When considering options for graduate school, Durham, North Carolina offers a unique blend of academic energy, cultural creativity, and natural beauty that make it an ideal choice. For students in Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, Durham provides the ideal environment to study public policy in action. The city and the surrounding Research Triangle region serve as a real-world laboratory for policy innovation, home to government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and social enterprises leading work in health, education, environmental sustainability, and technology.
A Central Hub on the East Coast
Situated in the heart of North Carolina and the East Coast, Durham is just a short flight to major cities like Washington, D.C. (under an hour in the air), Atlanta, New York, and Boston. That accessibility makes it easy for students to attend policy conferences, pursue internships, or visit home between semesters.
Durham is also part of the Research Triangle Park (RTP), a region that includes Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham itself. The area was intentionally developed between Duke University, UNC–Chapel Hill, and NC State University, creating one of the nation’s densest hubs for research, innovation, and higher education. For graduate students, that means unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, professional networking, and internships with public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
Nearby Raleigh is North Carolina’s state capital, where students can gain firsthand experience with legislative processes, shadow policymakers, or intern in state government offices. The proximity to Washington, D.C., further enhances opportunities for federal engagement and regular programming through our Duke in D.C. office, while Durham’s strong nonprofit ecosystem allows students to see how policies take shape at the community level.
Policy students at Duke Sanford frequently partner with local governments and community organizations through applied research projects, such as evaluating housing initiatives, environmental sustainability efforts, or workforce development programs. The ability to see policy from conception to implementation within the same region makes Durham a dynamic setting to connect theory and practice.
The Durham, NC skyline.
A Mid-Sized City with Big Energy
Durham is a mid-sized city of just under 300,000 people, but its impact is outsized. The region boasts one of the highest numbers of PhDs per capita in the country, giving the area an intellectual vibrancy you can feel in everyday life. It’s not unusual to overhear policy discussions in a local coffee shop or to meet people from all over the world who now call the Triangle home (nearly half of North Carolina residents were born outside the state).
Durham combines a vibrant local culture with close ties to surrounding metropolitan areas. Together, the greater Triangle region—Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill—has a population of about 2.4 million, offering the amenities of a larger metro area while preserving the community feel of a smaller city.
A Food Scene Worth Exploring
Durham’s dining culture is one of its proudest features. Consistently ranked among the “tastiest towns in the South,” the city’s restaurants rival those in much larger cities. From James Beard Award–winning chefs and Michelin-recommended restaurants to hidden gems like family-owned Vietnamese spots on Ninth Street, there’s something for every palate and budget.
Local favorites include Monuts, known for its bagels, donuts, and communal atmosphere, and Cocoa Cinnamon, a beloved café that embodies Durham’s thriving coffee culture. Whether you’re meeting classmates for brunch or catching up with professors over coffee or tea, Durham’s food scene is woven into student life.
A City that Feels Like Home
"Living in Durham as part of the Master of International Development Program (MIDP) cohort has been an incredible opportunity to discover a city that perfectly blends natural beauty, diverse flavors, and a truly global community. Whether I’m walking beneath the trees along the trail, chatting with classmates from around the world, or trying a new local restaurant, I always feel at home. The friendly atmosphere and generous student discounts make every outing even more enjoyable." - Kristel Najera MIDP’27, Fulbright Fellow
The Food Truck Rodeo.
The Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Arts, Sports, and Local Culture
Durham’s cultural life is dynamic year-round. The city is home to the Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball team whose games are affordable, lively, and right downtown. Nearby Raleigh hosts the Carolina Courage, one of the top professional women’s soccer teams in the country, while Duke’s own athletic events, especially basketball, are a central part of local pride and free or low cost to students.
The performing arts also flourish here. The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) brings Broadway shows, comedy tours, and national speakers to town, while venues like Motorco Music Hall, The Pinhook, and Cat’s Cradle offer a vibrant local and indie music scene. Duke’s own Nasher Museum of Art offers students access to world-class exhibitions, innovative contemporary art, and dynamic public programs. Just steps from campus, students can enjoy lectures, artist talks, film screenings, and community events, or stop by the café for locally inspired meals.
Nature and the “University in the Forest”
Durham is green in every sense of the word. Duke’s campus, often called the “University in the Forest,” sits amid towering pines and lush greenery. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden, offers a peaceful escape just steps from classrooms. Students also enjoy nearby trails like the Al Buehler Trail, which starts on campus, or the Eno River State Park, just minutes away.
Weekend trips are easy, too. North Carolina’s beaches and the Blue Ridge Mountains are both roughly two hours away, offering scenic getaways for hiking, camping and recharging
Duke Gardens is known for a specitacular cherry blossom display each spring.
Sunset over the Durham Division of Duke Forest, with NC-751 below.
Living and Getting Around
Most Duke graduate students live off-campus in nearby neighborhoods like Ninth Street, Erwin Road, and downtown Durham. One-bedroom apartments average around $1,400 per month, which is about 16% below the national average. Many students lower costs further by sharing housing, which is made easy through the open and welcoming community fostered at the Sanford School. Built-in support networks and study groups are an added benefit.
Duke also offers limited on-campus graduate housing, such as 300 Swift Avenue and Lancaster Apartments, the latter reserved primarily for international students. These options, along with the broader rental market, give students flexibility in finding what suits their lifestyle and budget.
Transportation around Duke’s campus is simple and student friendly. The city’s GoDurham bus system and Duke Transit routes make it easy to get to campus and around the city. Duke also provides a late-night van service for added safety and convenience. Many students walk or bike to campus thanks to ample trails and bike lanes, which make it an easy and scenic commute.
A Welcoming Community
Durham’s most defining feature might be its sense of community. Whether you’re studying at a café, catching a Bulls game downtown, or hiking the Al Buehler Trail, you’ll find a city that’s intellectually curious, culturally rich, and deeply welcoming. For Duke Sanford students, that environment creates a supportive backdrop for the demanding and rewarding work of graduate study.
Planning a Visit?
There are many weekend guides to Durham and Discover Durham is a go-to source of information on the latest events and recommendations. Be sure to check out its comprehensive guide inspired by The New York Times’ “36 Hours in Durham, North Carolina: Things to Do and See.” Before your visit, please reach out to Duke Sanford Admissions to ensure we can help make the most out of your time on campus. We can arrange meetings, schedule time with current students, and set up a potential class visit.
“There has never been a dull moment while I've been living in Durham as a graduate student at Sanford. The warmth of the community at Sanford has made my time here so rich and full of lifelong relationships. On campus, there is no shortage of basketball games, lectures, and dinners, and Durham brings so much to the plate from incredible restaurants to loads of running and biking trails. I have really enjoyed living in a place with both a walkable downtown and proximity to beautiful forests!”
Samantha Burton, MPP’26