The Duke Forest community in Durham is in Duke University’s backyard. Many residents live in midcentury modern homes to be close to work on campus, while also enjoying a quiet neighborhood. The area started as a place for university professors to live close by, and the trend continues today.
Kathy Bennett is a Realtor and broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - York Simpson Underwood, who sells throughout the Durham area. “There is what they call Duke Forest, a multiple-acre forest that is protected,” Bennet says. “Duke Forest, the neighborhood, is an area flanking that. It was an area that was originally home sites developed to recruit faculty to Duke during an early expansion mode." Bennett says growth exploded from the 1950s to 1970s. The area is known now for its architecture and large lots full of trees. Midcentury homes have sold for $1 million to nearly $2 million. Craftsman, ranch-style and contemporary homes range from the lower $600,000s to the $900,000s. While most of the area has single-family homes, there are some rental options, including apartments at Vintage Durham and townhouses in Pickett Park.
Duke may be a draw for many new residents, but the Durham Public Schools district also serves the area. Residents are zoned for schools like Lakewood Elementary School, but they can apply for the district’s lottery system to get their kids into magnet and charter schools like Duke Forest’s Lakewood Montessori Middle School. The community also has the Lerner Jewish Community Day School and the Community School of Digital and Visual Arts.
Duke is one of the country's top universities, and many students pursue degrees in biology or computer science. Duke’s athletics are also a big part of campus life, particularly basketball and football.
Bennett points out that the Duke Forest neighborhood is full of mature trees and surrounded by some of Duke’s beautiful public spaces. “There’s the big Al Buehler Trail,” Bennett says. “It’s a wonderful walking trail flanking Duke." She also mentions the Sara P. Duke Gardens. "You see athletes and everyday walkers out there,” Bennett says. The trail loops around the Duke University Golf Club and connects to Duke Forest, the nature preserve maintained by the university. In the forest, you can:
You don’t have to travel far to explore retail throughout Durham. “Right at the hospital area, there are lots of restaurants and things along that street,” Bennett says. “There are shopping centers that have sprung up.” Bennett mentions that while downtown neighborhoods may have clubs and music venues, Duke Forest is closer to chain restaurants and a quieter retail scene.
The South Square shopping center has a Target and a Sam’s Club less than 10 minutes from home. The center also features a few restaurants, like the vegan Pure Soul and Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal for lunch or dinner. Of course, City Center is a dining destination. Residents can catch a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or try one of the many restaurants or breweries.
Residents are minutes from Duke’s main campus, called West Campus. You can drive there or follow bike paths along roads like Anderson Street. The university and Duke University Hospital are among Durham’s biggest employers, but some people might commute about 20 minutes down the Durham Freeway to the Research Triangle Park. Known as the RTP, the park is home to many employers and large businesses.
Kristin-Tiki Gwynne
Just Be Home Realty
(833) 359-3667
5 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$1,045,000 Price
Susan Richter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
(855) 605-6678
98 Total Sales
2 in Duke Forest
$350K - $770K Price Range
Matt Perry
Keller Williams Elite Realty
(984) 228-2970
744 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$599,900 Price
Renee King
ALIGN Realty Advisors
(980) 446-8712
79 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$685,500 Price
Stacy Slone
Keller Williams Elite Realty
(888) 411-8902
217 Total Sales
3 in Duke Forest
$351K - $942K Price Range
Angela Roehl
Fathom Realty NC
(888) 522-3156
38 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$850,000 Price
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Duke Forest | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 6 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
| Larceny | 6 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Duke Forest, Durham sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Duke Forest, Durham over the last 12 months is $770,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$1,429 - $2,249 per month
$1,340 - $2,040 per month
$1,050 - $1,300 per month
$1,649 per month
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One of Durham’s first automobile suburbs, less than 2 miles from downtown
Historic district near downtown Durham, offering walkable, urban living