The 12 Best Durham, NC, Neighborhoods for Your Fresh Start on the East Coast

If you’re considering a move to North Carolina, a city by the name of Durham might fly under your radar. With neighboring cities like Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it’s easy to see why! But don’t rule out the Bull City just yet. The bustling culture boasts unique career and education opportunities, while its charm brings seclusion and wide-open spaces wherever you look — especially if you’re looking in the best Durham neighborhoods.

Planning a move to Durham? Start by getting a free moving quote from PODS.

Part of the tri-city region making up the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park, Durham is home to one of the country’s largest research facilities, along with renowned universities like Duke and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, which has been ranked No. 5 on U.S. News and World Report’s list for top public schools. It also boasts easy access to Raleigh and Chapel Hill, so you’ll never be far away from the action. 

So where should you settle down amongst all the action? We’re here to help you answer that. 

Durham at a Glance

• Durham, NC, has a population of just over 343,600.
• Students, young professionals, and families alike are drawn to Durham for educational and job opportunities. The quiet and secluded neighborhoods aren’t only good for commuters with kids, though. It’s also a great area for retirees on the hunt for quiet, tight-knit communities to enjoy.
• The average home value in Durham is $412,000, compared to $337,800 in the state and $368,000 nationally.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in both Durham and the state is $1,550, compared to $1,750 nationally.
• Great for: Career opportunities, great schools, outdoor amenities, unique food scene, cost of living, great neighborhoods

Q: Is it better to live in Raleigh or Durham, NC? A: Overall, it depends on what you’re looking for. Durham’s cost of living is lower than in Raleigh, and the housing is more affordable while being closer to Duke University. However, Raleigh is the state capital, and you might find that the extra cost of living is made up by everything the city has to offer.

12 Best Durham Neighborhoods

If you look at a map of Durham, NC, neighborhoods, you’ll notice an eclectic array of communities. While many of the best Durham neighborhoods aren’t far from Downtown, you still have plenty of secluded spots to choose from if you’re on the hunt for quiet time. Check out these top Durham neighborhoods to find out which would be best for you.

The tight-knit community of Trinity Park is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Durham, NC.
(Source: Inhabit Real Estate via Facebook)

1. Trinity Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $684,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, unique architecture, abundant outdoor beauty, parks, walkability
• Commute to Downtown: 5 minutes

Known for being a tight-knit community, the affluent historic district of Trinity Park is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Durham, NC. Moving here will give you unrestricted access to everything Duke University and Downtown Durham have to offer, plus a variety of green spaces to explore and enjoy.

Nearby Trinity Park features a playground, picnic shelters, and grills for gatherings. It's also near the Pearl Mill Nature Reserve — a five-acre area dedicated to educating visitors about the area’s native plants. If plants aren’t your thing, don’t worry. There are benches along the creek with some great views.

You’ll also find beautiful homes that perfectly represent the neighborhood’s historic nature. Some of the most popular architectural styles include colonial, Georgian, and Tudor homes with stained glass windows and characteristic columns.

2. Downtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $560,000
• Great for: Young professionals, walkability, entertainment, history, unique architecture, top-notch cuisine
• Commute to Downtown: You’re there!

Downtown Durham is a vibrant area that showcases the city's innovation and eclectic spirit. You can easily explore the sub-districts of this area by car, bike, or on foot. The city center is home to great sites you can explore, including the Museum of Durham History and Black Wall Street — a four-block area known for its thriving Black-owned businesses.

There’s also a restaurant for every palate, including Dashi with its authentic Japanese ramen and an extensive whiskey list, or Little Bull, with its small plates full of locally-sourced produce. 

Q: What is the best part of Durham to live in? A: If accessibility and amenities are your jam, you’ll find that Downtown Durham really showcases what the city has to offer best.

3. Forest Hills

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $726,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, seclusion, golfing, recreation, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 6 minutes

The Forest Hills community is one of the most intriguing Durham, NC, neighborhoods. It was established in the 1920s as one of the first automobile suburbs in Durham, designed to provide working professionals with a place to retreat from the hustle and bustle during their downtime.

You’ll find neighborhood events designed to keep the area looking its best and to bring families closer together. A neighborhood favorite is the Turkey Trot, which takes place on Thanksgiving morning. Nearby is Forest Hills Park, with its water area, playground, and courts for both tennis and pickleball. Want to take a swim? Check out the pool in the summertime!

Woodcroft residents have access to plenty of green spaces, rolling hills, and woodland trails.
(Source: Inhabit Real Estate via Facebook)

Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Durham, NC? A: If safety is something you value highly in a neighborhood, then look no further than Southpoint.

12. Old West Durham

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Average home value: $514,400
• Great for: Young professionals, outdoor beauty, dining, nightlife
• Commute to Downtown: 11 minutes

Whether you’re a student or employee, Old West Durham is great for anyone needing an easy commute to Duke. Just northeast of the university, this area is surrounded by plenty of great living perks, including a beautiful public garden known as Sarah P. Duke Gardens that has ponds and walking paths. There are also lots of notable dining options nearby, with some of the area's most popular restaurants being the Vin Rouge, Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, and Cosmic Cantina.

The residents of Old West Durham have several different options to choose from for a night out, including the Bull Durham Bar (located inside the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club), The Pinhook (Rock ‘n’ Roll music venue), and Arcana (where you can get a tarot card reading or attend the monthly Dyke Night or Durham Queer Trivia). 

PODS delivers your portable moving container right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading.

Move to One of the Best Durham Neighborhoods With PODS

Make your move to Durham flexible with a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway. With a month’s storage included in the cost of every move, you can pack and load on your own schedule. Once you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new Durham home, or you can keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need. Need help with the heavy lifting? No problem! PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Zillow; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.