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.
Anthony Fink
Linda Craft Team, REALTORS
(984) 867-2209
91 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$1,185,000 Price
Kristi Davis
Choice Residential Real Estate
(470) 691-8231
27 Total Sales
2 in Duke Forest
$675,000 Price Range
Mary Hunter
Urban Durham Realty
(984) 204-6517
142 Total Sales
6 in Duke Forest
$560K - $1.2M Price Range
Katie Dinsmore
Inhabit Real Estate
(844) 771-3016
76 Total Sales
2 in Duke Forest
$760K - $994K Price Range
Cindie Burns
Coldwell Banker Advantage
(877) 705-1140
74 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$620,000 Price
Carla Sevilla
Glenwood Homes
(984) 355-9974
151 Total Sales
1 in Duke Forest
$409,000 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 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Duke Forest, Durham over the last 12 months is $855,000, up 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
|
Median List Price
$847,500
|
Median Sale Price
$855,000
|
|
Median Single Family Sale Price
$870,000
|
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$353,000
|
|
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$369,500
|
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
|
|
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
|
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
25%
|
|
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$296
|
|
|
Number of Homes
856
|
Number of Homes for Sale
3
|
|
Median Year Built
1962
|
Months of Supply
1.20
|
|
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,478
Above the national average
1,933
|
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,643
|
|
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,347
|
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
22,651
|
$1,373 - $2,278 per month
$1,524 - $2,190 per month
$1,673 per month
$2,300 per month
$2,795 per month
|
Number of Homes for Rent
7
|
Median Rent
$1,795
|
|
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,448
|
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,348
|
|
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,150
|
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,225
|
|
Median Condo Rent
$1,320
|
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,375
|
|
Total Population
3,776
|
Median Age
40
|
|
Population Density
1 person/acre
|
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
|
|
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
|
|
|
Median Household Income
$69,524
Below the national average
$79,597
|
Average Household Income
$113,440
|
|
High School Graduates
89.8%
|
College Graduates
62%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
|
|
Advanced Degrees
41.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
|
% Population in Labor Force
72.6%
|
|
Annual Precipitation
49''
|
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
|
|
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
|
Annual Snowfall
0''
|
Bikeability
Walkability
Transit
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
One of Durham’s first automobile suburbs, less than 2 miles from downtown
Historic district near downtown Durham, offering walkable, urban living