OK so We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider — Durham sits at 730.0 per 100K. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development.
28 upvotes
3 Replies
Susan K.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much growing but now it's pretty good.
29 upvotes
indy_ian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Aubrey Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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