Thinking of relocation from LA to Durham (Raleigh: houses, neighborhood)

[Gloria - G]

We are considering a relocation from Los Angeles to Durham. We are a bi-racial couple with a young daughter. We own homes here in LA so financially it is a no brainer. I grew up in the Midwest so moving back East will not be an adjustment for me. However, my spouse has lived in LA all his life. I think if we decide to do it we will shoot for living in downtown Durham. I had originally looked at Raleigh but the commute back to Durham each day doesn't seem feasible. Can you all please give me some feedback regarding the Durham community and how the downtown revitalization is coming along? Any other information you can shoot will be welcomed as well.

[bluegrasscat]

I was born in Durham and lived there 21 years. Despite a lot of negative feeling toward the city, I loved growing up there. A lot has changed; they are trying hard to change downtown (Brightleaf/Tobacco district) to a nice place. The ballpark is down there, too, which is a definite draw. As far as other areas, the Southpoint mall area is growing like crazy and there is shopping there, although most stores are generic. Schools aren't the greatest. I went to both Hillside and Jordan high schools. Avoid the Hillside district like the plague; if schools are a concern to you, definitely try to move to a district that has the better ones (there aren't many). What neighborhood/area will you be moving to? If you give an idea of where, it's easier to describe that part of the community; every area of Durham is different...

[speedkelly]

Sorry to hi-jack your thread...But I am interested in some houses around the infinity road area?....looks kinda almost rural?....school I was considering would be easley elementary for my kids....My concerns are that there seems to be not much going on around that area?....is this considered a good area? bad?...thanks much