Placid Valley, Durham,NC

If you're considering a move to Durham, NC, Placid Valley is a wonderful neighborhood to explore, especially if you appreciate a serene environment with easy access to urban amenities. Situated in the southeast part of Durham, Placid Valley offers a peaceful residential vibe complemented by the natural beauty of nearby parks and green spaces. Families and individuals alike enjoy the quiet streets lined with well-maintained homes, while the community spirit shines through local events and neighborhood gatherings. Whether you're looking for a place to settle down or just want a friendly neighborhood feel, Placid Valley makes a great choice.

One of the standout attractions of Placid Valley is its proximity to the American Tobacco Trail, a popular spot for walking, jogging, and biking that connects residents to the broader Durham area. This trail is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and provides an excellent way to stay active without having to venture far from home. Additionally, the neighborhood is just a short drive from several shopping centers and restaurants, offering convenience without the hustle of busier parts of the city. For those who appreciate nature, nearby parks like Sandy Creek Park provide playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, making it ideal for family outings or weekend relaxation.

When it comes to commuting or enjoying the vibrant culture of Durham, Placid Valley’s location is quite favorable. Downtown Durham is approximately 10 to 15 minutes away by car, depending on traffic, which means residents can easily access the city’s thriving arts scene, historic districts, and popular venues like the Durham Performing Arts Center. This proximity allows for the best of both worlds: the calm of a suburban neighborhood and the excitement of a lively downtown. Whether you're drawn by the quiet charm of Placid Valley or the convenience of city living nearby, this neighborhood offers a balanced lifestyle perfect for many newcomers to Durham.

In Placid Valley, 19% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 19% 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.

Placid Valley 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 224 residents, Placid Valley 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 1,123 people per square mile, Placid Valley 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.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 53, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Placid Valley crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Placid Valley, the median home price is about $337,833, 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 Placid Valley 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 Placid Valley 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 Placid Valley 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.