$769,312Average Value$310Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Duke Forest's academic beginnings
Prestigious education and abundant nature meet in Duke Forest, just east of Duke University’s main campus. In the 1920s, the university began purchasing farms and forestland, ultimately creating the 7,000-acre Duke Forest, now used for research and public enjoyment. The residential pocket under the same name wasn’t developed until the 1940s when an influx of professors needed a place to call home. “It formed when Duke University was newer on the scene and couldn't compete with the Ivy Leagues in terms of salary,” says Larry Tollen, broker & team leader at My NC Homes. Tollen, a former resident of the neighborhood, paraphrases the thinking at the time: "We can’t quite match a salary like Harvard, but we’ll give you 1/3 of an acre to put your home if you sign with us.” But today, anyone can reside in this midcentury community outside of downtown Durham.
Duke University is a private institution that was founded in 1838.
Duke Forest is a forest managed by Duke University for research,
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Midcentury styles on large forested lots
The neighborhood is populated with 1950s through 70s ranch-style and raised ranch-style homes. There are also some newer houses built in the early 2000s. As the name implies, properties are separated by larger lots with dense foliage. The quiet, private streets do not have sidewalks. "It's a strong market," says Wendy Tanson, a Realtor with Nest Realty who has worked in Durham for over 20 years. “Everything is selling quickly, especially the midcentury homes. Those are usually more expensive, too.” Single-family homes range from around $500,000 to just over $1 million. There is one townhouse community in the neighborhood, and in 2024, only one townhouse sold for $350,000. Just over 50% of residents are renters.
Most homes are surrounded by trees in the Duke Forest neighborhood.
Homes are hiiden by old growth forest in the Duke Forest neighborhood.
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From Durham County Public Schools to Duke University
Lakewood Elementary receives a C grade on Niche, while Lakewood Middle earns an A-minus. Jordan High has an overall B-plus grade and offers 25 Advanced Placement courses, including African American studies and art history. They also have the Agriscience Pathway Program, which allows students to study topics like animal science and horticulture. Durham County Public Schools serve Duke Forest, and school assignments are highly dependent on zoning and can change from year to year. Parents may enter a lottery system for their kids to attend alternative schools.
Duke University offers 63 undergraduate programs and over 80 departments for graduate students. And scholars aren’t the only ones who can explore the school’s gothic-style campus. Anyone can visit the Nasher Museum of Art to see photos by Andy Warhol or the permanent contemporary gallery.
Durham, NC's Lakewood Elementary serves children in grades Pre-K through 5th grade.
Anyone can visit the Nasher Museum of Art in the Duke Forest neighborhood.
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Walking along the Al Buelhler Trail
The 3-mile Al Buelhler Trail borders the neighborhood. "People love the accessibility to the trails," Tanson says. "Moving between your home and the park grounds is easy." Duke Forest is next to Duke Golf Club. The 18-hole public course opened in 1957 and has a winding terrain covered in towering pines and babbling streams. Wrightwood Park is a 12-acre green space with a baseball field and playground that was recently updated in 2021. Cornwallis Road Park sits on nearly 20 acres and features basketball courts, outdoor fitness equipment and a playground. The Levin Jewish Community Center has a health and wellness center where members can utilize outdoor pools and group exercise classes.
The Al Buehler Trail in Duke Forest is a great place for a jog.
Duke Golf Club’s 18-hole public course is located in Duke Forest.
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Pure Soul's plant-based menu and downtown dining
“All along that U.S. 15-501 corridor that connects Duke Forest to Chapel Hill, it’s nothing but shopping centers and car dealerships,” Tollen says. “There are ample shopping opportunities.” This includes South Square, a shopping plaza with a Target and Sam’s Club. In addition to shopping, there’s a handful of restaurants and Angel Island Fun Park, an indoor adventure center for kids. Pure Soul is a highly-rated local restaurant with an entirely plant-based menu of vegan comfort food, including macaroni and cheese and pulled pork. Restaurants are scattered along Chapel Hill Road, bordering the neighborhood — Taqueria La Vaquita? is a quaint spot with authentic Mexican food. Food Lion, located in Lakewood Shopping Center, is farther up the road.
For more options, Duke Forest residents head to the heart of the city. “For dining and arts events, they’re going to downtown Durham,” Tollen says. “It’s barely 10 minutes.” Residents can catch a show at The Carolina Theatre or the Durham Performing Arts Center there.
Pure Soul serves up great vegan food in the Duke Forest neighborhood.
You can find a Target in South Square Plaza in Duke Forest.
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North Carolina highways and GoDurham bus stops abound
“It’s a central location,” Tanson says. “There’s a ton of convenient places on campus, like the museums and the Duke University Hospital.” Whether drivers take Interstate 85, North Carolina Highway 751 or North Carolina Highway 147, downtown Durham is less than 8 miles east of the neighborhood. Residents will also find several GoDurham Transit bus stops sprinkled across the area. Raleigh-Durham International is about a 14-mile drive. “The best thing about the entire triangle is that it’s just 90 minutes to the beach but also only a two-hour drive to the mountains,” Tollen says. The neighborhood has a CAP Index crime score of 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4.
Downtown Durham is less than 8 miles from Duke Forest.
Duke Forest resident can find a few GoDurham Transit bus stops across the neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa White,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
American Village Park
Wrightwood Park
Lyon Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Cornwallis Road Park
Sandy Creek Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Morreene Road Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Raleigh-Durham International
26 min drive
Bus
Duke University Rd & Anderson St (Eb)
Bus
Chapel Hill Rd & Anderson St
Bus
Duke University Rd & Chapel Dr (Eb)
Bus
Chapel Hill Rd & W Cornwallis Rd (Sb1)
Bus
Chapel Hill Rd & Vineyard St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Duke Forest
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Duke Forest, Durham sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Duke Forest, Durham over the last 12 months is $649,747, down 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
High Potential Duplex on Shelton. 1805 offers central location near Lakewood Shopping center, close proximity to Duke, Downtown Durham and Chapel Hill. This Duplex has been long term rental and is ready to continue producing income or become a primary residence. Large front porch and a large yard with plenty of possibilities on the outside. Inside, each unit has 1 Bedroom, 1 full bathroom,
As the Little Prince reminds us, It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. So bring a heart wide open to take in this storybook Tudor cottage that will give you all the feels. Vintage features include swoon-worthy arches, including a pointed arch doorway at the entrance, solid wood doors, gorgeous hardwood floors. Whimsy abounds in the secret passageway closets and the cozy second floor
Dwell Well at Vintage Durham in Durham, NC. Less than 2 miles from Duke University and just 5 miles to downtown, our brand-new Durham apartments deliver a refreshing lifestyle experience. Make your mark in on-site office suites, find your peace by the saltwater pool, and build your community at regular resident events like cooking classes, yoga sessions, and social mixers. Our studio, one, and
Cozy and affordable 1-bedroom apartments in the heart of Durham. Each unit features vinyl plank flooring, central HVAC, full kitchen appliances, and ample closet space. Enjoy community amenities like a basketball court, picnic area, on-site parking, and 24-hour maintenance. Located minutes from downtown Durham and Duke University with easy access to I-40 and I-85.📞 Contact Wilson Property
With Duke University in our backyard and Downtown Durham just a short drive away, Chandler at University Tower is a great place for people of all ages to call home. Our luxury apartments in Durham, NC, feature one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and a variety of amenities. We’re close to modern conveniences and outdoor attractions you’re sure to enjoy. Five floor plan options await you at our
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa White,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,776
Median Age
40
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,524
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$113,440
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
62%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
41.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
17/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
