7 Popular Durham Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Durham in 2024

Durham, NC, is a charming city with a rich history, a thriving cultural scene, and beautiful scenery. With its quaint neighborhoods and community feeling, Durham draws residents from all over. Whether you’re looking for a small-town feel or big-city amenities, Durham has it all. For example, the average rent in Durham is $1,772, while the median sale price is $416,460.

If you’re considering living in the city, you may be wondering where to buy a home or rent an apartment in Durham. At Redfin, we’ve collected 7 popular Durham neighborhoods to explore. From the historic charm of Old North Durham to the bustling energy of Downtown, there is a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle.

1. Alston Avenue

Alston Avenue is located outside of Durham’s city center and offers easy access to various attractions, parks, and historic places. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant community and proximity to downtown Durham. Major attractions in the area include the Hayti Heritage Center and The Durham Green Flea Market. Alston Avenue offers a range of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

Median Sale Price: $278,000

Homes for Sale in Alston Avenue | Apartments for Rent in Alston Avenue

2. Downtown

Downtown Durham is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of the city. It offers a bustling urban atmosphere with a wide range of attractions, including the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the Durham Performing Arts Center, and the Carolina Theatre. The neighborhood is also known for its vibrant food scene, with numerous restaurants and cafes to explore. Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby Durham Central Park and the American Tobacco Trail.

Downtown Durham features a mix of housing types and architectural styles. The neighborhood offers a variety of options, including historic homes, modern apartments, and contemporary townhouses. Architectural styles in Downtown Durham range from classic Victorian and Colonial Revival to sleek modern designs.

Median Sale Price: $682,500

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,847 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,610

Homes for Sale in Downtown | Apartments for Rent in Downtown

3. Duke Forest

Duke Forest is a picturesque neighborhood with a serene and natural setting, with easy access to Duke University. The community is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and peaceful atmosphere. Major attractions in the area include the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Nasher Museum of Art. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby Duke Forest, which offers miles of trails for hiking and biking. The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes, charming cottages, and spacious townhouses in architectural styles ranging from traditional Colonial and Tudor Revival to contemporary designs.

Median Sale Price: $634,000

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,290

Homes for Sale in Duke Forest | Apartments for Rent in Duke Forest

4. Duke Park

Duke Park is a charming neighborhood with a convenient location near downtown Durham. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and 1920s homes. Major attractions in the area include the Duke Park and the Motorco Music Hall. Duke Park features a mix of housing types and architectural styles. The neighborhood offers a range of single-family homes, cozy bungalows, and modern townhouses. Architectural styles in Duke Park vary from classic Craftsman and Colonial Revival to contemporary designs.

Median Sale Price: $520,000

Homes for Sale in Duke Park | Apartments for Rent in Duke Park

5. Hope Valley

Hope Valley is known for its beautiful homes and well-maintained streets. Major attractions in the area include the Hope Valley Country Club and the Streets at Southpoint Mall. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Third Fork Creek Trail and Southern Boundaries Park. The neighborhood offers a range of single-family homes, spacious estates, and modern townhouses, in styles like classic Georgian and Tudor Revival to contemporary designs.

Median Sale Price: $475,000

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,380 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,555

Homes for Sale in Hope Valley | Apartments for Rent in Hope Valley

6. Old North Durham

Old North Durham is a historic neighborhood located in Durham. It offers a charming and eclectic atmosphere with a mix of historic homes and modern amenities. The neighborhood has a vibrant arts scene and plenty of local businesses. Old North Durham offers a mix of historic homes, renovated cottages, and contemporary townhouses, in styles like classic Victorian and Craftsman to modern designs.

Median Sale Price: $417,500

Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,395

Homes for Sale in Old North Durham | Apartments for Rent in Old North Durham

7. Parkwood

Parkwood offers a suburban setting with easy access to amenities and parks. Major attractions in the area include Parkwood Lake and Hidden Park and Playground. Parkwood features a mix of housing types and architectural styles. The neighborhood offers a range of single-family homes, ranch-style houses, and townhouses.

Median Sale Price: $415,000

Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,437 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,705

Homes for Sale in Parkwood | Apartments for Rent in Parkwood

Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during November 2023.