If you’re looking for a home near Durham, NC this year, exploring nearby cities may be your best option. While Durham is a great place to live, these neighboring cities offer affordability and accessibility, giving renters and buyers a range of options. Live within an arm’s reach of Durham in these top cities. In this Redfin article, you can compare rent and housing costs, learn about commute times, and find something that fits your budget and preferences.
1. Chapel Hill
Average commute time to Durham: 20 minutes
Median home sales price: $450,000
Average rent: $2,527 USD
Chapel Hill is great for: Educational institutions, cultural events, healthcare industry
Chapel Hill, home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is a town known for its academic atmosphere and rich cultural scene. The town is home to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, which attracts locals and tourists alike. Franklin Street is a busy area filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, making it a popular place for socializing and dining.
Chapel Hill’s economy is heavily influenced by education and health care, with the University of North Carolina and its affiliated hospitals being major employers. The town offers a blend of suburban and urban lifestyles, with plenty of green spaces and parks for outdoor activities. Chapel Hill is also known for its progressive initiatives, including sustainability efforts and community engagement programs.
Interested in moving to Chapel Hill? Check:
Chapel Hill, NC Homes for Sale | Chapel Hill, NC Apartments for Rent | Chapel Hill, NC Houses for Rent
2.Cary
Average commute time to Durham: 30 minutes
Median home sales price: $601,000
Average rent: $1,759
Cary is great for: Tech jobs, friendly environment, entertainment
Cary is a rapidly growing town known for its high quality of life and friendly atmosphere. The town features the Koka Booth Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year. Bond Park is another popular attraction with trails, lakes and a variety of recreational facilities.
Cary’s economy is driven by the technology industry, with many technology companies and startups setting up offices in the area. The town offers a suburban lifestyle and excellent schools, making it an ideal place to live. Cary is also committed to maintaining its green spaces and has many parks and greenways for residents to enjoy.
Interested in moving to Cary? Check:
Cary, NC Homes for Sale | Cary, NC Apartments for Rent | Cary, NC Homes for Rent
3. Vertex
Average commute time to Durham: 35 minutes
Median home sales price: $635,000
Average rent: $1,422
Apex is great for: Historic charm, community events, outdoor activities
Often referred to as “the pinnacle of the good life,” Apex is a charming town with a historic downtown area filled with quaint shops and restaurants. The annual PeakFest is a highlight, attracting crowds with its arts, crafts and entertainment. Apex is also considered one of the fastest growing cities in North Carolina.
The town’s economy is diverse and spans retail, healthcare and technology. Apex offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community, and its numerous parks and greenways provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The town is also known for its excellent schools and community-oriented initiatives.
Interested in moving to Apex? Check:
Apex, NC Homes for Sale | Apex, NC Apartments for Rent | Apex, NC Homes for Rent
4. Morrisville
Average commute time to Durham: 25 minutes
Median home sales price: $630,000
Average rent: $1,523
Morrisville is great for: Tech jobs, diverse community, convenient location
Morrisville is a thriving town known for its diverse communities and convenient location near Research Triangle Park. The town features Morrisville Community Park, which features sports fields, walking trails and playgrounds. Morrisville is also a very bike-friendly city in North Carolina.
Morrisville’s economy is heavily influenced by the technology industry, with many technology companies and startups in the area. The town offers a suburban lifestyle with a mix of residential and commercial developments. Morrisville is also known for its cultural diversity, hosting a variety of community events and festivals that celebrate different cultures.
Interested in moving to Morrisville? Check:
Homes for Sale in Morrisville, NC | Apartments for Rent in Morrisville, NC | Homes for Rent in Morrisville, NC
5. Hillsborough
Average commute time to Durham: 20 minutes
Median home sales price: $368,000
Average rent: $1,292
Hillsborough is great for: Historical monuments, art and culture, small town charm
Hillsborough is a historic town known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th century architecture. Hillsborough is also considered one of the most affordable suburbs in Durham. The town is home to Oconeechee Mountain State Natural Area, which offers hiking trails and scenic views. The city center is filled with art galleries, antique shops and cozy cafes.
Hillsborough’s economy is supported by retail, tourism and small businesses. The town offers a small-town lifestyle with a strong sense of community and hosts many cultural events throughout the year. Hillsborough is also known for its commitment to preserving its historic character and promoting local arts and culture.
