Central Park offers residents excellent access to an extensive public transit network, with about 10 bus lines crossing the neighborhood and convenient bus stops near most residences. The area features comprehensive cycling infrastructure, making bicycle travel easy and practical. Numerous businesses are located nearby, including a variety of specialty and general grocery stores, as well as diverse restaurants and cafes for dining options. Housing options are varied with large apartment buildings, smaller apartments, duplexes, and single detached homes mostly built after the year 2000. With approximately 10 bars nearby, opportunities to socialize and unwind are readily available in this vibrant community.
Central Park offers a variety of experiences for home buyers who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Even though this neighborhood is not known for its vibrancy, it is very easy to find bars as they are well-distributed throughout the area. This part of the city is a fairly good area for those who aren't bothered by some noise, as traffic can occasionally be loud during rush hour, although there are still several quieter pockets.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Beloved for its shady paths and open spaces, Northgate Park sits at the heart of Old North Durham, drawing families, joggers, and dog-walkers to its playgrounds, tennis courts, and riverside trails along Ellerbe Creek.
Club Boulevard Elementary anchors the neighborhood with a strong reputation for community involvement and walkability, serving as both an educational hub and a gathering point for neighborhood events and family activities.
Located just south of Old North Durham’s borders on Foster Street, Durham Food Hall offers an eclectic mix of local eats and craft beverages, serving as a vibrant dining destination within easy walking distance for residents.
On Avondale Drive, Compare Foods is a multicultural grocery store that stands out for its diverse selection of international products and fresh produce, serving as a go-to spot for the neighborhood’s grocery needs.
Winding through the neighborhood, the Ellerbe Creek Trail offers miles of greenway for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting Old North Durham with downtown Durham and other scenic spots while providing a serene natural escape.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free outdoor concert at Durham Central Park is an easy, close-to-home evening for Old North Durham residents. Natural Wonder’s Stevie Wonder tribute provides live music, dancing, and a relaxed community atmosphere, with downtown restaurants and bars nearby for extending the night.
View event details →The Saturday farmers’ market is a convenient neighborhood outing for fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers, and locally made crafts. From Old North Durham, residents can easily bike, walk, or make a short drive to shop while enjoying the park and downtown atmosphere.
View event details →This free, family-friendly movie night offers a low-cost way to enjoy October outdoors close to home. Old North Durham households can bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a relaxed evening under the lights at Durham Central Park, with nearby food and drink options afterward.
View event details →Held at the Main Library on North Roxboro Street, these hands-on paper-art workshops are especially convenient for Old North Durham residents. Participants can learn traditional Japanese folding, dyeing, and torn-paper techniques in an intergenerational setting, making this a creative daytime activity for adults, children, and families.
View event details →Pupalooza brings dogs and their people together for a festive fall celebration in one of Durham’s most accessible parks. It is a particularly easy outing from Old North Durham, offering pet-friendly activities, community connections, and a chance to enjoy the neighborhood’s lively downtown park scene.
View event details →The inaugural Durham FRINGE Festival turns downtown into a citywide stage with theater, dance, music, comedy, poetry, puppetry, and experimental performances. Residents of Old North Durham can explore varied local artists and venues without traveling far, choosing between ticketed shows and free public events across ten days.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Old North Durham
Local characteristics and demographics for Old North Durham
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