8 Things To Know Before Moving to Durham, NC

Planning a relocation to the Durham area but aren’t sure if it’s the right place for you and your family? Before you pack up the moving van and hit the road, take a moment to read up on all the reasons why moving to Durham could be the best decision you can make.

At Block & Associates, we have years of experience helping families adjust to life in the Durham area. In this blog post, our local experts will guide you through all the reasons why moving to this area is an excellent choice for your family.

1. Great Neighborhoods

Home to some of the best neighborhoods in the Triangle, Durham offers a strong sense of community perfect for growing families, young couples, and single households alike. Especially if you enjoy tree-lined streets, rich history, and eclectic culture, Durham is a great place to consider relocating to with your family.

2. Job Opportunities

As one of the fastest-growing cities for technology and medicine, Durham rests at the center of the Research Triangle Park, offering plenty of job opportunities at major companies like Amazon and Google.

Boasting one of the best unemployment rates in the state, those relocating to Durham without a job lined up will have no problem securing employment once they settle in.

3. Amazing Food

Rated the South’s tastiest town by Southern Living, Durham boasts a wide variety of exceptional restaurants that locals love. From the Brightleaf area’s bustling downtown dining destinations to Dame’s Chicken and Waffles on Foster Street, there are plenty of places to grab a bite that won’t disappoint.

4. Affordable Living

As families seek out areas that offer more affordable living, many have turned to the South as a haven from rising costs.

While Durham’s housing expenses are 9% higher than the national average and cost of living is 1% higher than the national average, it remains an affordable place to buy a home, get a reliable job, and send your children to the best schools.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Durham, NC:

Cost of Living Item	Average Price in Durham
Home Price	$430,000
Energy Expenses	$150/month
Phone Bill	$167.77/month
Doctor’s Visit	$137
Dentist Visit	$125.66
Gallon of Milk	$3.33

5. Idyllic Weather

With an average of 230 days of sunshine, Durham boasts an idyllic climate that’s hard to beat.

Even in the thick of winter, the Bull City area scarcely experiences below-freezing temperatures, with average highs of 55ºF from December to March. For those who prefer sunny, warm weather, Durham is a great place to call home.

6. Local History

Officially incorporated on April 10, 1869, Durham has a rich history that many visitors may find surprising. Here are a few interesting facts about the Bull City area that you might not know:

• Durham is believed to have been the site of an ancient Native American civilization called the Adshusheer.
• The town was named after Dr. Bartlett Snipes Durham, who sold his land to the North Carolina Railroad Company, which exploded in popularity after the Civil War.
• Speaking of the Civil War, as armies passed through Durham during this time, they fell in love with the area’s tobacco, which is how the Bull Durham Tobacco Factory was created.

If you’re a history buff, check out the Museum of Durham History to learn even more about the area.

7. Public Transportation

Are you commuting to work? No problem! Durham makes commuting easy with plenty of public transportation options to take employees where they need to go.

Whether you work in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, or Apex, employees have their pick of viable public transportation options, from buses and commuter rails to rentable bikes through the ShareTheRideNC program.

8. Entertainment District

With a thriving entertainment district, Durham offers plenty of things to do, no matter where your interests lie. Catch a game and grab a beer at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, or enjoy a Broadway show at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

From craft breweries to relaxing spas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Find Your Dream Home in Durham With Block & Associates

Are you convinced that Durham is the place for you and your family to call home? Find your dream home with help from the local experts at Block & Associates. Our knowledgeable real estate agents and attorneys have helped families settle into this beautiful town for nearly 30 years. 

Explore our available rentals, then call 919-459-6300 today to speak with our team.