Tell me why I should (or shouldn't) move to Durham? (Raleigh: high crime, home)

[KatieNK]

What the upsides and what are the downsides? Why does this city seem to be so controversial on this board? Everyone is either so against it or so for it and I'm confused! TIA

[muse1110]

Where do you live currently? There may be fact-based reasons to stay there.

[dcgrl]

Can't say why you should move to Durham. It's not for everyone. My father, for instance, is not the target audience for a move-to-durham pep talk.

I moved to Durham because it's not squeaky clean, it's got an interesting mix of people, great restaurants, cheaper housing, history, and that indescribable "vibe."

What kind of community are you looking for?

[9/9]

I can't tell you why you should or should not move here.

I can tell you that I really love living in Durham. I think it is a great city with a ton of wonderful places to eat, things to do and (most importantly) people who care about their community.

There are certainly other people around who don't like Durham and would never want to live here. They are happier where they live, and I would never tell them to move to someplace that would not make them happy.

I don't know if you are like me or like them.

[metro.m]

There is no reason not to move there so far as I'm concerned. It's a nice charming city.

[KatieNK]

I currently live in Delaware- where there is nothing to do! OMG, its so boring here I could cry. I spend a lot of weekends sitting around with DH going "What do you want to do?" "I don't know, what do YOU want to do??"

I am looking for a place that is family friendly but not in the yuppy way, lots to do (inside and outside things), good schools, not too expensive. I used to live in Kent, Ohio- right next to Kent State University and I really liked living in a college town. There was a lot to do and the people were cool, thats why I thought I might like Durham. But I just see so many people badmouth (sometimes passive-agressively) it that it makes me wonder, also I can't tell what they are talking about because they hint at things that maybe on NCers understand?? What am I missing?

[Bull City Rising]

Funky stores.
Economically diverse -- wealthy and poor in one community.
Great local restaurants.
(Outside of S. Durham) Few "big box" chain stores.
(Outside of N. and S. Durham) Old, traditional neighborhoods on street grids.
Politically liberal, solidly so.
Compassionate.
Educated.
Arts and cultural center.
World-class university.
A real city -- not a suburb.

Do those sound like things you'd like, or dislike? Some things to think about as you consider where to live. To me, this is Durham.

[scorp200]

I'm so glad BCR answered because he says it the best and his posts are why I moved to Durham myself!

Sometimes people think racial diversity is bad. I'm not accusing anyone here, but I know that's part of the general perception. Also Durham is believed to be dangerous and high crime, but that's really not the case; there are some neighborhoods that need fixing that's for sure, but it's not city-wide.

Can you guys come down for a week or even a weekend and check it out? If you post that you are we can all give you some suggestions of what to see and get a nice feel for the area.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by Bull City Rising

Funky stores.
Economically diverse -- wealthy and poor in one community.
Great local restaurants.
(Outside of S. Durham) Few "big box" chain stores.
(Outside of N. and S. Durham) Old, traditional neighborhoods on street grids.
Politically liberal, solidly so.
Compassionate.
Educated.
Arts and cultural center.
World-class university.
A real city -- not a suburb.

Do those sound like things you'd like, or dislike? Some things to think about as you consider where to live. To me, this is Durham.

Take it to the bank: He ain't lyin'.

[TraumanurseNC]

I have lived in Raleigh, currently live in Wake Forest, and am purchasing my first NC home in .... Durham! I, like some people, was nervous about Durham in general, because of the things I had heard. BUT, now that I have been working and playing in Durham, there is nowhere else I want to live. It is diverse, energetic, and people do really care about the community. I had no intention of moving to Durham when I started working here (because of the "fear factor"), but have absolutely fallen in love with this city and the people. Lots of things to see and do! I can't wait to move!!!