Tuscaloosa-Lakewood, Durham,NC

For those considering a move to Durham, NC, the Tuscaloosa-Lakewood neighborhood in the southeast part of the city offers a wonderful blend of suburban charm and city convenience. This area is known for its welcoming community vibe and a variety of housing options that cater to families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes make it a peaceful place to settle down, while still being close enough to the buzz of downtown Durham. Residents enjoy a slower pace here without sacrificing easy access to the amenities and cultural attractions the city has to offer.

One of the standout features of Tuscaloosa-Lakewood is its proximity to several parks and recreational spaces, perfect for those who love spending time outdoors. Nearby, you’ll find Lakewood Park, a local favorite spot that offers walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it ideal for weekend family outings or casual morning jogs. The neighborhood also benefits from being just a short drive away from the American Tobacco Campus, a vibrant area filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. This means you can enjoy a relaxing evening out without a lengthy commute.

Living in Tuscaloosa-Lakewood means you’re roughly 10 to 15 minutes from Downtown Durham, making it easy to enjoy the city’s thriving arts scene, farmers markets, and renowned eateries. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at a local café or heading to a concert at the Durham Performing Arts Center, the location strikes a perfect balance between quiet neighborhood living and urban excitement. For anyone relocating to Durham, Tuscaloosa-Lakewood offers a friendly, convenient, and engaging community to call home.

21% of the Tuscaloosa-Lakewood 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 21% 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.

Tuscaloosa-Lakewood 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 924 residents, Tuscaloosa-Lakewood 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.

Tuscaloosa-Lakewood has a population density of 2,210, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Durham neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

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 Tuscaloosa-Lakewood crime map provides an in-depth look at crime rates throughout the community, using block group data to reveal both safer pockets and places with more frequent incidents. By visualizing these patterns, the crime map helps residents and newcomers alike better understand the dynamics of neighborhood safety. It’s worth noting that higher-crime areas on the map aren’t always indicative of danger — spots near busy commercial centers, transportation hubs, or popular attractions may naturally show more reports due to increased activity.

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Tuscaloosa-Lakewood, home prices come in around $477,100, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Tuscaloosa-Lakewood can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

The median rent is around $1,093, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Tuscaloosa-Lakewood. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Tuscaloosa-Lakewood offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.