Have you ever considered relocating to one of the hottest cities in the highly praised hi-tech parks of the East? We are not talking about a hot climate; we are talking about a city widely known as one of the top cities to relocate to. The Triangle Region is cemented in the public consciousness as one of the largest hi-tech research and development parks and the city of Durham as the best place to live within the park.
According to Raleigh Realty, more than 70 people relocate to the Durham area every day. Why do people find this city so attractive? You are probably thinking of great job opportunities since it has such a world-renowned research park. But we haven’t even talked about the great food, unique attractions, and Durham’s top-notch education which are just a few of the perks of living in the area.
Durham is a city committed to being great and always looking for ways to improve, and that is why people love it. If you are interested in discovering more about Durham NC, stick with us to find out the ins and outs of the hottest city in the Triangle Region.
What is the Triangle Region?
Since we have mentioned it so often, it is probably best to give some insight as to what the Research Triangle is and how it became what it is today. Also known as the Science Triangle, the region is located in Piedmont, North Carolina, and three major research universities anchor it: Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
RTP (Research Triangle Park) received its name relative to the three surrounding cities of Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. Academics from N.C. State and Duke University created the Science Triangle to do research together, keep graduates in the state, and leverage the area’s strengths. After it was established in 1959, the 7,000 acre area became one of the most successful parks across the globe, home to more than 300 companies.
Durham is one of the communities that benefit from the area’s success, and it is one of the things the city of Durham is known for. But what makes it the hottest city in the Science Triangle Region? Why would you choose Durham over the other two cities? Let’s find out!
The cost of living in Durham NC
If you considered relocating to one of the cities within the Science Triangle, you might need to dive a little further to find out what each of these cities has to offer. On the other hand, if the cost of living is your main concern, then you should know that the city of Durham North Carolina comes on top. But, is Durham an expensive place to live compared to the other two cities?
Compared to the national average, the city of Durham has a cost of living that is about 5% lower and about 5% higher than the state average. These numbers are not very convincing if you look at it this way. However, Durham is about 25% cheaper than Chapel Hill and 10% cheaper than Raleigh. In other words, living in Durham NC is the most affordable place within the Science Triangle if expenses are your primary concern.
Most notably is the difference in the median home value between the three cities. Durham NC has a median home value of about $230,000, while Raleigh’s home value goes up to $270,000. Chapel Hill goes even further by having a home value situated at a whopping median price of about $380,000.
Getting into the housing market in the Science Triangle is even easier if you get in touch with our real estate agents in Durham NC, who can help you find the best home options on the market. The great cost of living in Durham NC motivates many people to choose this city on top of the others.
Durham’s NC real estate market
Even though the city of Durham NC has the cheapest housing options in Research Triangle Park, you are probably curious to find out more about its real estate market. Durham doesn’t disappoint in this regard since it has some of the best neighborhoods in the Triangle area.
If you love the urban lifestyle where all the action takes place, you might want to consider the downtown area of Durham. Some of the most sought-after attractions in Durham NC are located downtown.
The busy area is boosting lots of restaurants, breweries, shops, and revitalized industrial districts. The upscale area is conveniently located, and it is unrivaled in Durham. However, housing costs in the neighborhood are also amongst the highest so be financially prepared for a considerable investment.
The city offers the best of both worlds when it comes to the real estate market of Durham NC. You have urban living in the downtown area and neighborhoods with a suburban feel around the city center. Living amongst mature trees while being located close to the action is for many the ideal lifestyle, and it is very much obtainable in the city of Durham NC.
Things do not stop here, and by moving to the outskirts of Durham, you can find miles of green fields and trees populating the place for an authentic rural feel. As far as home types go, the community has everything from condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, so you might want to search the real estate market of Durham to find out what suits you best.
Things to do in Durham NC
Durham is the vertices of the Research Triangle Park, and the thriving job market in the region is attracting many people to the area for that reason. But, it’s not always about work! Sometimes we want to have fun, and luckily, there is no better place in the Science Triangle to do just that.
If you love nature and its inhabitants, you might want to visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens for a fantastic experience in the wild. The extensive gardens hold various areas where you can see different types of plants along with terraced flower beds. The park has a lake crossed by a bridge and multiple paths that walk you through the stunning landscape to find numerous plants and birds.
If you would like to find out more about Durham’s history, visiting the Duke University Chapel is one of the best things to do in Durham NC. Duke Chapel is a magnificent structure with a rich history that was first constructed in 1930 and completed in 1932.
Along the lines of Museums, Durham is home to the Museum of Life and Science, one of North Carolina’s top attractions. Parents and children can engage together in an interactive experience at the science park that includes a science center, a butterfly conservatory, and beautiful outdoor exhibits.
Sports fans will not be disappointed with the fan base built around the two famous baseball and basketball teams of Durham NC. Cameron Indoor Stadium is for many tourists a once in a lifetime opportunity for a fantastic sports experience.
Attending a Blue Devils game in-person at the indoor stadium is one of the best things you can do. Baseball is just as renowned as the Durham Bulls deliver spectacular home runs at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Make sure you don’t miss out on any of these important events.
Crime rates in Durham NC
One of the biggest concerns people have about Durham NC is the safety regarding the area. Durham is one of the most culturally diverse cities, and many love the city for that reason. But, spreading news about the high crime rate concerns many people who think about relocating to the area.
Is Durham NC, a safe city to live in? Let’s dive deeper and find out more about it.
Durham is not the worst city in North Carolina in terms of safety, but it does have it’s issues. In the city, you have neighborhoods where college students thrive and areas with family-friendly amenities. Also, the strong economy, along with tons of entertainment, bring in young professionals who are looking for thriving careers. However, the city of Durham does have it’s preppy places and ghettos where it is not as safe as other areas.
As you already know, you can’t expect all the neighborhoods to be excellent, and the city does have its share of rotten apples. People’s experiences are very different, based on where they come from. If you come from one of NY’s “rough’ neighborhoods, you might think that living in Durham is very safe. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Durham NC are Blands, Rougemont, Orange Factory, Fox Run, Huckleberry Spring, and many others.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best place to live within the Triangle Region, you should consider the city of Durham NC. The community ranks as one of the best places to live in North Carolina, not just in the Science Triangle. With a strong economy, top universities, loads of entertainment, and affordable prices there is no surprise that living in Durham is considered a luxury for many residents.
If you want to be part of Durham’s community, leave us a comment, and let us know. Tell us about your experience within the city’s borders and if you find our article useful, feel free to share it on your social media.
