If you're searching for a home in a city with a vibrant energy and diverse culture, look no further than Durham real estate. Known for its prestigious Duke University, sports teams, thriving arts and culture scene, and varied and rich history, Durham is part of the area known as the Triangle in North Carolina. With a population of 201,726 covering a geographic area of 94.9 square miles, Durham attracts students and faculty with its renowned Duke University as well high-tech employees employed at Research Triangle Park, the nation's largest research development community. Originally a tobacco town, the city's famous Bull Durham Tobacco Company brought Durham to prosperity along with textile mills in the late 1800's and early 1900's. When these industries declined in the 1930's, the region benefited from the Research Triangle, created in 1959 and so named for its proximity to Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. Duke University, which came into being in 1924 and began as Trinity College, also helped contribute to the city's growth and stature.

Duke University is a private research university ranked among the most academically superior in the world, with its Medical Center ranked among the top ten health care organizations in the country. With 6,244 undergraduates and 5,993 graduate and professional students, the university sits on 8,709 acres, 7,200 of which encompass the Duke Forest. With its inspiring Gothic revival architecture on the West Campus and beautifully landscaped grounds, Duke tied with Stanford for fifth place in a ranking of American national universities. In addition to science contributions, Duke also provides an amazing array of museums and theaters for Durham residents to enjoy. Its library system includes over 5.3 million volumes and, not surprisingly, is one of the ten largest private university library systems in the country. In addition to Duke, Durham has several other key educational institutions, including North Carolina Central University, Durham Technical Community College, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. The first state-supported African-American liberal arts college in the country, NCCU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Durham's cultural community is one of its strongest assets. Residents enjoy numerous annual events and festivals throughout the year as well as concerts and performances of all kinds. Modern dance is at the forefront during the American Dance Festival held at the Duke University campus each summer. With six weeks of stunning performances, this event draws large audiences each year. The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, held in the spring, is a widely recognized event that attracts respected filmmakers to its highly regarded documentary film presentations and discussions. Durham residents never have to go far to find compelling live performances. The Carolina Theater in downtown Durham is a historic landmark that hosts the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, the Escapism Film Festival, the Nevermore film festival, and the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The theater also is home to many independent film releases. Durham also includes many outdoor murals throughout the city, which add to the vibrant, energetic feel of this community.

Museums are in no short supply in Durham and contribute to the city's wide selection of cultural offerings. Duke University's Nasher Museum displays the university's permanent collections, galleries, sculptures, and more in a new 65,000-square-foot facility. North Carolina Central University Art Museum includes nineteenth- and twentieth-century African American art, and the Museum of Life and Science features the renowned Magic Wings Butterfly House, Bayer CropScience Insectarium, Ellerbee Creek Railway, revolving interactive exhibits, and much more. Ranked as one of the most family-friendly museums in the Southeast by Family Fun Magazine, the Museum of Life and Science is a popular destination for school children and adults alike.

If enjoying the great outdoors appeals to you, take advantage of 7,050-acre Duke Forest and go mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, fishing, or horseback riding. Or stroll along the American Tobacco Trail's wide, 10-foot gravel path through a variety of different areas. With several state recreation areas and a multitude of parks, Durham has quiet retreats for anyone needing a break from their busy life. The Jordan Lake Wetlands is a quiet place to bird-watch, pitch a tent, go boating, swim, or hike. The serene woodlands and lake are the perfect place to get away and even backpack into a primitive camping area. Lake Michie Recreation Area provides great fishing and boating as well. Rent a boat for a relaxing day at the lake and fish for largemouth bass, or simply bring a picnic with the family. There's plenty of ways to get away from it all in Durham.

Downtown Durham draws people from near and far for its superb shopping and restaurants. With its close proximity to entertainment, convenient transportation, and Durham's numerous festivals, you'll never lack something to do downtown. Downtown includes the American Tobacco Historic District, a vibrant area with plenty of entertainment, dining, nightlife, and the American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile-long trail that runs along an abandoned railroad bed. Grab your hat and walk to a Bulls game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a fabulous afternoon of baseball, or try out one of Durham's many nightclubs or live music venues. Home to award-winning pubs, eateries, and wide assortment of seafood and ethnic restaurants, downtown Durham invites a hungry appetite. Spend time browsing the specialty gourmet shops, antique shops, clothing retailers, and art galleries for a fun time shopping. You can also enjoy the Carolina Theater and many outdoor festivals downtown, including the Bull Durham Blues Festival and CenterFest. Downtown is home to the Durham Public Library as well as the Durham Farmer's Market and Durham Central Park. The train offers convenient, fast transportation to many destinations around the Triangle, and the Durham Freeway provides easy access to Duke University Medical Center, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh Durham International Airport, and area malls. You'll never grow bored in downtown Durham.

Durham's residential housing market features something for everyone. With a median home price of $164,400, homes for sale in Durham have increased approximately 4.49% in recent years. The average age of the population is 31 with an average income is $41,416. Durham real estate is inviting to young professionals, families, students, and anyone else interested in living in a creative, diverse environment. The newer, much sought-after neighborhoods in Southwest Durham are close to Duke University, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, and highway I-40. The nearby Streets at Southpoint Mall offers plenty of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants, and was ranked as one of the "10 Great Places to Spend It All in One Place" by USA Today. Roomy, affordable homes on beautiful lots plus the convenient location make this area highly desirable. Some southwest Durham communities offer amenities such as tennis and pools, and you'll also find town houses and condos in this area. Older neighborhoods also feature a broad selection of homes in this area.

North Durham includes homes in established neighborhoods on large lots and spacious new homes near Eno River. Luxury homes on golf courses and country clubs are also available. Downtown Durham is a wonderful place to consider during your home search if you prefer older homes in areas close to the city's museums, restaurants, dining, cultural festivals, and Duke University. With a variety of bungalows, mansions, and historic residences, downtown Durham realty is sure to provide the character and proximity to diversity and culture you desire. If you're looking for a loft or condo, downtown Durham has many choices, ranging from newer luxury high rises to modest units with great amenities. Your Realtor will be happy to show you all the offerings of Durham.

For more information about Durham real estate, please contact local Realtors Stephen and Debra Gillham at (919) 624-6916.