Cardinal Lake, Durham,NC

If you’re considering a move to Durham, NC, the Cardinal Lake neighborhood in the southeast part of the city is definitely worth a look. This charming area offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of green space and scenic views, especially around its namesake lake. Residents enjoy easy access to several parks and walking trails, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. The neighborhood’s well-maintained homes and quiet streets create a welcoming vibe that makes you feel at home right away.

One of the standout attractions near Cardinal Lake is the bustling Southpoint Mall, located just a short drive away. This shopping hub features a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, providing plenty of choices for dining and leisure. Additionally, the nearby Streets at Southpoint offer an upscale shopping and dining experience with popular retailers and trendy eateries. For families, the area boasts highly-rated schools and convenient community centers, which contribute to a strong sense of community and support.

When it comes to convenience, Cardinal Lake is only about a 15-minute drive to Downtown Durham, making it easy for residents to enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and diverse dining options without sacrificing the tranquility of suburban living. Whether you’re into catching a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center, exploring the local breweries, or visiting the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a baseball game, you’re just a short trip away. This balance of peaceful neighborhood living with close proximity to urban excitement makes Cardinal Lake a fantastic choice for those relocating to Durham.

31% of the Cardinal Lake population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 31% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Cardinal Lake demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 323 residents, Cardinal Lake is notably smaller than many other Durham neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 1,604 people per square mile, Cardinal Lake offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Durham neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

With an average age of 39, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Cardinal Lake crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Cardinal Lake, the median home price is about $271,000, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Cardinal Lake have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The average rent price is about $0, which is lower than many surrounding areas. This makes it an appealing option for renters seeking budget-friendly living without sacrificing convenience, location, or quality of life.

School ratings in Cardinal Lake combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Cardinal Lake can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.