Firstly why Durham, North-Carolina?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Durham
• State: North-Carolina
• Population: 283,506 people
• Durham’s quick summary would be Known for Duke University, the American Tobacco Campus, and its thriving food scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 17,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Duke University and a growing tech scene attracting students and professionals

Perk #1: Durham Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 56%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $64,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Durham is $67,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Durham’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,160
• Property Tax %: 0.73%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,550
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Trinity Park
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Durham, Chapel-Hill, Morrisville, Carrboro, and probably could include Apex
• Avg. Age of Homes in Durham: 39 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Durham’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Durham are  Healthcare, Education, and Technology
• Durham Job Scene: growing job market focusing on healthcare and education
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub largely supported by research from Duke University and biotech industries , ,
• Durham Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Durham: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 190 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 9

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Durham

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-85 connects Durham to the greater Triangle area
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on US-70
• Transportation Score: 55 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Durham: 120,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Durham: ncdot.gov/dmv
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Raleigh-Durham International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Durham’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Durham is best described as has hot summers and mild winters with a mix of rain and snow
• Winter Weather in Durham i’d describe as mild with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Durham can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Durham are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Durham is usually mild and pleasant
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 19 days in summer
• Days in a row in Durham below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 46 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urbanization
• Durham Winter Air average air quality influenced by urban development

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Durham Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Durham 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Durhams’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Durham County Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Durham Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Durham only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Durham only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 45/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Durham’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Durham’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Durham’s Water Quality Score: 71

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Durham

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to universities and a vibrant food scene
• You might enjoy concerts at the DPAC
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Durham  has a vibrant nightlife with local eateries bars and music venues catering to both students and locals

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Durham

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a vibrant food scene with diverse cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 75 scattered around Durham
• The Popular Sports Team is Durham Bulls
• Top Level Political Climate in Durham can be described as liberal city with a focus on education and community development
• Durham’s Longer standing religious establishment is Duke University Chapel

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Durham Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Durham has 55 Parks?
• Duke Forest is Durham’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Durham Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Durham Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Durham can be described as active urban atmosphere centered around education and healthcare
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Durham hiking nature trails exploring local attractions attending festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Durham are Raleigh 25 miles away Chapel-Hill 13 miles away Hillsborough 14 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Durham or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on US-70. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Durham’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Trinity Park is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Durham are Raleigh 25 miles away Chapel-Hill 13 miles away Hillsborough 14 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Durham has 5 days in a row below freezing and 19 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Durham people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Durham. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal city with a focus on education and community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Durham.

Retiree & Senior Life in Durham

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for local property tax relief programs easing their expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Oakridge
• Durham Senior Center provides recreational activities meal services and community engagement for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Durham, North-Carolina?

If Durham, North-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Durham, North-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!