Durham, North Carolina, just northwest of Raleigh, moves with a steady, confident rhythm shaped by decades of growth rooted in research, education, and healthcare. That influence is felt everywhere—from Research Triangle Park, Duke University, and the region’s leading medical institutions to the way the city has chosen depth and durability over urgency. Tobacco-era warehouses have been thoughtfully reimagined into offices, homes, and gathering places—creating an urban fabric that remains active throughout the day. Walkable districts and carefully planned density give the city an energy that feels naturally alive, allowing growth to unfold without sacrificing character.
Known as the Bull City, Durham carries a creative confidence that comes from blending academic and industrial roots with a modern cultural pulse. The tech and startup scene continues to grow, and the food culture is something locals genuinely care about. Places like Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) contribute to a lifestyle that feels intellectually engaged yet grounded. What becomes clear over time is the city’s natural balance—where innovation and tradition coexist, and ambition is matched by livability. Durham continues to reveal itself as confident in its identity, open-minded in perspective, and intentional about its growth.
At The Real Estate Studio, we bring a high-touch, locally informed perspective to every community we serve. This guide to Durham combines our neighborhood expertise with key local data to provide a clear view of how the city lives today and how it continues to evolve—helping you make informed decisions about your next move.
Here’s a quick look at Durham's population, age, income, and density—the basics you’ll want to know as you explore the area. Durham represents approximately 24.9% of Durham County's total population.
This section provides a demographic overview of Durham, North Carolina, based on publicly available census data. It summarizes housing characteristics, employment patterns, commuting metrics, and key education data points—offering a standardized, data-driven snapshot for reference and comparison.
*Census Data: ACS2023 5-year
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View our full collection of neighborhood guides covering cities and towns throughout the Triangle region. Each guide offers consistent local insight, school information, and current property context to support informed comparisons.
Neighborhood descriptions are provided for general informational purposes and reflect the perspective of The Real Estate Studio. Demographic, housing, and school-related data are drawn primarily from publicly available sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 1-Year estimates, unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise stated, city-level figures reflect the Census Bureau’s “Place” geography for each municipality. Data points marked with a † indicate a margin of error of at least 10 percent and should be interpreted with care. All information is intended for general reference only and should be considered alongside independent verification and professional guidance tailored to your specific needs. Data reflects the most recent update as of January 26, 2026.