Living in Durham, NC: Everything You Need to Know About the City of Medicine

Is Durham a good place to live that will offer you plenty of job opportunities and a high quality of life? Well, you have to consider living both in the city and moving to North Carolina. Just ask any resident of the City of Medicine about what it’s really like living in Durham, NC. From the lively sports scene the Blue Devils bring to the city to the world-class academics that Duke University provides, you’re sure to hear some good things. Thinking about making a fresh start? Before you decide that moving to Durham, NC, is in the cards, there are a few more things you’ll need to know.

Durham at a Glance

• The population in Durham, NC, is around 307,000 people.
• The cost of living in Durham, NC, is 1 percent below the national average.
• The average cost to rent an apartment in Durham is $1,550.
• The average home value in Durham, NC, is $398,200.
• The average commute time in Durham is 22 minutes — below the national average of 26 minutes.

21 Things To Know About Living in Durham, NC

If you’re thinking about moving to Durham, NC, there are a lot of great things to know about the city. From the free things to do in Durham, NC, to the lively events taking place in the city year-round, the devil is in the details — the Blue Devil that is. (See what we did there?) Here are 21 of the biggest pros and cons to calling the City of Medicine home.

While living in Durham isn’t massively cheaper than in many other American cities, it is a little more affordable than the national average.
(Source: Discover Durham via Facebook)

1. The Cost of Living in Durham, NC, Is Lower Than the National Average

Durham isn’t massively cheaper than living in many other American cities. It is a little bit cheaper than average, though, with the cost of living in Durham, NC, being 98.8 — 1.2 percent below the national average.

Of course, the cost of living changes depending on the size of your family, but what is a livable wage in Durham, NC? Check out these stats to get an idea of what you’ll need to cover the basics:

• For a single person living alone, a living wage in Durham, NC, is about $25.00 an hour or roughly $51,700 annually before taxes.
• For two adults (both working) without children, a living wage in Durham, NC, is about $17.00 an hour or $70,000 annually before taxes.
• For a family of four with two working adults and two children, a living wage in Durham, NC, is about $28 an hour, or about $117,900 annually before taxes.

2. What’s the Housing Market Like in Durham?

If you’re looking to purchase a house when you move to Durham, you’re in luck, because not only is the cost of living in the city affordable, but the housing market is as well.

The average home value in Durham is $398,200, which, although higher than the national average of $360,700, is still very doable for potential homeowners. Homes also tend to appreciate quickly in Durham, which means you can expect a good return on your investment.

3. Is the Durham Rental Market Thriving?

Interested in renting in Durham instead? The average rent across the city sits at $1,550 for apartments of all sizes, which is more affordable than in a lot of metropolitan areas. Nationally, the average rent is $1,750, so choosing to rent in Durham is a good option. You’ll find a wide swath of rental communities across the city. Whether you’re looking to live in a building downtown or a quiet community further out in the suburbs, you’ll find something.

The Hope Valley neighborhood offers a blend of natural beauty and suburban amenities.
(Source: Lisa Ellis and Company via Facebook)

4. These Are the Best Places To Live in Durham, NC

If you’re looking for the best places to live in Durham, NC, don’t worry. You’ll find a wide variety of different communities and atmospheres, so you can find the perfect neighborhood for you.

People tend to move to Durham for one of two reasons. It’s home to Research Triangle Park — the world’s largest university-related research park with over 170 different companies. Or they move there to enjoy Durham's beautiful scenic surroundings. Here are three of the best neighborhoods in the city.

Trinity Park

If you’re a retiree planning on living in Durham, NC, then you are definitely going to want to check out Trinity Park. With close proximity to downtown and many major cultural touchstones in Durham, this walkable neighborhood is great for seniors who want to stay active.

Hope Valley

If you’re looking to move the whole family to Durham, NC, then Hope Valley should be a big contender on your list. It offers a great blend of natural beauty and suburban amenities. Plus, it’s home to Durham Academy — the No. 1 best private K-12 school in North Carolina, according to Niche.

Duke Campus

The nice thing about living on or near the Duke campus is that it offers a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. It offers young professionals a vibrant environment with a blend of academic excellence and southern charm. The area boasts a thriving tech and healthcare sector, providing ample career opportunities. The proximity to Research Triangle Park adds networking potential, while the community fosters growth and innovation.

