Durham is the anchor city of the Durham–Chapel Hill metro and one half of the Research Triangle. With a 2020 population of 283,506 (2025 estimate 305,561), it spans Durham, Wake, and Orange counties. Home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, the city blends a historic tobacco-town core — American Tobacco Campus, Brightleaf Square — with a fast-growing downtown of restaurants, breweries, and the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).
Downtown Durham: in-town; most neighborhoods are within a 10–20 minute drive of the city center.
To UNC–Chapel Hill: approximately 20–25 minutes (~10–12 miles via NC-147/15-501; traffic-sensitive).
To Research Triangle Park: approximately 20 minutes (~10–12 miles via NC-147; traffic-sensitive).
Schools in Durham
Public schools: Durham Public Schools. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Durham FAQs
What is the housing market like in Durham, NC? The median listing price in Durham is $419,999. Median listing price · Realtor.com · September 24, 2026
How is the commute from Durham, NC? Downtown Durham: in-town; most neighborhoods are within a 10–20 minute drive of the city center.
Which school district serves Durham, NC? Durham is served by Durham Public Schools. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
