Durham is recognized as one of the Best Places to Live in America. It boasts many of the key factors many people are looking for when they move to a new area, including affordability, jobs, housing, diversity, great schools, access to health care, an upbeat nightlife, and exceptional weather. All of these factors play an increasingly important role to the vibe of East Durham. In order to get a full picture of the area, an examination of demographics is in order.
In 2014, Durham’s population was about 294,460 people, an increase of nearly 10% compared to 2010. Durham’s demographics consists of people who consider themselves:
Like the national trend, women make up most of the population. The population of women in Durham makes up over 53% of the population. There are three zip codes that contribute to the population of East Durham: 27701, 27703, and 27709. The current population for these three zip codes is approximately, 65,000 as of 2010. Within East Durham, there are more people who consider themselves Black in the population, than any other race.
Education is top-priority in the area. With access to many highly-ranked schools, individuals living within Durham come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Within the population, of those individuals who are 25 and older, nearly 87% are high school graduates. Of the same population, more than 45% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the state’s average of only 23%.
With more people holding degrees from institutions of higher learning, there is no wonder why the median income in Durham is higher than the national average. Durham’s median income is $50,522 compared to North Carolina’s median income of $45,906 in 2013. In fact, over 50% of households make between $40,000 and $200,000 each year. Incomes based on zip codes are as follows:
Durham is also home to the distinguished Duke University Medical Center. People from all over the world travel to Duke University Medical Center for various forms of treatment. Many retirees find the area appealing because of the quality of care they receive from the medical facility.
East Durham is considered a country setting. However, it is full of tech and research-based jobs, and new houses as a result of the Research Triangle Park being included in the area recently. Individuals who choose to live in this part of town are free from the hustle and bustle of downtown. However, if they want to relax and soak in all the culture most residents are within miles of culture activities. The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), the Carolina Theater, and the Duke University Museum of Art are within miles of East Durham. DPAC is the Carolina’s largest performing art center, built in 2008. DPAC is the 4th ranked theater in the United States. In fact, the theater has been listed 5 times in Pollstar’s annual worldwide theater attendance rankings. DPAC hosts over 200 shows each year, including Broadway productions.
When you want to get out and about, there is nothing like experiencing the community at a local festival or event. Year round, within minutes of East Durham, there is always an event or a festival to attend. The following are some of the annual events newcomers can expect in East Durham:
Known as the City of Medicine, Durham does not undervalue the importance of play. There a ton of parks established throughout the city to reinforce the idea of community, regardless of where you live in the city. Some of the activities you can partake in at these parks include:
When it comes to nightlife in East Durham, there is very little to offer residents who are looking for upbeat night clubs and bars. However, with downtown only a few minutes away, East Durham residents can enjoy the tranquil nature of living in the country, yet having access to the city whenever it is convenient for them. In the downtown area, just minutes away from East Durham there are numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. From the Blue Note Grill to The Pinhook, there is something for everyone in downtown Durham.
Another great bonus to living in Durham is access to sporting events. Durham is home to the Durham Bulls, a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team. Additionally, Durham is home to the Duke Blue Devils, a world-renowned ACC basketball team.
There are many places you can get clothing and accessories to help you express what makes you exquisitely you. Within the area, there are boutiques, shopping malls, and other clothing facilities. Whether you are looking for eclectic clothing or high-end fashions, start by visiting the Streets at Southpoint, the area’s newest shopping mall. Interestingly, USA Today named the Streets at Southpoint one of the 10 best places to shop. East Durham is a southern and country setting that many people like to call home. With direct access to the Research Triangle Park, there are a plethora of tech and research-based jobs available for residents in the area. Although there is little in the way of nightlife and fine dining, downtown Durham has a lot to offer residents who are willing to travel a few miles.
