Durham

Old North Durham, Durham Neighborhood

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.

Highlights of Old North Durham

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Northgate Park

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 School

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.

🍽️ Durham Food Hall

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.

🛒 Compare Foods Durham

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.

🚴 Ellerbe Creek Trail

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.

Old North Durham

This April in Old North Durham

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

April 20, 2026

Paperhand Puppet Project presents “A World of Wonder!”

Durham County Main Library • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (and 1:00–2:00 PM)

A whimsical interactive puppet show at Main Library that’s perfect for families and brings creative wonder close to Old North Durham residents.

April 23, 2026

A Conversation with Sarah Vowell

Durham County Main Library • 6:00 PM–7:30 PM

An engaging author talk with New York Times–bestselling historian Sarah Vowell, offering intellectually stimulating local programming for curious minds in Old North Durham.

April 24, 2026

Driving the Green Book with Alvin Hall

Durham County Main Library • 6:00 PM–7:30 PM

A keynote conversation with author Alvin Hall about “Driving the Green Book,” offering rich cultural history that's easy to reach from Old North Durham.

April 25, 2026

Spring Soils Festival at Hub Farm

Durham Public School Hub Farm • 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

A family‑friendly plant‑and‑soil festival with hands‑on activities, food, crafts and music—great for local families interested in gardening near Old North Durham.

April 25, 2026

SHRED‑A‑THON

Durham Center for Senior Life (406 Rigsbee Ave) • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

A convenient community shredding event right next to Old North Durham, useful for secure document disposal and connecting with local community services.

From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Old North Durham

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Old North Durham

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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