A picture of the city of Durham

Durham

About Durham, North Carolina

Welcome to Durham, a city that embodies a unique blend of historical richness, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit. Known as the "City of Medicine" and a cornerstone of the Research Triangle, Durham is a hub for innovation, healthcare, and education. The city is home to Duke University, a leading institution that influences the community's vibrant culture. Durham's diverse neighborhoods, from the historic streets of Brightleaf Square to the family-friendly enclaves of Hope Valley, offer a variety of living experiences. Residents enjoy a dynamic arts scene, eclectic dining options, and numerous parks and green spaces, making Durham a dynamic and welcoming place to live and work.

Quick Links To Other City Pages

Average Home Prices in Durham

The average home price in Durham, NC, stands at approximately $397,715.

Based on calculations of home data from MLS and/or public records.

North Carolina Veteran Benefits

  • North Carolina State Veterans Homes
    North Carolina provides four state veterans homes in Black Mountain, Fayetteville, Kinston, and Salisbury, offering care for honorably discharged resident veterans who meet eligibility criteria, with an associated fee.
  • Income Tax
    Military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments are exempt from state income tax in North Carolina, offering financial relief to veterans.
  • Property Tax Exemption
    Veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the VA are eligible for a significant deduction on their home's property tax, with benefits extending to surviving spouses.
  • Vehicle Highway Tax Exemption
    Disabled veterans in North Carolina can receive an exemption from the highway tax for vehicles adapted by the VA for their use.
  • State Employment Veterans Preference
    North Carolina provides employment preference to wartime veterans, spouses of disabled veterans, and surviving spouses, aiding in state government job acquisition.
  • Assistive Technology Program
    The NC Assistive Technology Program supports veterans with disabilities, offering technology solutions and services to aid in their transition to civilian life.
  • Business Support
    Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) offers free support to veterans starting small businesses, providing resources and guidance for entrepreneurial success.
  • Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans
    This scholarship supports education for children of wartime veterans or disabled veterans, fostering academic growth and opportunity.
  • Veteran Recreation Benefits
    North Carolina offers discounted hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans and allows active-duty members stationed in the state to obtain licenses at resident rates.
  • State Veterans Cemeteries
    The state maintains four veterans cemeteries where honorably discharged North Carolina veterans are eligible for free burial, with a nominal fee for spouses.
Click here to request more information about the VA Home Loan
Want to fast track your approval?
Start with an Instant Prequalification.

START TODAY

Durham Neighborhoods and Surrounding Areas

Durham's diverse landscape offers an array of neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics and community vibes. This detailed overview starts with the most populous and significant areas, providing insights into 25 of Durham's neighborhoods and surrounding locales:

