Top 10 Cities Near Durham, NC to Buy or Rent Your Next Home

If you’re looking for a home in a Durham, NC, neighborhood this year, exploring the cities nearby might be your best bet. Although Durham is a good place to live, these neighboring cities offer a blend of affordability and accessibility, providing a range of options for both renters and buyers. Live at an arm’s reach away from Durham in these top cities. In this Redfin article, you can compare rent and housing costs, learn commute times, and find something that fits your budget and preferences.

1. Chapel Hill

Average commute to Durham: 20 min
Median home sale price: $450,000
Average rent: $2,527

Chapel Hill is great for: Educational institutions, cultural activities, healthcare sector

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 boasts the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, which attracts both locals and tourists. Franklin Street is a busy area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular spot for socializing and dining.

The economy of Chapel Hill is heavily influenced by education and healthcare, with UNC and its associated 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 out:

Homes for sale in Chapel Hill, NC | Apartments for rent in Chapel Hill, NC | Houses for rent in Chapel Hill, NC

2. Cary

Average commute to Durham: 30 min
Median home sale price: $601,000
Average rent: $1,759

Cary is great for: Technology jobs, friendly environment, recreational activities

Cary is a rapidly growing town known for its high quality of life and friendly atmosphere. The town features the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year. Bond Park is another popular spot, offering trails, a lake, and various recreational facilities.

Cary’s economy is bolstered by the technology sector, with many tech companies and startups setting up offices in the area. The town offers a suburban lifestyle with excellent schools, making it a desirable place to live. Cary is also committed to maintaining its green spaces and has numerous parks and greenways for residents to enjoy.

Interested in moving to Cary? Check out:

Homes for sale in Cary, NC | Apartments for rent in Cary, NC | Houses for rent in Cary, NC

3. Apex

Average commute to Durham: 35 min
Median home sale price: $635,000
Average rent: $1,422

Apex is great for: Historic charm, community events, outdoor activities

Apex, often referred to as “The Peak of Good Living,” is a charming town with a historic downtown area that features quaint shops and restaurants. The annual PeakFest is a highlight, drawing crowds for its arts, crafts, and entertainment. Apex is also recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in NC.

The town’s economy is diverse, with a mix of retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. 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 out:

Homes for sale in Apex, NC | Apartments for rent in Apex, NC | Houses for rent in Apex, NC

4. Morrisville

Average commute to Durham: 25 min
Median home sale price: $630,000
Average rent: $1,523

Morrisville is great for: Technology jobs, diverse community, convenient location

Morrisville is a thriving town known for its diverse community and convenient location near Research Triangle Park. The town features the Morrisville Community Park, which offers sports fields, trails, and a playground. Morrisville is also a very bike friendly city in NC.

The economy of Morrisville is heavily influenced by the technology sector, with many tech companies and startups located 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, with various community events and festivals celebrating different cultures.

Interested in moving to Morrisville? Check out:

Homes for sale in Morrisville, NC | Apartments for rent in Morrisville, NC | Houses for rent in Morrisville, NC

5. Hillsborough

Average commute to Durham: 20 min
Median home sale price: $368,000
Average rent: $1,292

Hillsborough is great for: Historic sites, arts and culture, small-town charm

Hillsborough is a historic town known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. Hillsborough is also considered on of the most affordable suburbs of Durham. The town features the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, which offers hiking trails and scenic views. The downtown area is filled with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes.

The economy of Hillsborough is supported by retail, tourism, and small businesses. The town offers a small-town lifestyle with a strong sense of community and numerous 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 out:

Homes for sale in Hillsborough, NC | Apartments for rent in Hillsborough, NC | Houses for rent in Hillsborough, NC

6. Garner

Average commute to Durham: 40 min
Median home sale price: $423,000
Average rent: $1,500

Garner is great for: Community events, parks and recreation, suburban living

Garner is a suburban town celebrated for its community events and excellent recreational facilities. The town features a few parks and green spaces, providing residents with many opportunities for outdoor activities. Lake Benson Park, a local favorite, 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. Garner’s diverse economy includes retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The town is known for its suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and excellent schools, making it a desirable place to live.

Interested in moving to Garner? Check out:

Homes for sale in Garner, NC | Apartments for rent in Garner, NC | Houses for rent in Garner, NC

7. Holly Springs

Average commute to Durham: 35 min
Median home sale price: $640,000
Average rent: $1,300

Holly Springs is great for: Friendly environment, parks and recreation, growing economy

Holly Springs is a rapidly growing town renowned for its friendly environment and top-notch recreational facilities. Bass Lake Park is a local favorite, offering fishing, boating, and scenic trails. The Holly Springs Cultural Center adds to the town’s charm by hosting a variety of performances and community events.

The town’s economy thrives on the technology and healthcare sectors, attracting many new businesses. Holly Springs provides a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and excellent schools. Its numerous parks and green spaces offer residents abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, enhancing the town’s appeal and quality of life.

Interested in moving to Holly Springs? Check out:

Homes for sale in Holly Springs, NC | Apartments for rent in Holly Springs, NC | Houses for rent in Holly Springs, NC

8. Wake Forest

Average commute to Durham: 45 min
Median home sale price: $425,000
Average rent: $1,505

Wake Forest is great for: Historic charm, community events, outdoor activities

Wake Forest is a charming town known for its historic downtown and vibrant community events. The Wake Forest Historical Museum highlights the town’s rich history. E. Carroll Joyner Park, popular for outdoor activities, features 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, encompassing retail, healthcare, and education sectors. Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and access to excellent schools.

Interested in moving to Wake Forest? Check out:

Homes for sale in Wake Forest, NC | Apartments for rent in Wake Forest, NC | Houses for rent in Wake Forest, NC

9. Fuquay-Varina

Average commute to Durham: 40 min
Median home sale 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 features the Fuquay Mineral Spring Park, which offers a peaceful setting for picnics and relaxation. The town also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Celebrate Fuquay-Varina festival.

The town offers a suburban lifestyle with 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. The economy of Fuquay-Varina is diverse, with a mix of retail, healthcare, and small businesses.

Interested in moving to Fuquay-Varina? Check out:

Homes for sale in Fuquay-Varina, NC | Apartments for rent in Fuquay-Varina, NC | Houses for rent in Fuquay-Varina, NC

10. Clayton

Average commute to Durham: 45 min
Median home sale price: $357,000
Average rent: $1,210

Clayton is great for: Community events, parks and recreation, suburban living

Clayton is a suburban small town known for its community events and recreational facilities. The town features the Clayton Community Park, which offers sports fields, trails, and a playground. The Clayton Center hosts various performances and events throughout the year.

The economy of Clayton is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The town offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and excellent schools. Clayton is also known for its numerous parks and green spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Interested in moving to Clayton? Check out:

Homes for sale in Clayton, NC | Apartments for rent in Clayton, NC | Houses for rent in Clayton, NC

 

Methodology: All cities must be less than 50 miles away from Durham. Median home sale price and rent data sourced from the Redfin and Rent.com during June, 2024.

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