DURHAM

Last updated: October 2026

Durham, North Carolina is the fourth-largest city in the state and one of the three anchors of the Research Triangle, with Raleigh and Chapel Hill. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Durham's population at about 305,561 as of July 2025, up from 283,506 in the 2020 census. Durham is home to Duke University and borders Research Triangle Park, and it's known as the Bull City for its tobacco history and its minor-league baseball team.

People who move to Durham usually want a short commute to Duke or RTP, a lively downtown and older neighborhoods with character. If you're still deciding, start with is Durham a good place to live and 12 reasons people love living in Durham.

Durham neighborhoods

Durham neighborhoods range from historic in-town areas like Trinity Park, Old West Durham and Forest Hills to newer suburban subdivisions in south and north Durham. Our guide to the best neighborhoods in Durham for home buyers compares the main areas by price and lifestyle.

• Best Neighborhoods in Durham for Home Buyers
• Raleigh vs Durham: Which Is the Better City?
• Should I Buy in Durham or Raleigh?

What homes cost in Durham

According to Redfin, the median sale price in Durham, NC was about $425,000 as of August 2026, down 2.6% from a year earlier, with homes taking around 36 days to sell. That puts Durham about level with Raleigh and well below Chapel Hill.

	Durham, NC	Raleigh, NC	Chapel Hill, NC
Median sale price	$425,000	$420,000	$659,564
Change from a year earlier	Down 2.6%	Down 6.7%	Up 19.9%
Median days on market	36	39	40
Homes sold in August	938	1,447	169

Source: Redfin housing market data for Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, August 2026.

For the full cost picture, read how much money you need to buy a home in Durham and down payment assistance programs for Durham buyers.

Schools in Durham

Public schools in Durham are part of Durham Public Schools, a separate district from Wake County, and the district runs a range of magnet and specialty programs. Durham also has several well-known charter and private schools.

School assignments in Durham are set by address and can change, so check any Durham address with the Durham Public Schools assignment tool before you make an offer.

Commuting from Durham

Durham borders Research Triangle Park, so many Durham commutes to RTP take 15 to 20 minutes. Downtown Raleigh is about 25 miles east, usually 30 to 40 minutes by I-40 or the Durham Freeway (NC 147), and RDU International Airport sits between the two cities.

Living in south Durham near I-40 shortens the drive to RTP and Raleigh. For how Durham compares with Raleigh day to day, read Raleigh vs Durham: which is the better city to live.

Things to do in Durham

Downtown Durham has the American Tobacco Campus, the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, plus a busy restaurant scene. Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Eno River State Park and the American Tobacco Trail give Durham residents plenty of outdoor space.

For an honest look at life in Durham, read the pros and cons of living in Durham, is Durham the best place to live and the truth about Durham.

Working in Durham

Durham's biggest employers include Duke University and Duke Health, and thousands of Durham residents work in technology, life sciences and research jobs in Research Triangle Park. Downtown Durham also has a growing startup and office scene.

If you work in Durham but want a smaller town, see whether Pittsboro works if you commute to Raleigh or Durham.

Buying a home in Durham

Durham homes take about 36 days to sell according to Redfin, so well-priced homes in popular areas still move quickly. These Durham guides can help buyers:

• What first-time buyers should know about Durham
• Should you buy in Durham now or wait?
• How to compete as a buyer in Durham

Selling a home in Durham

Sellers in Durham need sharp pricing and good preparation to stand out. These Durham guides can help sellers:

• Is now a good time to sell in Durham?
• Should you sell now or wait?
• How much is my Durham home worth?
• How long it takes to sell in Durham
• What repairs to make before selling
• Should you renovate the kitchen before selling?
• How to sell fast without leaving money on the table
• Why your Durham home isn't selling
• Mistakes sellers make when listing in Durham
• Off-market or public listing?
• Closing costs for sellers in Durham

Frequently asked questions about Durham

What is the median home price in Durham, NC?

According to Redfin, the median sale price in Durham, NC was about $425,000 as of August 2026, down 2.6% from a year earlier. Homes in Durham sold in about 36 days on average.

How far is Durham from Raleigh?

Downtown Durham is about 25 miles west of downtown Raleigh, and the drive usually takes 30 to 40 minutes by I-40 or NC 147. Research Triangle Park sits between the two cities.

Is Durham, NC growing?

Yes. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Durham's population at about 305,561 as of July 2025, up from 283,506 in the 2020 census. Durham's growth is driven by Duke, Duke Health and jobs in Research Triangle Park.

Is Durham or Raleigh better for buyers?

Durham and Raleigh are priced close together. Redfin put Durham's median sale price at about $425,000 and Raleigh's at about $420,000 in August 2026. Durham is closer to Duke and much of RTP, while Raleigh has more suburbs and newer housing. Read should I buy in Durham or Raleigh.

Are Durham schools part of Wake County?

No. Durham is in Durham County and is served by Durham Public Schools, not the Wake County Public School System. Check the school assignment for any Durham address before you buy.

Thinking about Durham?

We're Brandy and Lance Nemergut with Be Sunshine Realty Group at eXp Realty, and we help people relocate to Durham and the rest of the Triangle every week. Start with our Durham guides or call or text us at 919-583-6895 and we'll walk you through the neighborhoods that fit your budget.