  • Downtown Durham: The heart of the city, Downtown Durham, is a vibrant hub of business, arts, and entertainment. With a rich history reflected in its architecture, the area has transformed into a dynamic urban center, offering luxury condos, trendy lofts, and an array of dining and shopping options, appealing to a diverse urban population.
  • Southpoint: Known for the Streets at Southpoint mall, this area combines residential neighborhoods with extensive retail and dining, drawing a mix of young professionals and families attracted to its modern amenities and convenient location.
  • Brightleaf: A key player in Durham's revitalization, Brightleaf blends historic charm with contemporary living. The district's lively square, surrounded by shops and restaurants, is a focal point for community interaction and urban lifestyle.
  • Trinity Park: Adjacent to Duke University, Trinity Park is prized for its historic homes and community-oriented atmosphere, offering a blend of academic culture and residential tranquility, making it popular among faculty, students, and families.
  • Hope Valley: Esteemed as one of Durham's premier neighborhoods, Hope Valley features luxurious homes and a renowned country club, set against a backdrop of historical significance, attracting those seeking an upscale suburban lifestyle.
  • Duke Park: Near downtown, Duke Park is cherished for its diverse architectural styles and inclusive community vibe, providing a mix of affordable and mid-range housing options, ideal for young professionals and families.
  • Forest Hills: With its grand historic homes and verdant park, Forest Hills offers a glimpse into Durham's past, paired with a strong community spirit, appealing to residents who value charm and tranquility.
  • Old West Durham: Reflecting Durham's eclectic and inclusive nature, Old West Durham boasts a mix of housing options and a vibrant local scene, making it attractive to a broad demographic, from students to long-standing residents.
  • American Tobacco District: This revitalized area symbolizes Durham's industrial heritage and contemporary innovation, offering loft apartments, entertainment, and office spaces in a lively, walkable district.
  • Woodcroft: A planned community that resonates with families and professionals, Woodcroft provides a suburban feel with ample amenities, green spaces, and community activities, fostering a welcoming neighborhood environment.
  • Parkwood: A self-contained community in south Durham, Parkwood offers a mix of residential options, from single-family homes to townhouses, surrounded by parks, a lake, and local shopping centers, making it a self-sufficient and family-friendly locale.
  • Northgate Park: Situated near downtown, this neighborhood is known for its charming bungalows, community park, and proximity to Durham's central business district, appealing to those seeking a suburban feel with urban convenience.
  • Cleveland-Holloway: Just a stone's throw from the heart of Durham, this historic neighborhood is experiencing revitalization, attracting a diverse group of residents with its unique character homes and close-knit community vibe.
  • Watts-Hillandale: With a strong sense of community and active neighborhood association, Watts-Hillandale is popular for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and the annual Fourth of July parade, embodying small-town charm within the city.
  • Treyburn: Located in northern Durham, this upscale community is centered around the Treyburn Country Club, offering luxurious homes, golf course views, and ample green space, catering to those seeking an exclusive suburban lifestyle.
  • Rockwood: Offering a blend of vintage homes and new developments, Rockwood is known for its eclectic vibe, local eateries, and shops, providing a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere that's particularly appealing to young families and professionals.
  • Morehead Hill: A neighborhood rich in history and architectural diversity, Morehead Hill is part of Durham's historic district, offering scenic views of the downtown skyline and a variety of housing styles, from Victorian to modern renovations.
  • Hope Valley Farms: This expansive neighborhood offers a range of housing options, community amenities, and green spaces, making it a desirable location for those seeking an active and connected lifestyle in a suburban setting.
  • South Durham: Known for its rapid growth and development, South Durham combines residential areas with commercial hubs, providing residents with convenience and accessibility alongside new housing developments and established communities.
  • Old North Durham: Steeped in history and community pride, Old North Durham features historic homes and vibrant streetscapes, with a strong sense of neighborhood identity and easy access to downtown's resources.
  • East Durham: An area in transition, East Durham is attracting attention for its potential, with investments in residential and commercial developments aiming to rejuvenate this historically working-class neighborhood.
  • West End: Near Duke University and downtown, West End is a neighborhood in transformation, blending new construction with historic homes, appealing to those who appreciate diversity and community engagement.
  • Bethesda: On the eastern edge of Durham, Bethesda offers a mix of residential choices, from established neighborhoods to new subdivisions, known for its affordability and accessibility to major highways.
  • Colonial Village: A quiet, established neighborhood with a variety of housing styles, Colonial Village is favored by residents for its affordability, mature trees, and proximity to schools and parks.
  • Grove Park: A neighborhood centered around a lake and golf course, Grove Park offers a range of housing options with community amenities, appealing to those seeking recreational activities and a neighborly atmosphere.

Military in Durham

Durham values its military community, providing various resources and services for veterans and active-duty members. While not home to a military base, Durham's proximity to significant installations in North Carolina ensures robust support and community integration for military personnel:

  • Proximity to Military Bases: Durham is within driving distance to Fort Bragg and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, allowing military families to access the resources of these installations while enjoying the quality of life Durham offers.
  • Local Support Services: Durham offers numerous services for veterans, including healthcare at the Durham VA Medical Center, educational programs, and community support groups, facilitating a supportive environment for military families.

Local Universities in Durham

Durham is a prominent educational hub, home to prestigious institutions that offer supportive environments for veterans and military personnel, alongside their renowned academic programs:

  • Duke University: With a strong commitment to veteran services, Duke provides resources and programs designed to support veteran students, including financial aid, counseling, and academic support, within its esteemed academic environment.
  • North Carolina Central University: This historically black university offers a supportive community for veterans, with dedicated services to help them transition to academic life and maximize their educational benefits.
  • Durham Technical Community College: Offering a range of programs and services tailored to veterans, Durham Tech helps integrate military experience into education and career advancement, providing a practical and supportive path for veterans.

VA Home Loans in Durham with MHS Lending

VA home loans offer an excellent opportunity for veterans considering Durham as their home. MHS Lending is here to assist with expert advice and specialized services:

  • Expertise in VA Loans: MHS Lending's professionals are well-versed in the specifics of VA loans, offering personalized guidance to help veterans understand and utilize these benefits effectively in Durham's real estate market.
  • Home Buying Assistance: From searching for the right property to closing the deal, MHS Lending provides comprehensive support for veterans, ensuring a smooth and informed home-buying process.
  • Community Integration: MHS Lending helps veterans not only in acquiring their new home but also in integrating into Durham's community, making the transition as seamless as possible for military families.

Veterans looking to explore the housing market in Durham can count on MHS Lending for dedicated support with VA home loans, facilitating a positive and successful home buying experience. Get Started Now.

Click here to request more information about the VA Home Loan
WHY WAIT?
Start with an Instant Prequalification.

START TODAY