Copper Run South

Durham, North Carolina is best known as a cornerstone of the Research Triangle and the home of Duke University, but it provides plenty of entertainment and outdoor recreation, too. With cultural attractions, ranging from art museums to film festivals, and scenic beauty in neighborhood parks and state recreation areas, you’ll have no trouble pursuing your interests in the area. D.R. Horton offers homes for sale in Durham, NC with spacious living and kitchen areas and smart home technology. With a range of amenities offered in our new home communities combined with the city’s entertainment, you’ll have plenty of convenient entertainment options close to the comforts of home.

Why live in Durham, NC?

Durham, North Carolina is full of hometown pride and friendliness, and residents are welcoming to newcomers. The city sponsors all kinds of gatherings and celebrations—from Barktoberfest to farmers markets—to help you meet neighbors or enjoy time with friends and family. The city’s connectedness doesn’t end with social events either. Durham has a robust economy with plenty of networking events sponsored by the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.

With great career opportunities in a variety of industries and disciplines and plenty of entertainment options, Durham, North Carolina has it all. Located at the intersection of two major highways, I-40 and I-85, the city is commutable to other neighboring towns in the Research Triangle, and for longer trips, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport is under 20 minutes from town.

Entertainment in Durham, NC

The city of Durham, North Carolina prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere. With great local restaurants and tons of entertainment options, getting together with friends and family or enjoying a day out is easy.

The Durham Farmers Market is a great option to consider. The market is committed to supporting local farmers and artisans, and all the fruits, vegetables, and artisan goods were produced within 70 miles of the city. The market is open year-round on Saturdays–or both Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer–ensuring you can always buy local and have fresh, quality ingredients for your meals. In addition to fresh goods, the market offers kids’ activities, educational programs, and special holiday events, making it a fun outing as much as a grocery run.

Durham, North Carolina’s art museums and attractions provide great options for cultural outings and experiences. The art museums at local universities are popular for admiring the works of a diverse group of artists. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University has a large permanent collection of over 10,000 art pieces and sponsors rotating special exhibits. The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Art Museum also commonly hosts exhibitions, featuring works from local artists, university students, or grade school students from Durham public schools. Housed in a historic gallery setting, the NCCU Art Museum building itself is also an artistic site. For a more interactive art experience, you can visit the Living Arts Collective. The collective hosts classes, workshops, socials, and performances, so you can meet with artists and interact with others interested in the Durham arts scene.

Performances are never far from home in Durham, NC, as the city has multiple theatres and music halls. The Durham Performing Arts Center is one of the largest performance venues in the city and hosts a variety of shows from Broadway tours to comedy performances. The center is located in the American Tobacco Campus, Durham’s dining and entertainment hub downtown, meaning your outing can include both dinner and a show. If your music and arts niche includes indie films, live theatre performances, or concerts, the Carolina Theatre offers a great selection and atmosphere. The theatre hosts multiple annual film festivals in Durham, including one that attracts thousands of visitors each year, bringing lots of artistic pride and energy into the historic building.

Durham, North Carolina hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, providing great entertainment and opportunities to gather with like-minded individuals. The American Dance Festival brings together dancers from across the globe for performances and to appreciate the art of dance. The studios that partner with the festival offer educational opportunities and classes for all ages, all year. Other popular festivals include RECITAL, which features an annual variety show with North Carolina-based artists; the Art of Cool Festival, a jazz event; and the Full Frame Documentary Festival, an international showcase of nonfiction films. Whatever your interest, you can find a way to pursue it close to home in Durham, NC.

Outdoor recreation in Durham, NC

Durham, NC has plenty of outdoor adventures that are easily accessible for its residents. Whether you are getting your steps in on one of the trails in the city or taking your kids to play at the splash pad, there are numerous ways to enjoy the sunshine and the mild weather that make Durham, NC a great place to call home.

The city maintains multiple parks throughout the community. Duke Park and Forest Hills Park are both great options for gathering with friends and family. Both offer trails, playgrounds, and open space, and each have their own additional offerings for outdoor fun. Duke Park includes a dog park, so you can run and play with your four-legged best friend. Forest Hills Park, on the other hand, offers water-based activities with an outdoor pool and a splash pad, making it a go-to spot to cool off in the summer.

Durham Central Park is home to numerous community events, from farmers’ markets to concerts, and as such, it is one of the most popular parks in the area. It offers a large variety of outdoor recreation activities. With a skate park, playground, splash pad, gardens, picnic areas, and gathering spaces, it is a park with something for everyone in the family or friend group.

Looking to get outside and exercise? Look no further than the American Tobacco Trail. It's a 10-foot wide, multi-use trail and an area favorite for walking, running, and biking. Whether you’re looking to take the baby out to get some fresh air, train for a race, or go roller-blading, you can enjoy 11 miles of paved trail through Durham.

North Carolina’s scenic landscape is easily accessible from Durham, offering an alternative option for exercise. Eno River State Park stretches across Durham and Orange counties and provides 35 miles of hiking trails with beautiful views of the Eno River. The area also features canoe launches and historic structures to explore. Whether you want to hike near the water, observe wildlife, or just enjoy a picnic with the family, the Eno River State Park is conveniently located close to homes in Durham, NC, making it a great option for outdoor recreation any time.

The Falls Lake State Recreation Area is another spot for scenic outdoor adventuring near home. The park has multiple access areas in both Durham and Wake counties, and visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and biking. Similarly, Durham’s Duke Forest features over 7,000 acres of natural beauty with posted signs about trees, birds, and wildflowers in the area. The forest is a relaxing place to get away and observe wildlife and is often cited as a great place for birdwatching. However, if you prefer a more active outdoor experience, Duke Forest is also great for mountain biking, running, and hiking.

Those willing to drive just over four hours to the border of North Carolina and Tennessee can visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most popular parks in the nation. The park is known for its over 900 miles of hiking trails, scenic beauty, mountain views, and wildlife.

Businesses and economics in Durham, NC

Sometimes referred to as a “Southern Silicon Valley,” Durham, North Carolina is known for innovation and research. As part of the Research Triangle, the city attracts large companies from a range of industries, including technology, science, research, and healthcare. Research Triangle Park, a 7,000-acre research hub in the city, is home to hundreds of companies. The park encourages collaboration and cooperation between academia and industry, boosting the area universities and major firms and promoting economic growth.

The healthcare, technology, and biotechnology industries are a major part of the Durham, North Carolina economy. Companies like IBM, Wolfspeed (formerly Cree), Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, IQVIA, and BioCryst Pharmaceuticals have large facilities in the city and provide a wide range of professional opportunities. Careers in the area are not limited to these industries, however. Companies like Spoonflower, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Strata Clean Energy also have a presence in the area, providing a wide range of employment options for residents.

New construction homes in Durham, NC

With opportunities to gather with friends and family at community events, opportunities to enjoy the beautiful landscape, and professional opportunities as part of the Research Triangle’s thriving local economy, Durham, North Carolina is a land of possibilities. The area’s possibilities extend into housing, as D.R. Horton offers new homes for sale in Durham, North Carolina with a variety of spacious open floorplans and smart home technology. Browse our listings of houses for sale in Durham, NC, or contact us to learn how we can help open the door to your new home.