Honestly, I never imagined myself living in Durham. But here's how it happened. This is a true story!

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I bought my first home -- a townhome actually -- in Carrboro. I loved the small-town atmosphere and the sense of community there. I thought I would never leave. Then, as I accumulated more "stuff" and desired to live in a neighborhood a little quieter and less "studenty" and a home a little larger, I began looking for a detached home. I quickly found that there were no homes in my price range in neighborhoods that I found attractive in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro areas. So, I slowly began expanding my search, inching just over the Orange County border into Durham County. But, I was nervous about leaving the comfort zone of my home base, I was prepared to give up my dream of a little home of my own and stay in my cramped townhome.

As I began exploring the Southwest Durham area, and began seeing children playing in yards and neighborhood parks there, my fears started turning to excitement. People were out walking dogs, neighbors stood in yards chatting, baseball teams played at neighborhood ball fields, and they seemed perfectly happy! I jokingly created a criteria for choosing my new neighborhood. If the people I passed waved at me when I waved at them, then that neighborhood was a contender. To my surprise, Southwest Durham was full of "wavers".

As I narrowed down neighborhoods with homes I could afford, I was drawn to the older neighborhoods with mature trees and shrubs, walking paths, lakes, and parks. I would never have dreamed that I could afford to live in a neighborhood with the character and beauty these had to offer. Some of my particular favorites were Woodcroft, Woodlake, Parkwood, and Penrith. All had distinct character -- their own personalities.

Ultimately, I chose Parkwood. It had the atmosphere, diversity, convenient location, and community feel that I so desired. And, it was full of "wavers"! I learned that Parkwood was one of the first subdivisions built in Durham. When IBM opened its offices in Research Triangle Park, the neighborhood was created for quick access to the job for its employees, and was quite innovative for its time. It was built with its own elementary school, lakes and parks, and a shopping strip that met many of the residents' shopping needs. Home styles ranged from brick ranches (the classic Carolina home!), to more modern contemporary styles, to colonial two-story homes, to the rage of the era -- the split-level.

The home I chose was a three bedroom, two bath brick ranch on a quiet cul-de-sac. It was the perfect size, on a large lot with plenty of big trees. I loved the traditional style and the comfortable floor plan of the home. The lot was nearly a half an acre, and since I had two large dogs, it was important to me that they have plenty of room to run. But the thing I loved the most, and which tipped my decision in the "buy" direction, was the fireplace and beautiful mantel in what was to become my new house. I know it's not logical, but home buying is a very emotional one on many levels, and that fireplace took me back to my childhood home, and represented comfort, family, friends, and happiness.

I have never regretted my decision. As a matter of fact, I fall more in love with my neighborhood, Southwest Durham, and Durham in general every time I come home. The fact that Durham receives bad press only makes me more fierce in my loyalty. I have come to see all the wonderful things about Durham. It is a wonderfully diverse city, with a sense of connectivity that is difficult to explain. Durham offers a bounty of outdoor activities, excellent opportunities for volunteering, world-class restaurants, all the excitement of a university community, an art scene that rivals much larger metropolitan areas, and community festivals that feel very small-town America. It is a city that embraces and learns from its rich history, and looks forward passionately to the possibilities of the future. The excitement of the downtown transformation is testament to that fact.

The Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau is doing a fabulous job of promoting our proud city. Their campaign, Durham: Where Great Things Happen, is brilliant. I share their website every chance I get.

http://www.wheregreatthingshappen.com/share

Today Parkwood has a neighborhood library, a handy convenience store, several houses of worship, an elementary school, a beauty shop, a fire station, the Piedmont Wildlife Center, a baseball field, basketball courts, community pools, and beautiful lakes and parks. Parkwood homes have a very healthy appreciation, and the neighborhood continues to be one of the top-selling neighborhoods in Durham after over 45 years. As a matter of fact, Woodcroft, Hope Valley Farms, and Parkwood are three Southwest Durham neighborhoods that are consistently in the top-selling Durham neighborhoods. Its proximity to RTP, to UNC Chapel Hill, NC Central University, and Duke University, and some of the best shopping and dining in the state at The Streets of Southpoint Mall are huge selling points. Here are the 2007 Parkwood Sales Statistics.

When home buyers tour Southwest Durham with me, my excitement and pride are very evident. I sell more homes in the Southwest area than any other area of Durham. Maybe my passion is contagious, but honestly, Southwest Durham sells itself. 

I couldn't be happier with my choice of homes and neighborhood. I hope to never leave! If you'd like to buy or sell a home in the Triangle area, you can search on my website, or call me at 919-210-5418. I'd love to hear from you!