I Am Totally Lost! RTP, Raleigh, Durham, WHAT?!

[Francois]

To the OP, I'm glad oyu're coming to visit, where you will see for yourself that the stereotypes are outdated, especially of Durham. It WAS a scary place, known for crime, in the 1990s, but as others keep saying, enormous renovations and municipal upgrading have made Durham a "place to be!"

It is true that the "scary" parts of Durham are probably "scarier" than ghettos in other cities--that is generally the southeastern quadrant and there's no mistaking it when you are in that area. But, that leaves a lot of city left, particularly the west side which has Duke University, Duke hospital, and is toward Chapel Hill ("The Southern Part of Heaven"). I've never lived in Durham but attend events and rehearsals there almost weekly, and the change even in the past 5 years is amazing, let alone 15 years, from when the "bad rep" was established.

Raleigh *is* more "white bread" if you're outside the Beltline (I-440), but that doesn't mean it is Stepford-ville. However, coming from Chicago, you will likely find Durham more your style. Also, RTP is in Durham county, so Durham is definitely the closest city to most of RTP (other than Morrisville or parts of Cary, but you're back into even more 'white bread' stereotypes there--they are quintessential 'bedroom communities' whose explosive growth has completely consisted of being suburban places for the thousands of transplants moving into the area. Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill all have rich histories that far predate the days of this area being on the "best places to relocate to" lists.)

[lovebrentwood]

I hope he/she came to visit in the last three years since the first message was posted.

[subwayaz]

Thanks for your input Bull City Rising, I'm an Arizonian that will be relocating to your city and found your opinion quite informative and interesting. In my recent searches I've found Durham to be a better value than Raleigh home price wise but have been looking for locals opinions on the living situation there.

Thanks again

[Green Irish Eyes]

Originally Posted by subwayaz

Thanks for your input Bull City Rising, I'm an Arizonian that will be relocating to your city and found your opinion quite informative and interesting. In my recent searches I've found Durham to be a better value than Raleigh home price wise but have been looking for locals opinions on the living situation there.

Thanks again

Please note that Bull City's post was made more than three years ago -- things said in 2007 may no longer apply in 2010.

[remixedcat]

cary has no jobs, apex is dead, the good parts of durham are expensive. raliegh is allright but boring. not much tech jobs unless you are top tier with 8 year degrees, nothing for entry level or mid level techs.