Situated a mile north of downtown Durham and 2 miles east of the Duke University campus is the Central Park area, known for being home to a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, a variety of locally owned businesses and, of course, the namesake park in the center of the neighborhood. Central Park seamlessly combines the peace of a small Southern city with the energy of a dynamic college town, bringing together residents who enjoy a bit of hustle and bustle, but also appreciate a chance to slow down and just take it all in. Whether that means relaxing in the park, seeing a live show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or doing a few kickflips at the skate park, Central Park is where people can do their own thing at their own pace.
Central Park
Comparatively higher housing prices
The median home price in the neighborhood is $635,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of about $450 per square foot. While both of those amounts are significantly higher than in the city of Durham as a whole, the neighborhood’s desirability has driven prices up. Central Park is extremely walkable, with sidewalks lining virtually every street. That fact, paired with its closeness to downtown and various amenities, has driven up real estate prices. “There’s a strong market appreciation across Durham,” says Durham-area Realtor Adam Dickinson, who has more than 15 years of experience representing transactions in the area. “There continues to be a strong demand, especially in walkable areas like Central Park.” Potential buyers will find an eclectic assortment of housing options, including condominiums and single-family homes. Condo prices start at around $359,000 for a one-bedroom/one-bathroom and go up to $760,000 for a two-bedroom/two-bath. A two-bedroom/one-bathroom ranch-style home can sell for $204,000, while a four-bedroom/three-bathroom new-construction contemporary home lists for $640,000.
Shopping, dining and entertainment options abound
Of all Central Park’s qualities, the range of restaurant options is probably what people rave about the most. “Central Park is a rapidly growing section of downtown Durham, with new residential options connected to restaurants, bars and entertainment venues,” says Dickinson. Whether they’re enjoying their morning coffee at Cocoa Cinnamon, indulging in Southern soul food at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles or relaxing with friends over a draft beer at Boxcar Bar & Arcade, local residents take full advantage of an eclectic dining and entertainment scene. Case in point: live musical performances at Motorco Music Hall or theatrical productions at Durham Performing Arts Center. Fans of the 1988 film “Bull Durham” will want to make a pilgrimage to where much of the footage was shot: Historic Durham Athletic Park, former home of the Durham Bulls baseball team. These days, the Triple-A club plays home games at the newer Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
For groceries, Bulldega Urban Market offers a limited selection focused on local and artisanal products. For more comprehensive food shopping, residents head to Harris Teeter, about 2 miles west in The Shops at Erwin Mill. Shoppers will find a bevy of local retailers in the same vicinity as Harris Teeter, including new and used books at The Regulator Book Shop, new and vintage recordings at Hunk Dory Records and cycling gear at Durham Cycles. Home necessities can be found at Target, about 5 miles south.
Life lessons at Durham Public Schools
Central Park is districted to Durham Public Schools, which earns an overall rating of B from Niche. Students can attend E. K. Powe Elementary Brogden Middle and Northern High School. E. K. Powe earns a B from Niche, Brogden earns a C and Northern earns a B-minus. In addition to a rigorous academic program, students at Northern High School can participate in special programs focused on post-high school life, including culinary arts, pre-veterinary and plant sciences, automotive services, fashion merchandising and others.
Living the Central Park life
Like its slightly more famous namesake in New York City, Durham’s Central Park is designed as a sanctuary for those living in the city, a natural respite from their hectic lives. In addition to plenty of open space for relaxation and reflection, Central Park also features a playground and an adjacent skate park. It’s also the site of the Central Park Pavilion, which hosts a farmer’s market every Saturday morning year-round. Four-legged family members can get some exercise with their friends at Downtown Durham Dog Park, an enclosed off-leash play area.
Getting around Durham and beyond
Commuters in Central Park appreciate the proximity of major thoroughfares, including Durham Freeway and Interstate 85, both within a mile of the neighborhood. Several Go Durham bus stops within the neighborhood make it easy for non-drivers to get around town, and Amtrak’s Durham Station is located a few blocks south on Main Street.



Agents Specializing in this Area
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Melonie Mickle
m2 realty inc.
(855) 725-5940
36 Total Sales
1 in Central Park
$1,375,000 Price
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Steed Rollins
Peak, Swirles & Cavallito
(984) 205-9209
65 Total Sales
1 in Central Park
$700,000 Price
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Michele Marinelli
LPT Realty, LLC
(833) 993-3046
43 Total Sales
1 in Central Park
$310,000 Price
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Dave Wylie
Compass -- Chapel Hill - Durham
(252) 375-8626
172 Total Sales
6 in Central Park
$320K - $725K Price Range
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Rebecca Ferguson
Inhabit Real Estate
(984) 999-9815
50 Total Sales
1 in Central Park
$500,000 Price
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Jenne Kendziora
Compass -- Raleigh
(984) 789-5095
189 Total Sales
1 in Central Park
$803,000 Price
Schools
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Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Central Park | US |
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Homicide | 7 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 8 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 8 | 4 |
Robbery | 9 | 4 |
Burglary | 10 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 4 |
Larceny | 10 | 4 |
Crime Score | 9 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Park, Durham sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Park, Durham over the last 12 months is $376,193, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Sunday, Aug 312 - 2pm
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Sunday, Aug 312 - 2pm
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Saturday, Aug 212 - 2pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Good Transit
Transit Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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