Let the numbers do the talking.
Durham, NC vs Raleigh, NC
Durham, NC vs Raleigh, NC: What the data shows
Durham, NC is in Durham, NC while Raleigh, NC is in Raleigh, NC — both in the same state. On home prices, Durham, NC is the more affordable option at $414,100 median — $424,500 less than Raleigh, NC's $838,600. WYLT rates Durham, NC as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Raleigh, NC as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Durham, NC has the stronger safety profile of the two. Durham, NC has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Raleigh, NC has High violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Durham, NC has Low flood risk and Raleigh, NC has Low flood risk.
Durham, NC is the more walkable neighborhood. Durham, NC scores 55/100 (somewhat walkable) versus Raleigh, NC's 25/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Raleigh, NC has the higher school rating — Durham, NC rates 6.4/10 and Raleigh, NC rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $414K ✓ Lower price | $839K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $61K | $148K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 55/100 ✓ More walkable | 25/100 |
| Transit Score | 58/100 ✓ Better transit | 33/100 |
| Bike Score | 36/100 ✓ More bikeable | 25/100 |
| Commute | 37 min | 7 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.4/10 | 7.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | young professionalsremote workersstudents | High income professionalsFamilies seeking good schoolsRemote workers who can work from home |
Bottom line
For young professionals, students, or mixed-income families, Durham is a more reasonable choice due to its affordability, culture, and growing remote-work infrastructure. However, Raleigh is a better option for those who can afford the high prices and prioritize good schools, with its highly rated schools and low flood risk making it a suitable choice for high-income professionals and families.
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