Interested in moving to Hillsborough? Check:
Hillsboro, NC Homes for Sale | Hillsboro, NC Apartments for Rent | Hillsboro, NC Homes for Rent
6.Ghana
Average commute time to Durham: 40 minutes
Median home sales price: $423,000
Average rent: $1,500
Ghana is well suited for: Community events, parks and recreation, suburban living
Garner is a suburban town known for its community activities and excellent recreational facilities. The town has a number of parks and green spaces, providing residents with many opportunities for outdoor activities. Lake Benson Park is a favorite among locals and offers boating, fishing and scenic trails.
The Garner Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year, adding to the town’s cultural appeal. Ghana’s diversified economy includes retail, manufacturing and healthcare industries. The town is known for its suburban lifestyle, with a strong sense of community and excellent schools, making it an ideal place to live.
Interested in moving to Ghana? Check:
Garner, NC Homes for Sale | Garner, NC Apartments for Rent | Garner, NC Homes for Rent
7. Holly Springs
Average commute time to Durham: 35 minutes
Median home sales price: $640,000
Average rent: $1,300
Holly Springs is great for: Friendly environment, parks and recreational facilities, growing economy
Holly Springs is a rapidly growing town known for its friendly environment and great recreational facilities. Bass Lake Park is a local favorite, offering fishing, boating and scenic trails. The Holly Springs Cultural Center hosts a variety of performances and community events that add to the town’s charm.
The town’s economy thrives on technology and healthcare industries, attracting many new businesses. Holly Springs offers a suburban lifestyle, a strong sense of community, and excellent schools. Numerous parks and green spaces provide residents with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, enhancing the town’s attractiveness and quality of life.
Interested in moving to Holly Springs? Check:
Holly Springs, NC Homes for Sale | Holly Springs, NC Apartments for Rent | Holly Springs, NC Homes for Rent
8. Wake Forest University
Average commute time to Durham: 45 minutes
Median home sales price: $425,000
Average rent: $1,505
Wake Forest University is great for: Historic charm, community events, outdoor activities
Wake Forest is a charming town known for its historic downtown and vibrant community activities. The Wake Forest Historical Museum highlights the town’s rich history. E. Carroll Joyner Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, with trails, picnic areas and an amphitheater. The town’s numerous parks and green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, enhancing its appeal.
The local economy is diverse and includes retail, healthcare and education industries. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and access to excellent schools.
Interested in moving to Wake Forest? Check:
Wake Forest, NC Homes for Sale | Wake Forest, NC Apartments for Rent | Wake Forest, NC Homes for Rent
9. Fuqua-Varina
Average commute time to Durham: 40 minutes
Median home sales price: $486,000
Average rent: $1,487
Fuquay-Varina is great for: Historic charm, community events, parks and recreation
Fuquay-Varina is a charming town known for its historic downtown area and community events. The town is home to Fuqua Mineral Springs Park, which provides a peaceful setting for picnics and relaxation. The town also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Celebration Fuquay-Varina Festival.
The town offers a suburban lifestyle, a strong sense of community and excellent schools. Fuquay-Varina is also known for its numerous parks and green spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Fuquay-Varina’s economy is diverse and includes retail, health care, and small businesses.
Interested in moving to Fuquay-Varina? Check:
Fuquay Varina, NC Homes for Sale | Fuquay Varina, NC Apartments for Rent | Fuquay Varina, NC Homes for Rent
10. Clayton
Average commute time to Durham: 45 minutes
Median home sales price: $357,000
Average rent: $1,210
Clayton is great for: Community events, parks and recreation, suburban living
Clayton is a suburban town known for its community activities and recreational facilities. The town features Clayton Community Park, which features sports fields, walking trails and playgrounds. The Clayton Center hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
Clayton’s economy is diverse and includes retail, manufacturing and health care industries. The town offers a suburban lifestyle, a strong sense of community and excellent schools. Clayton is also known for its many parks and green spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Interested in moving to Clayton? Check:
Clayton, NC Homes for Sale | Clayton, NC Apartments for Rent | Clayton, NC Homes for Rent
method: All cities must be less than 50 miles from Durham. Median home sales and rent data come from redfin tuna and rental network During June 2024.
