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Moving to the Bull City ten years ago, I’ve seen this city transform from a place that was in parts abandoned, to the vibrant community that it is today. Durham became known as the Bull City after an advertising by the Bull Durham Tobacco Company. More properly pronounced as “Durm,” you will find both old and newcomers proudly announcing their love of the city. But this city does not want to be polished and modern – that is why you’ll often hear the expression “Keep it Dirty, Durham!” We love the rough edges that reflect the diversity of those who are here.
Durham, North Carolina, makes the list of up-and-coming cities with so many publications! The city ranks #16 on Forbes of best places for business and careers. Best Cities ranked it #16 as one of America’s best small cities. U.S. News and World Report listed Raleigh and Durham #13 on its list of best places to live. Alright, we moved up a few spots, even though we had to share the spot with Raleigh. Durham NC real estate has become a hot commodity too. So many people are moving here!
So what makes this city so special? Durham was a center for tobacco trading. With the decrease in tobacco’s popularity, I moved to Durham just as it was beginning its transformation. Abandoned tobacco warehouses have been transformed into office space, event space, and even living quarters.
And there are so many great aspects about living and visiting our fair city!
World-Class Medical Care
Every year, Duke University’s Hospital makes the lists for top medical facilities in the United States. People come from all over the world to receive treatment at Duke. And if you’re receiving treatment here, you get to enjoy the rest of this great city.
Duke University
Nationally ranked as one of the best institutions of higher education, Duke University also has a beautiful campus! Sports fans are familiar with Duke’s sports teams as well. Duke University students and staff add to the cultural richness of our city.
Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
Did you know that DPAC ranked #2 nationally in attendance during 2018’s first quarter? We get Broadway shows on a regular basis (Hamilton is coming!) and comedians and performers are also featured here.
Foodie Destination
Southern Living has listed Durham as the South’s Tastiest Town. And it isn’t always obvious where the great food may be found. With options like new comers like Littler and M Sushi, to 21c Hotel’s Counting House, Mateo for Tapas and Mothers & Sons Trattoria, there is a diversity of food options. The food truck scene is also strong in Durham – you’ll find them at breweries and other gathering places around town. There’s even a food truck rodeo every season where you can pick from a variety of cuisines!
Craft Drink Industry
Fullsteam Brewery took farm to table and applied it to craft beer. Ponysaurus Brewing spearheaded social conscience. Durham now has a distillery and a meadery as well. There are also more refined drinking establishments like Alley 21 if you prefer a more sophisticated drink. Bedlam Vodka is also distilled in our fair city.
Quirky!
From the beautiful murals to the art placed throughout town, this city is special to me and so many others. With a lively art scene and downtown, I’m so lucky to have witnessed Durham’s transformation in the last ten years! And if it rains during your visit, here are some things to do if its raining.
Whether you’re considering moving here or just visiting, you’ll fall in love with everything Durham has to offer. I hope to see you soon – and let me know if you want someone to show you around!
If you’re looking for things to do nearby, consider visiting the Tiger Rescue or taking a side trip to Greensboro to learn about the civil rights movement.
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
I have never been to US let alone this beautiful city, Durham. I have never heard of it before but now, I’ll put it in my bucketlist. Seems like a good place to visit. I’m excited to try their local food too!
I never knew Durham was growing so fast. It surely seems to have every ingredient necessary to settle down. The murals and artwork are a major attraction for me as i feel these make any place so interesting to be in. I have always preferred smaller cities with all the facilities and without the crowds and traffic rather than bigger noisy cities. And Durham is surely my kind.
One of my friends recently moved to North Carolina. I am going to suggest her to visit Durham. Looks like a charming little town!
Personally for me, I’d love this place for its craft drinks & murals!
I was able to visit Durham a couple of years ago and I would have to agree that it is a great small city. We attended an event in Duke University for a couple of weeks and had the chance to enjoy the place like locals.
I’d not heard much of anything about Durham before though I have heard of Duke’s, not only on TV but from friends who have been treated there. I enjoyed reading about the history of the city, and how locals appreciate some of that gritty wear and tear, and want to “Keep it Dirty, Durham!” The foodie appeal is definitely one for me, so it’s good to read about the increase in great food, especially the food trucks.
I always love stories in which an abandoned city gets transformed into a vibrant community. Personally, I never heard about it before but it looks like a very nice and well connected city. I’ve heard that Southern food is one of the best to try in US. Would you agree?
I never knew that about Durham before reading your post, but it is great to know that abandoned city got transformed into vibrant community by Bull Durham Tobacco Company. I love Performing Art Center and it would great to watch comedians performing here. It is good that it is good for education also because of Duke’s University. Thanks for sharing for all the details.
Thank you for intruducing me this lovely city, which apparently became a bull city. It looks very modern and developed, I bet it’s a great place to move in and get a job. I am a foddie, so would enjoy dining around for sure. Looks like a good choice for a weekend trip as well.
Nice to see such a transformation to this town. From a Tobacco site to a hustling town. And with such positive vibes. Definitely gonna look it up when I can.
It’s always a plus to learn about the city from someone who lives there. All this time I only knew Durham from the airport when looking at the arrival and departure board. 🙂 You open my eyes about Durham. I don’t realize that Duke University is located in Durham and the DPAC ranked #2 nationally in attendance during 2018’s first quarter. It means more people turn their head to this great small city.
We always explore other cities so it’s fun looking at our own!
I love the County Fare area and the part where they have the food trucks. Did they have a good selection of vegan foods? I’ve heard that Southern food is one of the best to try in US. Thanks for sharing.
There are foods that are vegetarian but I don’t know how vegan friendly they would be. Some food trucks are better with their options than others.
This seems an awesome city and a good place for education. Their university looks impressive (how old does it is?), and awesome medical care which is important. Are you planning to moved here?
I’ve been living here for 10 years. Duke University is 180 years old.
Very interesting! There are so many cities in this country that surprise me with what they have to offer. I would very much like to able to explore more in different states and see the local life. Southern food is definitely one of the best cuisines and worth trying!
The big cities get the attention but we’ve got some great small cities too.
This town looks really nice. I haven’t visited but would love to do it one day. The foodie scene you have in Durham sounds really appealing too! Thank you for sharing
It just keeps getting better!
I was so happy to see this post. I lived and studied at UNC, Chapel Hill for two whole years. Durham definitely holds a special place in my heart. I like it how you mention the “Durm” part. And yeah! The tobacco trails. Nostalgic!
It just keeps getting better!
It looks like you live in a very nice town, and well connected too. I’ve not been to any of the Carolinas when in the US, so would like to visit. I like the sound of the foodie scene you have in Durham too!
The Carolinas are not on many foreigners lists of places to see. But they are amazing!