Durham's Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
For those young couples and single individuals who aren’t quite ready for the suburbs and would prefer a neighborhood with options for leisure activities, here are some trendy spots in Durham to consider.
Craving some peach and quiet, but not ready to head to the suburbs quite yet? Plan your move to Durham by exploring these seven trendy neighborhoods with a perfect balance of entertainment and convenience.
Trinity Park
Located between Downtown Durham and Duke University’s East Campus, this neighborhood is filled with historic homes and buildings—earning a place on the National Register of Historic Districts. It’s an easy walk to campus, as well as plenty of downtown restaurants and entertainment – perfect for a young student, professional, or couple who still want to get out and explore. This is also a popular neighborhood for renovations and custom rebuild projects for new homeowners who love this part of the city.
Watts-Hillandale
As one of Durham’s oldest residential areas, Watts-Hillandale has a slight suburban vibe but still provides easy access to stores and services. Visit Ninth Street and discover something for everyone in this unique, walkable district that many small businesses love to call home. And for history buffs, Duke Homestead offers guided tours, a museum, and picnic area for afternoon adventures.
Walltown
Boasting homes with plentiful yards for pets and children to frolic, Walltown is home to the Walltown Children’s Theatre, as well as fun restaurants like the Dog House, serving a unique take on the hotdog. And the expansive Walltown Fitness Center is a phenomenal option for those who enjoy exercising regularly – the space offers workout and cardio equipment, an indoor walking track, fitness classes, basketball courts and more!
Duke Campus Neighborhoods
As the epicenter of the city’s emphasis on education and culture, the Duke Campus neighborhood attracts students, researchers, scholars, professors, and other young professionals accordingly. This neighborhood is also close to Duke’s gorgeous and walkable campus and gardens, local greenways, trails, dog parks, and countless outdoor recreation options, including Duke Forest and Al Buehler Trail.
Lakewood
Located just south of Downtown Durham, Lakewood is quickly becoming its own destination. New restaurants, cafes, and shops have opened over the last few years, including Cocoa Cinnamon, Country Fare (plus food trucks!), the Durham Co-op Market, and Joe Van Gogh. And for those considering starting a family, Lakewood offers top ranked schools to consider.
East Durham
Hip and walkable East Durham tends to call to artists of all genres and mediums. Check out the East Durham Bake Shop, an adorable and delectable café, before heading over to Hi-Wire Brewing, an Asheville import with massive space and tasty hops. The old Golden Belt Manufacturing Company was converted into an eclectic mixture of apartments, studios, and venues in 2008 – including the Hi-Wire Brewing space.
River Forest
This well-established neighborhood offers affordable and cozy homes, perfect for those seeking a single-family residence. Many sit on quarter-acre lots and have easy access to outdoor adventure options like West Point on the Eno City Park and Turtle Hole.
Ready to call Durham your new home? Move into your ideal neighborhood and your own custom home when you build with Atmos.