5. Are There Transit Options in Durham, NC?

If you’d prefer to use public transportation when you arrive in Durham, make sure you’re near a GoDurham bus route. The city of Durham operates these routes throughout the city, but access is sparse the farther you get from the city center. If you don’t live near one of these routes, you’ll likely need a car to get around.

For commuters, GoTriangle is a regional public transportation authority that connects Durham to Chapel Hill and Raleigh.

6. Families in Durham Enjoy a Great Public School System

Niche gives Durham an A-grade for the city’s public school system. Which means that if you are a parent, Durham offers you a great job market to provide for your kids, as well as a school system to educate them during the day.

Expect warm, muggy weather throughout the summer months in Durham, with highs averaging around 81 degrees.

7. Durham Experiences Hot Summers and Rainy Winters

If you don’t mind the heat in the summer and rain in the winter, then Durham could be your next home. Expect warm, muggy weather throughout the summer months, and be prepared for hurricane season from June to November each year. The highs in the summer average around 81 degrees. The winter is shorter and more mild in this southern city, but it can still be chilly. You’ll find that it rains frequently in the winter months, but the highs are still in the high 40s and low 50s.

8. What’s the Crime Rate Like In Durham, NC?

Durham’s overall crime rating is 3, meaning it’s safer than 3 percent of American cities. That being said, there are plenty of safe pockets within the city itself. But there are also a few neighborhoods you might want to be careful about.

3 Safest Neighborhoods in Durham

• Duke Campus
• Fairfield
• Hope Valley

3 Durham Neighborhoods With the Most Crime

• Downtown
• Keene
• South Alston

9. Durham’s Job Market Is Generally Quite Strong

The job market in Durham is strong, with only 3.5 percent unemployment and several large employers in the area providing a stable job market. Duke University (along with the Duke University Health System) is the largest employer in the area, but even companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon are investing heavily in the city's Research Triangle Park. And the city's average median household income grew by 6 percent last year.

Kayaking on Eno River is just one of the many ways to explore the natural beauty in and around Durham, NC.
(Source: Discover Durham via Facebook)

10. There Are Tons of Fun Things To Do in Durham, NC, for Everybody

Free Things To Do in Durham, NC

If you’re looking to explore and enjoy the great outdoors or some fun, free things to do in Durham, NC, then be sure to check out some of Durham’s most beloved parks!

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden at the heart of Duke University.
• Duke Lemur Center: A research center with the most diverse population of lemurs anywhere in the world outside of Madagascar.
• Eno River State Park: Over 14 miles of the Eno River and hiking trails to explore.
• Durham Central Park: A 24-hour park that is safe and a great venue for different cultural activities.

Things To Do in Durham, NC, With Kids

• Check out the Lemur Center at Duke University to see even more animals and exhibits than you would at the state Zoo.
• Or head over to the Museum of Life + Science and spend the whole day entertaining your young ones while also broadening their horizons
• If you want them to get some fresh air during a day of play and adventure, then be sure to take them to Durham Central Park. And as an added perk, you’ll be in downtown Durham, so you’ll be close to all the food and shopping you could want in a day.

Things To Do in Durham, NC, for Adults

• For a great date night at a fancy restaurant, check out Vin Rouge.
• If you want to plan a nice movie night out together, be sure to check out any of the great theaters that Durham has to offer:

• The Carolina Theater
• AMC Theaters

11. The Entire Durham, NC, Area Is Experiencing Significant Population Growth

Durham’s population grew from almost 284,100 to almost 288,500 from 2022 to 2023 — a 1.54 percent increase. By January 1, 2025, the city of Durham is estimated to have a population of almost 317,500, which averages out to around a 1.3 percent increase every year.

12. Durham Makes A Great Place To Live for Any Sports Fans Out There

Sports fans are in luck. Durham is located about two hours from Charlotte, meaning easy access to the North Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets. The city is also home to Duke University if you want to watch the Blue Devils play in the NCAA.

Durham is home to the nation’s first publicly supported liberal arts college for African-Americans — North Carolina Central University.
(Source: North Carolina Central University via Facebook)

13. Durham, NC, Has a Rich and Important History

Durham has played an important role in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. But did you know it is also home to the nation’s first publicly supported liberal arts college for African-Americans? North Carolina Central University was founded in 1910 and marked a significant moment in American history.

