I'm Billy, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Durham, North Carolina. And if you’re considering settling down in Durham, you’re in luck. Part of NC’s Research Triangle Park, Durham benefits from the area’s increasing tech presence. Outdoor recreation is plentiful, microbreweries are becoming abundant, and arts venues lend the city a distinct culture and vibe.

Of course, with all this growth and increased vibrancy comes an increased cost of living. If you’re like us at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, you’ll want to balance neighborhood location and amenities against rent to maximize how far your dollar takes you. Let’s walk through 10 of my favorites for stretching your dollar.

Spaulding Community

Spaulding is a hilly, residential area in a relatively quiet part of town, largely comprised of single-family homes and duplexes. Carrying the namesake of Durham’s “Black Wall Street” legend, Charles Clinton Spaulding, the community is bordered to the east by North Carolina Central University, a historically Black college.

Spaulding is only 1.5 miles south of downtown Durham, gifting it easy access to points of interest, including Duke Gardens and the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. The former’s colorful, vibrant scenery is a favorite for locals, including yours truly — it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon walk before date night.

Greysons Green

Greysons Green is pretty and serene. A community of mostly mid-sized homes, it’s ideal for families and professionals seeking easy access to Research Triangle Park (RTP) and downtown Durham. Quick access to Highway 98, I-85, and I-70 makes the morning commute manageable, and when it’s time for revelry, I’ve found that it only takes 15 minutes to hit downtown.

The interstates and highways crisscrossing the nearby area offer families and singles a variety of boutiques and venues, including the variety of shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). I’ve attended a number of shows there, ranging from Broadway’s The Lion King to the rock band Creed. Needless to say, something for everyone!

Families and those leading an active lifestyle will appreciate the hiking and biking trails and the short drive to Blue Jay Point County Park and Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Latta Road

The affordable Latta Road community distinguishes itself with its bounty of scenic features. Nature lovers will relish the many walking trails and freshwater bodies in the immediate vicinity. Notably, the nearby Eno River State Park offers hiking, paddling, fishing, camping, and picnicking. I’ve had several friends rave about the views, and it’s reportedly a perfect place to get your pup some exercise. Working on a budget? No problem. General day use of the park is free, although camping requires a fee.

Not the outdoorsy type? With downtown Durham less than 15 minutes from Latta Road, you’ll have your choice of boutiques, breweries, and bistros. The neighborhood is also in close proximity to a range of elementary schools, including Easley, W.G. Pearson, Eno Valley, and Hillandale.

East Durham

East Durham is an older, affordable neighborhood with a wealth of history. Historic buildings coexist with contemporary buildings and housing. As new residents begin to make their way into the community, the neighborhood is slowly changing, with some of the older developments being cleared away to make room for the new.

Still, the community remains a hub for Black-owned businesses, much as it has for generations. Its historic “Black Wall Street” hearkens to the late 1800s and is a vital part of the area’s unique identity. Southern cuisine is well represented at local joints — be sure to check out Soul Forking Good, which sits only a couple of miles away.

While East Durham isn’t known for its nightlife or venues, downtown Durham can be reached in as little as five minutes.

South Durham

Those yearning for a mostly quiet, advantageously located suburban setting in central North Carolina would be hard-pressed to do much better than the South Durham community. The homes and apartments populating the area are decidedly middle class, so while not the most inexpensive community on this list, South Durham remains reasonably affordable while offering some pretty massive perks.

South Durham’s incredibly easy access not only makes it a 15-minute drive to downtown Durham, but it also makes it a straight shot to nearby Raleigh and Chapel Hill. My sister used to live in the area (Woodcroft, specifically), and it was always incredibly convenient to simply drive up the road to hit all the shops at the Streets of Southpoint.

Love staying in touch with nature? You’re in luck. The American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile rails-to-trails project, runs straight through the neighborhood’s center. The Piedmont Wildlife Center is also only three miles away.

Campus Hills

Revitalization is the name of the game in Campus Hills. Located just south of Durham Freeway and only 10 minutes from downtown Durham, this is an established community with a mix of renovated older homes, smaller lots, and apartments. The homes and townhomes feature 20th-century and 21st-century styles, offering something for everyone.

Durham Technical Community College lies within the community, and North Carolina Central University is just north. Duke University, a prominent academic institution, is only a short drive east.

Campus Hills is a dog-friendly community with easy access to the American Tobacco Trail as well as Campus Hills Park and Elmira Avenue Park.

Watts Hospital-Hillandale

Pretty, tree-lined streets and reasonably affordable 20th-century housing are hallmarks of Durham’s Watts Hospital-Hillandale community. If you’re looking to buy a home and put down roots, this quiet residential area located only 10 minutes north of downtown Durham is calling your name.

This suburban community is an excellent place to raise a family, whether you have a son, daughter, or fur baby! After all, it’s less than 10 minutes from Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home to one of America’s most famous minor league teams, the Durham Bulls (you may recognize the team’s name from the celebrated 1988 Kevin Costner film, “Bull Durham”). I can promise that a game at DBAP is always a good time — I highly recommend their “Bark in the Park” event. It’s exactly as it sounds and is a blast for man and man’s best friend alike!

Northgate Park

Need a family-friendly landing spot with high walkability? Durham’s Northgate Park is calling you. True to its name, the Northgate Park community includes Northgate Park, a wonderful natural habitat offering a range of walking trails. Those with pets and/or raising a family will be drawn to the affordable apartments and mid-century housing of this pleasant community.

A huge boon for anyone intrigued by Northgate Park is that the celebrated Museum of Life and Science is located directly within this community. I’ve visited the 84-acre museum on numerous occasions and always come away impressed.

The Northgate Park community is only ten minutes north of downtown Durham and all the restaurants, shops, and breweries of the American Tobacco Campus and the surrounding area.

Warehouse District

Seeking a different vibe than mid-century houses and townhomes? Durham’s Warehouse District community features historic industrial buildings in a relatively quiet, affordable area. Best of all, you’re already effectively downtown — downtown Durham is only a 5-minute drive!

The Warehouse District also offers easy walkability and swift access to public transportation and trendy brunch spots around West Main Street. The nearby Museum of Durham History does a superb job of exhibiting the city’s fascinating history, too.

Brightleaf District

The Brightleaf District community is a national historic district in Durham, NC. It’s located only 5 minutes from all the eateries and venues of downtown Durham, and houses a range of shops and restaurants all its own. Affordable and still relatively quiet, it’s an excellent place for young families and singles alike.

Brightleaf Square’s shops are a strong attraction, as is the Durham Roots Farmers’ Market, which specializes in Durham-only produce. I’ve always enjoyed hitting up the area’s taprooms and breweries, as well.