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Hayti District

Hayti District

Suburban Neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina

Durham County 27701, 27707

$271,172 Average Value
$245 Average Price per Sq Ft
12 Homes For Sale

Durham’s Black Wall Street

Hayti District, sometimes referred to locally as “Hayti,” sprang up in the late 1800s. What began as a residential community for African American families working in Durham’s tobacco warehouses became a thriving business district by the early 1900s, home to hundreds of Black-owned and operated financial institutions, insurance companies, restaurants and entertainment venues. Booker T. Washington once called it “Black Wall Street,” and the moniker stuck. The community’s prosperity waned in the mid-20th century when an urban renewal program dismantled many of the historic buildings and a freeway split the community. “Being split by the highway really changed the economic outlook of the whole area,” says Alexandra Pool, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker. “But it’s building itself up again right now,” she says. In May 2024, the city announced plans to spend $10 million to revitalize and restore the historic district. Independent investors have flocked to the community lately, too, drawn by Hayti District’s proximity to downtown, as well as Duke and North Carolina Central University. “People love Hayti’s proximity to downtown,” local Realtor Stephanie Anson of Northside Realty says. “There’s really been a lot of development in that area since 2018.”

The Hayti District was once called “Black Wall Street.”
The Hayti District was once called “Black Wall Street.”
The Hayti Heritage Cultural Center is a cultural and arts education facility located in Durham.
The Hayti Heritage Cultural Center is a cultural and arts education facility located in Durham.
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From early 20th century homes to brand-new construction

Home styles in Hayti District represent nearly every decade between 1900 and today, from Craftsman bungalows and modest Minimal Traditional cottages to Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals and classic ranch-style homes. “There’s a vast mix in this area,” Pool says. “The whole neighborhood is really building itself up right now. There’s been a lot of investment into the area in the form of new construction, so while a lot of the homes are older, there are a lot of really modern homes mixed into the area.” She notes that North Carolina Central University’s proximity is part of the area’s recent housing boom. “As the university grows, there’s just not enough on-campus housing for out-of-state students. There are a lot of investors going in and flipping houses for students right next to the university.” The oldest, least updated homes here can sell for between $135,000 and $215,000 while recently renovated Craftsman bungalows can go for as much as $395,000. New construction tends to run anywhere from $450,000 to about $515,000.

Lots of older homes are being renovated in the Hayti District.
Lots of older homes are being renovated in the Hayti District.
Hayti is a vibrant campus community that brings residents close to the heart of Durham, NC.
Hayti is a vibrant campus community that brings residents close to the heart of Durham, NC.
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Hayti Heritage Center anchors the community

The Hayti Heritage Center, on the north side of the neighborhood, preserves and celebrates the heritage and culture of the historic community. “Our building has stood on this spot since 1891,” says Angela Lee, executive director of the Hayti Heritage Center. “Our venue is the last remaining original structure from Durham’s Black Wall Street.” Lee adds that the organization is still very active today, hosting programs ranging from youth outreach and weekly dance classes to poetry slams and arts festivals. The annual Hayti Films festival is the longest-running Black film festival in the southeastern U.S. The Jambalaya Soul Slam, which takes place at the center every third Thursday, is the region’s longest-running poetry event, too. “We have continued to provide a place of joy and healing and life and arts — everything that you would want to have to support a community,” Lee says. “A lot of organizations like ours no longer exist, so it’s important that we do everything we can so this building and the community it stands for are around for another 130-plus years.” Hillside Park and the adjacent W.D. Hill Recreation Center are a few blocks south of the Hayti Heritage Center. The park offers a youth baseball/softball field, basketball court, playground and picnic areas, along with a seasonal outdoor pool and sprayground. Beyond the typical amenities, such as a fitness center and gymnasium, the rec center features a futsal court. Similar to a basketball court, it’s a hard, indoor court used to play football-based futsal. Nearby Grant Street Park has a classic playground. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the city’s minor league baseball team, is just a couple miles north of the neighborhood. Burton Park, just east of the neighborhood, has a playground, too, this one with a disc swing. There’s also a basketball court and picnic areas. Wading/playing in the creek that runs through Burton Park is not permitted; the city found illegal discharge upstream and chemical testing is currently being conducted to determine how the water is affected.

The Hayti Heritage Center mission is to preserve the history of the old Hayti community.
The Hayti Heritage Center mission is to preserve the history of the old Hayti community.
A muralled basketball courts at Hillside Park greets people in the Spaulding Community.
A muralled basketball courts at Hillside Park greets people in the Spaulding Community.
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Proximity to downtown Durham

With so much changing in Durham, there are plenty of restaurants for a night out. “People love Hayti’s proximity to downtown,” Anson says. A popular choice is Pizzeria Toro, across from The Carolina Theater, where residents can take in a performance or movie in a historic venue. For groceries, locals stock up at the Food Lion on Fayetteville Street and visit the Target located 4 miles away in South Square Shopping Mall. For any home renovation needs, Home Depot is a 2-mile drive up Highway 147.

