Raleigh vs Durham (violent crime, find a job, neighborhoods)

[kirk902]

Which one is better Raleigh or Durham.

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by kirk902

Which one is better Raleigh or Durham.

Depends what you want and what you are looking for. Both have things to offer....the only thing is...Raleigh schools are much better then Durham's....but if that isn't an issue....it comes down to what else you are looking for.

[VickiR]

It really does depend on what your base your analysis. Raleigh has a better school system and less crime, overall.

The weather is pretty much the same!

Vicki

[Bull City Rising]

Originally Posted by kirk902

Which one is better Raleigh or Durham.

I would note that the response you see in this thread to date -- "schools and crime" -- is the typical one you will hear about Durham. I think it's also something that deserves further explication.

One of the things that makes Durham stand apart within the Triangle is that it is both racially and socio-economically diverse. There are some incredibly wealthy neighborhoods in Durham... and, sadly, some pockets of deep, long-seated poverty.

In those pockets, the schools do not do as well on aggregate test scores as their Wake/CH-C counterparts; similarly, there is more violent crime in those pockets than elsewhere in the city. To that point, in my time living in Durham, I can remember very few violent crimes/homicides happening *outside* those disadvantaged areas.

Although I have not looked closely at the schools in Durham, from what I've gathered talking to neighbors and friends with kids in the system, there are many fine elementary/middle/high schools in Durham. On the high school end, Riverside and Durham School of the Arts repeatedly stand out, for instance. By 'fine,' these are schools that would compare favorably with other public high schools in the state.

Does Wake/CH-C still have _better_ schools at its best than Durham? Probably, thanks to aggregate populations that have fewer people in poverty living there; are more likely to have completed HS/college/etc. and statistically therefore are more likely to encourage their students to do so; and, in Wake's case, thanks to a nationally-recognized program of achieving SES balance in all schools. (Though parents complain about busing, it's hard to miss the impact the policy has on ensuring all children get a top-notch education.)

...

So what are the positives about Durham? Deep-rooted history; a wonderful, historic downtown and shopping area that is being renovated/revitalized; some of the top restaurants and boutique shopping in the state (some of which are recognized as national leaders); excellent, close-knit historic neighborhoods; well-conceived new development towards RTP; great commute (close to the Park, and 'reverse commute' to Raleigh = no rush-hour stops); more "culture" on average.

Both are great cities. Good luck!

[MikeJaquish]

"Both are great cities. Good luck!"

Perfect! Says it all.
One of the blessings we have in the Triangle is the plentitude of "Best" places to live.
I know a Realtor who would be delighted to help you put a finer point on it.

[RaleighRob]

I wouldn't dare compare them any more than I'd compare Indian food to Italian food...they're both great, but in very different ways.

Both have bad areas, both have good.
Personally, I think which you choose to live in should depend on which one you find a job in. If you work in Raleigh, live in Raleigh. If you work in Durham/RTP, live in Durham. The less traffic/driving in your life, the better, I always say.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by RaleighRob

I wouldn't dare compare them any more than I'd compare Indian food to Italian food...they're both great, but in very different ways.

Both have bad areas, both have good.
Personally, I think which you choose to live in should depend on which one you find a job in. If you work in Raleigh, live in Raleigh. If you work in Durham/RTP, live in Durham. The less traffic/driving in your life, the better, I always say.

Well said and quite right!
Drive time is NOT quality time!

[Digital_Duck]

One other thing ...

Durham County is the ONLY County in NC where you can NOT carry a handgun openly in your vehicle.

It also seems to have a higher violent crimes problem ...

Personally; I avoid it! ... I used to work there ...