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
Moving to Durham - 4/8/2009
I plan to relocate to durham this fall or winter so i am doing some research ont he city. If anyone can give me some feedback or insight on the city's schools, neighborhoods, and economy, I would be
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Happy to live in Durham - 10/7/2007
My husband and I moved to Durham three years ago, from California. Between the two of us, we have lived in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Portland, and we like it here. We have found it very easy to meet people and our neighbors are friendly. We enjoy hiking, going to dinner, and the occasional concert. Duke protects much of the land in the area, ensuring that overdevelopment will not take over Durham's hiking and biking trails. There are some good schools here and some not so good schools- just do your research before choosing a neighborhood. We haven't had any issues with crime and feel very safe in our neighborhood- again this varies. We live in Southwest Durham. For a young family, starting off, we have been very happy
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Durham is not that bad but not that great either - 9/21/2007
Durham is not as bad crime wise as most would believe BUT it is BEYOND boring & because the ghetto takes up the ENTIRE center of Durham, it is depressing to drive around in Durham. Poverty is soo blatent & in your face here because it reaches far beyond the downtown area on all sides.
On the upside, there is a lot of developement going on here but I don't think that it even smells the natives here. My husband & I moved here a year ago from the N.East & we are bored every weekend. We like most transplants are doing VERY well financially but there is not much to do with the money.
Many sub-divisions that ALL look the same. This is a good place to be a bored housewife & raise kids. NOT ENOUGH CULTURE, or focus on world class dining, shopping, & intellects.
Very
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Its about cars, not trains, autos - 6/5/2007
The city is near Raleigh and Chapel Hill but there is little coordination on transportation. No regional system. Little meaningful mass transit. The roads near me remind me of the potholes so common in upstate NY. Road maintenance is poor here. The rush hour commute on 40 or 540 near 40 is a nightmare. I have been in the neighborhood for 15 years and am looking for a new home, probably out of
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Durham is a nice place to live... - 5/21/2007
I have lived in Baltimore, West Virginia, Chapel Hill and Durham and I have to say that although each has it's own flavor, they all have areas that are perfectly fine places to live. Crime was lowest across the board in West Virginia, easily the highest in Baltimore but (statistics or not) I have no personal experience of crime in any place but Baltimore. Every place has a 'bad part of town' but they all have great parts.
I live in Durham now, in the north end of the city and I feel as safe here as anywhere I've ever lived.
More than that... this is a nice place. People are courteous & friendly. There are lots (I mean lots & lots) of things to do, the restaurant scene is vibrant and varied, the dance, film & art venues are busy and classy and the downtown is, right now, absolutly exploding with new & exciting things like the new ballpark, the new condo/loft residential West Village (renovated tobacco warehouses) and a new Arts Center - to be a large venue stage
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More than meets the eye - 1/1/2007
There is plenty to do in Durham. Duke University brings many cultural events here. There are also a strong avant garde theater company here, the nationally renown Full Frame film festival, American Dance Festival. There are also at least 5 extraordinary (and expensive) restaurants here, as well as a variety of ethnic restaurants. With Afro-Americans in the majority, one can find restaurants and shops that cater to them(likewise with Hispanics). Whatever you can't find in Durham, you will find in Raleigh or Chapel Hill, also university towns. As for crime, it exists, but my home only suffered an attempted breakin some 3 years ago -- that is my only incident in my 15 years here. People downgrading Durham are just plain
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run! run! run! - 11/29/2006
I've lived in durham all my life its the most boring town there is period! it's never nothing to do here and everything closes before street lights are on. Now if you are looking to retire then this is the place but for you young or energetic people looking to party or just hand out for a night on the town there is no town here the copos are racist and they are bored so they pull you for stupid things and the town shut down anything that black people is doing like parties or just hangin at the carwash. So, if you are black and know you black(not pretending to be another race) this is not the town for you, but welcome all whites and mexican this yall town now! no im not a racist but i call it like i see it. I might be moving to ATL where i heard that black people stick together down there. good luck in durham if you choose to move here(god help
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Not Good - 7/28/2006
Crime is horrible here and the residents have to constantly remind themselves how good they think it is
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