Pizzeria Toro is a seasonally driven wood-fired pizzeria.
Pizzeria Toro is a seasonally driven wood-fired pizzeria.
The Carolina Theatre is downtown Durham's home for concerts, comedy, and cinema since 1926.
The Carolina Theatre is downtown Durham's home for concerts, comedy, and cinema since 1926.
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Not far from the downtown dining scene

There’s a Food Lion just south of the community For groceries and other everyday essentials. Let’s Eat Soul Food, nearby, serves up classic Southern comfort food in a casual setting. Pool says that while there are a few more eateries around here, most locals head in the opposite direction for dining. “There’s not a whole lot right in the neighborhood, it’s mostly small take-out shops. But there are so many options over in downtown, not too far away,” Pool says. She recommends Dame’s Chicken & Waffles. “Everybody’s got to try it once, I think it’s just amazing.”

Food Lion
Food Lion
Let's Eat Soul Food is a family-owned soul food restaurant located near the Hayti District.
Let's Eat Soul Food is a family-owned soul food restaurant located near the Hayti District.
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AP courses, Agriscience Pathway Program at Jordan High

Hayti District students between preschool and fifth grade may go to Fayetteville Street Elementary, which earns a C grade from Niche. Older students continue to Sherwood Githens Middle and Jordan High. Sherwood Githens receives a B grade, while Jordan gets a B-plus. The high school offers 20 Advanced Placement courses and the Agriscience Pathway Program, in which students learn the basics of agriscience applications and can choose between concentrations in animal science, biotech or horticulture. Duke University, a private research university offering more than 200 undergraduate programs, is a few miles west of Hayti. North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is immediately south of the neighborhood. The historically Black public university offers nearly 100 undergraduate programs. The McDougald-McLendon Arena, home of NCCU Eagles basketball and volleyball, is off East Lawson Street, within half a mile of most homes in Hayti District.

Fayetteville Street Elementary located in Durham, NC serves around 225 students in grades k-5.
Fayetteville Street Elementary located in Durham, NC serves around 225 students in grades k-5.
The life-size bronze statue depicts Dr. James E. Shepard at North Carolina Central University.
The life-size bronze statue depicts Dr. James E. Shepard at North Carolina Central University.
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Separated from downtown by the Durham Freeway

North Carolina Highway 147, known locally as either 147 or the Durham Freeway, runs along the north side of the neighborhood, connecting northwest toward Duke University Hospital, a major local employer. Downtown is just across the freeway, within a couple miles of Hayti District. “It’s right in the middle of so many different things,” says Anson. “You just hop on 147 and you can get anywhere you need to go.” GoDurham provides bus service throughout the city. There are stops in and around the neighborhood on main thoroughfares such as South Alston Avenue, East Lawson Street and Fayetteville Street. “There’s nothing like an L-train or anything like that,” Anson says. “The busses are available, but the best option is to drive.”

The Durham Freeway or 147, runs along the north side of the Hayti District.
The Durham Freeway or 147, runs along the north side of the Hayti District.
GoDurham provides bus service throughout the Hayti District.
GoDurham provides bus service throughout the Hayti District.
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Crime

Hayti District’s CAP Index Crime Score is 9 out of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4. The CAP Index scores for violent crimes range between 8 and 9 out of 10 while the scores for property crimes range between 7 and 9 out of 10.

Megan Quintin
Written By
Megan Quintin
Bryan Regan
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Regan
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Brandon Flash Craigie

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 J.T. Smith, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Raleigh-Durham International

21 min drive

Bus

S Alston Ave & Dupree St (Sb)

Bus

Fayetteville St & Price Ave

Bus

S Alston Ave & Massey Ave (Sb)

Bus

Fayetteville St & Lawson St (Nccu)

Bus

Lawson Ave & Nccu Track (Wb)

Bus

Alston Ave & Durham Freeway (Sb)

Bus

Fayetteville St & Umsted St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Hayti District US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$311,000
Median Single Family Price
$315,000
Median Townhouse Price
$279,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$245
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Months of Supply
2.70
Median List Price
$320,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
460
Median Year Built
1940
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,390
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,276
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to J.T. Smith, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,770
Median Age
36
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,752
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,219

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
75.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
27.5%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
% Population in Labor Force
58.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

33 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

63 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Hayti District