Durham crime (Cleveland: apartment, violent crime, neighborhood)

[wtd7575]

Coming from the North, I have to say that I am amused and confused by the crime perception in Durham. While no doubt, any murder or any crime for that matter is concerning and regrettable, I have to go out on a limb and say that Durham is downright and laughably safe compared to almost any major city and metro. Have the people who promote this fallacy ever been to Detroit, Philly, Cleveland, or for that matter Atlanta? Big city crime and with a rightful reputation. Case in point: The Bethesda area of Durham near Brightleaf. I am constantly hearing that this area is crime ridden, yet I have no fear of driving in it, or would hesitate in the least in buying at Brightleaf. Crime perceptions are way over blown in Durham and thankfully the crime stats back that up. Any comments are welcome.

[saturnfan]

I've even lived in New Orleans and still think Durham has a problem. Of course, as in most cities, it's primarily concentrated in one area of the city.

[wtd7575]

whose reputation is much bigger than the reality. There really is no ghetto, just a run down area on the East side. A very contained problem.

[MrsSteel]

I live in Durham and find it quite safe. I find that the only people who go on and on about how "dangerous" Durham is are people who (1) don't live in Durham and (2) barely ever enter its city limits. I'm glad I didn't buy into their scare tactics. Instead, I did my own homework and found a wonderful neighborhood in Durham. It's quiet, safe, and close to so many things! We love where we live & we're happy to call Durham home.

Yes, Durham has more crime. But most of it is focused in a small area east of downtown. You'll find similar situations in other cities. Just use common sense & you'll be fine. Simple.

Here's some interesting info on Durham's image that was printed in The Independent.

Durham: Image
When asked the basis for their bad image of Durham...

In Wake County:
39 percent based it on crime
24 percent based it on ethnic conflict at public meetings
12 percent said it wasn’t clean
8 percent based it on a friend’s experience
6 percent based it on personal experience


Durham: Crime
Compared to nine other cities its size in the Southeast, based on 2004 Uniform Crime Reports, Durham had:

14 percent fewer violent crimes
The same number of homicides
6 percent fewer rapes
5 percent more robberies
32 percent fewer aggravated assaults
5 percent fewer property crimes
16 percent more burglaries
The same number of larcenies
30 percent fewer motor vehicle thefts

Source: Digiton Public Opinion Survey done for Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau

[procfreq]

Durham worse than NOLA? I must respectfully say--nonsense.

I agree with the OP 1000%. Attempting to temper the hysteria about Durham crime is probably my main motivation for participating on this board.

--a happy, fearless Durham resident

[scorp200]

When I leave my Durham apartment each morning I am certain to wear chain mail for women, and then I get into my armored hyundai, carefully make my way past the hordes of Duke grad students, drive in a zig zag on MLK to avoid stray bullets emanating from the subdivisions on either side, and finally enter RTP - quickly running from my car to the office to avoid the gangs that hang out there waiting to induct researchers and techs (after all, most of RTP is in Durham).

Every day I breathe a sigh of relief that I've lived another day.

[MrsSteel]

Eeeew ... I just got sarcasm all over me!
[wipes face]

[wtd7575]

about the less than stellar reputation of Bethesda aorund U.S. 70? It is tired looking but in no way threatening.

[scorp200]

Originally Posted by wtd7575

about the less than stellar reputation of Bethesda aorund U.S. 70? It is tired looking but in no way threatening.

All joking aside I think I asked about it on here once as well and someone, maybe BCR, said it's really a fine area. I feel like it's maybe a little overlooked because it's on the east side of Durham. But it's got nice old bungalows and is so close to RTP, I wonder if at some point it'll be somewhat of a hot area.

[wtd7575]

is in this area and is a great looking development. They are trying to implement the "green" concept.