Durham neighborhoods are filled with residents from around the U.S., especially as the Triangle area remains a favorite destination among retirees for its thriving culture and affordable cost-of-living.
Retirement in Durham, NC is what you make it -- a peaceful getaway among the many lakes, nature parks and gardens, or an active hub of fun and friends with excellent food and drink, live entertainment, music, art, and history while exploring the Triangle cities or even staying within your own community.
In Durham, you can choose housing with resort style amenities, or get away from it all in the country. Durham's affordable housing options vary from modern apartments, townhouses ,and suburban style living, to historic properties, and even farm houses. Golf, nature walks, massive gardens and culinary treats in a vibrant downtown are ready for you to explore, and you can wind down in a beautiful home that won't break the bank. No matter if it’s relaxation or play you desire, you can craft your retirement to your liking in Durham.
Independent Living
If you're entering into retirement and don't require any care assistance, there are plenty of Durham neighborhoods suited for you. While you can certainly explore the many quiet suburbs throughout the city, there are also independent communities specifically for those 55 and older that offer beautiful ranch and two-story housing options with top-of-the-line recreational amenities. These communities also take care of your yard work, so your outdoor chores will be a thing of the past.
1. Carolina Arbors by Del Webb Neighborhood
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The
Carolina Arbors neighborhood is located right on the cusp of where Durham meets Raleigh not far from the Research Triangle Park. This 55+ community is just one mile from Brier Creek shopping and restaurants, three miles from Umstead State Park spanning 5,579 acres, and only minute away from RDU International Airport.
- Price Range: $244,900 to $463,000
- Surrounding area has 100% less crime than Durham
- Median age for surrounding area is 34.2
- Median household income for surroudning area is $81,084
Home options at Carolina Arbors include 12 homes designs ranging from 1,109 to 2,562 sq. ft. The neighborhood is 460 acres, surrounded by 28 acres of wooded land. The Amenity Center includes a fitness center, outdoor saline pool, courts for pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball, as well as billiards and varsity rooms. If you’re an animal lover, this neighborhood also boasts a dog park. Residents will have plenty of activity at their fingertips with arts and crafts classes, cards and games gatherings, as well as volunteering opportunities.
Not only is Carolina Arbors just one mile away from all the dining and shopping Brier Creek has to offer, it is easily accessible to Hwy. 70, I540 and I-40 which can quickly take you to downtown Durham or downtown Raleigh where you’ll find museums, historical landmarks, sporting and theatre events and so much more. There are also two golf courses within 15 miles, and is just a short drive to the the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens which is treasured by locals as well as the more than 300,000 visitors from around the world who come to tour the grounds each year.
2. Brightleaf at the Park Neighborhood
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If you’re looking for similar amenities as Carolina Arbors without the specific designation for retirees, you may prefer the family-friendly Durham neighborhoods like
Brightleaf at the Park. Not far from Carolina Arbors, this neighborhood is also a short drive to the sites and sounds of downtown Durham and Raleigh, as well as historic Chapel Hill -- home to the University of North Carolina’s flagship school.
- Price Range $249,900 to $370,000
- Median age of this neighboord is 38
- Has 60% less property crime than Durham
- Average household income is $41,184
The homes at Brightleaf at the Park range from three to four bedrooms, 2,020 to 3,170 sq. ft. Residents also have access to a tennis club, swim club, and fitness center, as well as nature trails ideal for bird watching, or even spotting the occasional deer. If you’ll have grandchildren visiting, they too can enjoy these amenities, along with a playground built for kids of all ages.
- Environment and Art Appreciation
Walking through Brightleaf at the Park, you’ll see retirees and families alike strolling by art sculptures that sit among newly built homes, all set within a beautiful natural back setting.
That’s because the neighborhood was created with art and environmental impact in mind. The displays of public art were created by students and chosen by a panel of art enthusiasts for the neighborhood, while the nature trails are built among the community’s expansive green space that earned Brightleaf at the Park certification from the Audubon Society for having an environmentally responsible land plan.
Assisted Living
There are multiple Durham neighborhoods with
assisted living options, providing tiered levels of care depending on the needs of you or your loved ones. Most of the facilities also boast active community options in fitness, nature, and access to the fun within the cities of the Triangle all while providing on-site healthcare. Assisted care communities in Durham vary from apartment and luxury suites, to single family homes that offer resort-like amenities.
- The City of Medicine
Source:en.wikipedia.org
Durham is actually known as the
“City of Medicine” because of the healthcare industry’s prominence there, as well as its renowned facilities. Duke University Hospital and Medical Center was recognized as one of the top 10 U.S. hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, and was one of the three U.S. hospitals recognized by the American Hospital Association for leadership and innovation in quality, safety, and commitment to patient care. The physician-to-population ratio in Durham is almost 4.5 times the national average with over 3,700 licensed physicians and interns and more than 6,000 nurses.