14. Durham Comes With a Growing and Thriving Craft Brewery Scene

Durham has a great collection of breweries that feature fantastic food, ones that are dog-friendly (Ponysaurus Brewing Co.), and several that are kid-friendly as well. You’re sure to enjoy Durham’s growing craft brewery scene if you are looking for a cold beer and a great meal.

15. Durham Has A Flourishing And Highly Regarded Culinary Scene

Durham is home to a vibrant and surprisingly diverse culinary scene with a concentration of highly rated restaurants. And you can get your fill of amazing cuisines from all kinds of backgrounds. From gourmet French cuisine and American steakhouses to Mediterranean dishes and Tapas, you can find it all in Durham.

16. There Are Plenty of Fun and Exciting Weekend Getaways Are Within Easy Reach

For a fun weekend getaway around Durham, NC, consider any of these great options.

• Asheville: Beloved for its mountain charm and expressive art scene.
• The Outer Banks: A great place to enjoy outdoor adventures and activities.
• Winston-Salem: Provides a great blend of modern and historical attractions
• The best beaches around Durham are about a 3-hour drive away.

17. Durham’s Skyline Features a Nice Blend of Historic and Modern Architecture

Durham’s skyline stands out as unique because there are many historic buildings placed among the city’s modern skyscrapers. You’ll even find the old mixed with the new, as several historic buildings have been reimagined in a modern way. And of course, you can’t overlook the stunning Gothic architecture of Duke University.

18. Durham Boasts a Culture That Is Progressive, Vibrant, and Diverse

Durham is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in North Carolina. With a population that is roughly 50 percent caucasian and the other 50 percent largely split between African-Americans and Latino Americans.

Durham offers several great festivals and events throughout the year to keep you entertained and engaged with its vibrant community.
(Source: Festival for the Eno River via Facebook)

19. Durham Celebrates Its Community Throughout the Year With Several Festivals

Durham offers several great festivals and events throughout the year to keep you entertained and engaged with its vibrant community. Check out any of these yearly Durham events next time you are looking for a great way to enjoy the community.

• Nevermore Film Festival: Held each February, this festival offers a great collection of horror films from around the world.
• Festival for the Eno: A festival held every Fourth of July weekend with all kinds of food, arts, crafts, and live music.
• Missy Lane’s Block Party: A music festival held for the first time October 2025 to celebrate jazz and alternative music

20. Living in Durham, NC, Compared To Living in Raleigh

So, which city is nicer, Raleigh or Durham? It depends on what you’re looking for.

Durham was rated the second nicest city to live in the South by U.S. News and World Report. This is largely due to the strong job market, easy access to academic opportunities, local flora and fauna, and the diverse and eclectic culture that anybody can enjoy. Durham, NC, is also a great place to live if you are looking for a strong economy, excellent hospitals, and great schools.

Raleigh, on the other hand, is the state capital and has an extremely strong job market as well. The cost of living is higher here, though — 5.8 percent above the national average. You’ll still find plenty of incredible places with an abundance of natural beauty, but you might find the state capital more crowded than Durham.

21. Living in Durham, NC, Compared to Living in Chapel Hill

Is it better to live in Chapel Hill or Durham, NC? The nice thing about Chapel Hill is that it’s directly by Duke University, which provides you with plenty of educational opportunities and a stable job market. Durham, on the other hand, is a bit bigger and more diverse. So you’re much more likely to find cultural festivities and a great nightlife in Durham than you are in Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill is going to be the best location for you if you’re interested in attending or working at the university, given its proximity to it. And Durham is going to be your choice if you are looking for a diverse community, an eclectic nightlife, and a strong job market to boot!

Moving to Durham, NC, With PODS

Once you decide that living in Durham, NC, is the right move for you, it’s time to start planning. Make your move to Durham flexible with a PODS portable moving container dropped off right in your driveway for convenient loading on your own time. When you’re ready, your loaded container will be picked up and transported to your new address in Durham, NC. Need more time before delivery? You can have it taken to a secure PODS Storage Center instead — and know you have plenty of time, with one month of storage built into the cost of every move.

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

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}