor do they want to know anyone out of those fields. We do have expensive restaurants (that may not be any good), we do have the DPAC (if you want to pay 40.00 more than in NYC)and we do have plenty of bars, nightclubs and pop music venues. What the town lacks is a sense of community (excepting the aforementioned groups) this is one hard town. Not a place to find a date, make friends or make long lasting connections you will be as bored here as everyone else I know. There obviously a huge divide between Duke and the rest of us. The
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Getting Around - 12/6/2013
Traffic is getting heavier because population in the area is increasing, but quality of life remains excellent. There are many activities for singles, couples, and families. Good restaurants are plentiful and the Museum of Life and Science and Duke Gardens are enjoyable places to spend several hours or a free day. Durham has become a popular town for "transplants" from other parts of the US and as a community embraces its
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Moving - 8/12/2013
My boyfriend and I have been discussing a possible move to North or South Carolina in the next few years. I am thinking more along the lines of North Carolina because I want to be a Veterinarian and I would need to go to school in Raleigh. I am trying to figure out the best areas to live and their cost of living. I would need to know areas that have great school districts, with low crime rates. I will probably be about 25 when we decide to move. He wants to move to South Carolina because of the beach, but unfortunately that would put me out for school. So can anyone tell me how local the beaches are to some of the better, more cost efficient areas ? I will be a vet tech when we move, so I will make decent money, and he is a photographer. We will not be too financially strapped but I need to know we'll be okay. Thank you for your information
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Durham NC Weather Good - 7/9/2013
Durham North Carolina is located in the heart of North Carolina's central Piedmont region. Durham is one of the three cities that comprise the Research Triangle Park, the other two being Raleigh and Chapel Hill.
Overall Durham has great weather, averaging 111 clear days, and 106 partly sunny days, meaning you will be seeing Carolina blue skies 217 days of the year. Basically Durham has six months of perfect weather. The best time weather is from mid-March through mid-June, and from mid-September through mid-December. The fall weather being some of the nicest.
However, there is a price, summers are very hot and often humid, with some Ozone warning days during the hottest periods in late July and August. Drought conditions can occur in high summer. However, North Carolina has some of the best beaches in the country, so if you like the heat, the beach is only two and a half hours away. Conversely, you can escape from the heat to Asheville high up the
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considering move to Durham NC-soliciting advice - 4/16/2013
I am considering a move to Durham NC. I am a 43 year old single African American with two elementary age children, one of which has Autism Spectrum. I have a Ph.D. and will be looking for work as a professor or counselor. I would appreciate any advice on Durham in terms of best places to live, public schools for special needs children, and social life.
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not mainstream - 2/3/2013
if you like to be all safe and snugly every time you leave your home, like a more homogenized population because all those "different' people are a little scary, you think schools should excel without having to expend any effort, you like Target, Kohl's and Wal-Mart to be right down the street, or you're wondering why a southern state would EVER vote blue, go to Cary, Raleigh, Clayton, Garner or one of these other fine Triangle-area towns...you really don't belong in Durham.
Durham, it's not for
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Interesting roadways.... - 5/9/2012
Came here after having lived in larger cities (Baltimore, Philadelphia)--the design of the roadways here is interesting to say the least. I understand the city's structure has changed a lot, so perhaps that's reflected here, but, I can never find a simple and direct route to travel anywhere.... It seems like a whole lot of "beltways" and no direct pathways.
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Durham great place? - 2/17/2012
Durham I can see is a great place for those who have little , are retired or in college. The school system seems like its mostly run by African Americans as well as the VA, To me it seems to be mostly a town which celebrates black history month and anything to do wth the black movement towards equality which means as an outsider who is white I have yet to find employment, Im not suprised however I am a transplant having been here in the 80s at Camp Lejeune as a Marine. The rent here is cheap as well as the homeownership but the work here is mostly banks, schools,and local grocery stores or the Police. It also seems like the town itself is incredibly contained or consumed by its own image and does not see that there is life beyond their own town. It is political and obviously democratic with a population of active Christians and Christian views. I was raised at the beach so this is definitly a different environment than Im used to. You either are accepted and make it here or you
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