Apartments for Rent in Durham, NC(816 Rentals)

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Durham, NC Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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Durham Overview

In the middle of North Carolina, just northwest of Raleigh sits Durham. Known as the City of Medicine, it is home to Duke University, North Carolina State University, and The University of NC at Chapel Hill. Making up an area known as Research Triangle, it is one of the most high-tech research and development parks in the country. Once driven by its roots in the tobacco industry, the city is now a leader in education, technology, and medicine. Durham is a charming city with a rich history, diverse culture, and pioneering spirit. There are plenty of great apartments in Durham with nearby entertainment, cultural events, nightlife, and some of the best soul food and pulled-pork barbecue joints to satisfy every foodie.

What is the history of Durham?

Originally home to the Eno and Occoneechi tribes, Durham was a commercial transportation stop along the Native-American Trading Path. In the 1700s, English colonists settled and worked the land granted to them by King Charles. It was active in the American Revolution and served as host to negotiations that ended the Civil War. Many historic sites can be found here that are devoted to early American history, the civil rights movement, and the tobacco industry.

How is the weather in Durham?

Durham has a humid subtropical climate, which means you will enjoy hot summers, cool winters, and mild springs and falls. Precipitation rates are high, and summer thunderstorms are a regular occurrence, with temperatures as high as 100 degrees F. There is an average annual snowfall of 6-7 inches during the winter, melting after a couple of days. While temperatures can dip below freezing, most months the average daytime temperatures are 60-80 degrees F.

How do I get around town?

The majority of Durham residents use a personal vehicle to get around town. However, the Triangle Transit offers commuter bus services between Raleigh and the primary locations that make up the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill. The American Tobacco Trail is an extensive bicycle route that runs alongside an abandoned railroad bed that crosses through Durham, Chatham, and Wake counties for 22.6 miles. The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 12 miles south, with daily flights to Atlanta, New York, Miami, London, and more. There are also Amtrak, Greyhound, and Megabus stations for travel throughout the east coast.

What is the Durham commute like?

Three major highways surround Durham. NC-147 connects Duke University, RTP, and downtown on the northeast side, US-501 connects Durham and Chapel Hill on the northwest side, and I-40 crosses the southern part of the county between Chapel Hill and the RTP. These major highways that surround the area make for a good commute for most residents. Most rush-hour traffic jams happen near the RTP at the I-40 and I-440 split.

What are the local media outlets?

The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun newspapers cover local news, sports, and daily living for Durham County. You can also pick up Durham Magazine to find all the local hotspots. WTVD/ABC11 is the local news TV station and Duke University’s WXDU 88.7 FM radio is popular.

Why live in Durham, NC?

U.S. News ranked Raleigh-Durham as the No. 4 Best Place to Live in 2016. Due to its strong job market, home values, and high quality of life, it attracts nearly 80 new residents per day. It is a young, diverse, friendly, and well-educated community that has a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy dining out, meeting at one of the local microbreweries, taking a stroll in the beautiful green spaces, or hanging out at the growing music and art scene. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, so it is the perfect area for new families.

What Durham landmarks should I see?

For the sports fan, Durham Bulls Athletic Park is a must-see stop to watch minor league baseball. Duke University Chapel is a magnificent Cathedral that serves as the central location on campus. The American Tobacco Historic District is a refurbished factory complex that is now home to shopping, entertainment, open-air concerts, and restaurants. History buffs will also enjoy Duke Homestead and Bennett Place, while art lovers will want to visit the Nasher Museum of Art.

What is there to do around Durham?

Durham welcomes nine million visitors annually, and there is something for everyone to see. Duke University offers a broad range of must-do activities, including the Basketball Museum and Sports Hall of Fame and the Lemur Center. Eno River State Park is the perfect spot for canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Research Triangle Park is also a huge draw for people interested in technology with conferences and networking events, as well as biking trails and butterfly garden.

Any annual festivals or Durham events to know?

