Welcome to Durham
Durham is the eclectic blend of old and new. The city is fast becoming a major tech hub in the southeast, with investments from top companies such as Apple, IBM, and Google. Along with world-renowned Duke University, as well as several other top-rated schools, Durham offers much in the way of educational and professional growth for its residents.
Even so, Durham is still home to the traditional southern charm and beautiful historical architecture accompanied by lush, mature vegetation. Homes in the area range from older (but still charming) bungalows to newer, farmhouse-style homes with large yards and eye-catching greenery. There are also mature stately manors available, and for those who prefer a contemporary-style home, new constructions of this style are also available.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Durham has something for everyone. While it's an excellent area for young professionals and young families, mature couples also appreciate the many activities (e.g., plays, art displays, athletic events) offered by the local colleges, as well as the walkable neighborhoods and historical charm of the city. Due to the draw of the many tech companies, smaller businesses have also sprouted in the area—these range from engineering and tech-supporting smaller businesses to small, interesting eateries with an international flair.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Saint James Seafood is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Its top-notch dishes include Scottish salmon, crab linguine, and classic shrimp and grits. For premier southern comfort food, visit Dame's Chicken & Waffles for some of their signature dishes, including Mimi's Sassy Shrimp and, of course, their famous chicken and waffles. For upscale dining with the heart of Spain, yet the soul of the South, Mateo Bar de Tapas will not disappoint. Enjoy some of its signature seafood dishes, along with a bottle of wine from its extensive collection. Another international option is M Sushi, in nearby Durham. Besides its interesting array of sushi items, M Sushi also offers traditional Japanese fare.
For a unique shopping experience, try Brightleaf Square. It's home to multiple locally-owned shops and eateries, all within an intriguing setting of restored tobacco warehouses, complete with an outdoor courtyard. The Streets at Southpoint offers high-end department stores, an upscale movie theater, live music while you shop, and much more.
Things to Do
Sports-minded residents in Durham have a plethora of events from which to choose. From top-rated basketball games at Duke University and the many other college-level athletic events, to the Triple-A minor league baseball games of the Durham Bulls. The only challenge for the Durham sports enthusiast is to decide which event to attend.
For those who love to spend time outdoors, there's Eno River State Park. The park has almost 4,000 acres of woodlands where visitors can hike, camp, fish, canoe, or go for a quiet walk to commune with nature. In addition to the many activities on the Duke campus, there's the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, home to 55 acres of public gardens. The gardens also have five miles of public walking paths, a koi pond, and an amphitheater.
Lastly, the Durham Performing Arts Center hosts a range of entertainment events, including well-known musical artists and Broadway shows, all held in a beautiful, upscale theater setting.
Schools
The Durham area is served by the Durham Public Schools school district. Top-rated educational institutions in the area include:
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Duke University, offers undergrad and graduate programs, report card: A+
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North Carolina Central University, offers undergrad and graduate programs, ranks #14 out of 65 NC universities
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North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, grades 11-12 - just won an award recently