One of the biggest Durham festivals is the Full Frame Documentary Festival, celebrating the artistry and power of documentary filmmaking. Every April, the historic Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham hosts the event with screenings, seminars, and discussions. The Bull Durham Blues Festival features local and national blues, bluegrass, and folk music performers over two days in September. The World Beer Festival brings food and beer lovers together every October at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Durham sits in the middle of the state, so there are many vacation spots just a few hours away. A four-hour drive east takes you to the coast for sun and surf on Hatteras Island or Virginia Beach. A three-hour drive west takes you to the adventure and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Where is the best place to move in Durham?

Durham has several district areas with distinct vibes, activities, and culture. Durham apartments in the downtown area offer residents history and culture in seven unique neighborhoods. The American Tobacco District is a popular area to live due to its thriving restaurant scene, world-class entertainment, and community green spaces. The Brightleaf and Warehouse Districts are also popular residential neighborhoods with affordable Durham apartments, shopping areas, and lively nightlife. The Southpoint area is a modern suburb south of Durham with plenty of outdoor activities. The American Tobacco Trail is perfect for weekend bike rides, and Jordan Lake is a quiet place to relax and commune with nature. The Streets at Southpoint Mall is the center of activity in the area with dining, shopping, and entertainment.

North Carolina is world-renowned for its down-home southern hospitality, and Durham has become truly among the best places to live in the thriving state. Combining arts, shopping, delectable cuisine throughout the option, and, of course, Duke University, the Durham and Raleigh-Durham area is one of the hottest destinations in the state with good reason. Whether you are looking for to move to Durham from somewhere afar or are simply looking to find better rent in a different part of town, the options in Durham apartments for rent at ApartmentHomeLiving.com is sure to help you find your new home in no time.

As your ultimate Durham apartment resource, we want to make your apartment shopping experience stress-free by showcasing the best listings of apartments in Durham and providing you with accurate information on each one updated every single day. From high resolution apartment photos, updated floorplans and pricing, community details and unit amenities, our Durham Apartment Living Guide has all of the answers you'll need as you search for the perfect apartment.

No matter what part of town you are looking to living in, there is a wide selection of available apartments for rent. If you are a local scholar who is eager to find a brand new student apartment near Duke University, a young professional looking for Downtown Durham Studio apartments, or a family looking for spacious 2 or 3 bedroom apartments in West End or one of the other surrounding areas and cities like nearby Raleigh or Cary we can help make your decision on your next place to live.

Finding perfect Durham apartments and then moving in are only the start of enjoying this fantastic lifestyle. The next part is knowing what around town to get out of your place and enjoy. Durham is full of delectable dining options, fun night clubs, great bars, unique shopping like Bright Leaf Square, and all sorts of nature exploring opportunities to keep you busy year round. Of course if you're a connoisseur of fine art you will surely want to spend a leisurely afternoon strolling the halls of Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography or one of the other great museums in the area. Sports fans can catch favorite local college teams like Duke or nearby UNC and Wake Forest, while pro football fans are only a few hours drive from Charlotte to take in a pro football game. Regardless of what fits your fancy, there is truly plenty to do in Durham.

So what are you waiting for? Let us help you find your new home in one of the many great listings for Durham apartments available at ApartmentHomeLiving.com. Find yourself a grand new North Carolina address to call your very own today!

Durham, NC
Population: 274,291

Ranked #75

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Durham, NC

Ranked #4

Among cities in North Carolina for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Durham, NC Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Durham, NC

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

30 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Durham

How much are Studio apartments in Durham?

There are currently 87 Studio Apartments in Durham with rent ranges from $845 to $6,549 with an average price of $1,568.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Durham Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Durham ranges from $565 to $6,095 with an average monthly rent of $1,647.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Durham cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Durham range from $1,050 to $8,995. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $2,047.

How expensive are Durham Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 260 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Durham on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,035 to $11,510 - averaging $2,407 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

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