Best Zip Codes for Families: Spotlight on 27713 – Durham, North Carolina

Welcome to this week’s edition of Family Community Finder on CompaniesByZipCode.com

Your source for discovering the most family-friendly zip codes across the U.S. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on 27713, located in the rapidly growing Triangle region of Durham, North Carolina. Once known primarily as a hub for research and academia, Durham has transformed into a thriving metropolis that’s drawing families from across the country. Boasting a near-perfect blend of Southern charm, urban convenience, and natural beauty, 27713 is capturing national attention—and for good reason.

Spanning the southern part of Durham, including the vibrant Southpoint, Hope Valley Farms, and Herndon Road areas, this trending zip offers an ideal combination of top-rated schools, affordable housing, green spaces, and community spirit. Whether you’re a young family buying your first home or relocating for work or quality of life, 27713 offers something for everyone.

The Hook: Why Are So Many Families Moving to 27713?

What’s the secret behind 27713’s family migration boom? For many, it’s the perfect harmony of lifestyle, affordability, and opportunity. Families are flocking here for more than just homes—they’re drawn by high-performing public schools, expansive parks for weekend outings, safe neighborhoods, and access to career opportunities with major employers like Duke Health, Research Triangle Park, and tech giants. At a time when work-life balance, community connection, and educational quality are priorities, 27713 delivers—all within a short drive from the bustling downtowns of Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to 27713
2. Community Overview
3. Educational Opportunities
4. Housing Market Trends
5. Amenities and Attractions
6. Transportation and Accessibility
7. Family Testimonials and Case Studies
8. Conclusion: Why 27713 is a Top Zip Code for Families


1. Introduction to 27713

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, zip code 27713 covers the southern portions of Durham and is increasingly considered a top family-friendly area. A growing number of people are drawn to this locale for its green neighborhoods, robust infrastructure, and wide range of family-centered amenities. The area strikes a balance between urban energy and suburban tranquility—ideal for raising children in a thriving community.

This area is particularly attractive to professionals working in RTP (Research Triangle Park), just a short 15–20 minute commute away. With tech companies, startups, hospitals, and universities continually expanding, families are finding both career and social enrichment here.

2. Community Overview

Life in 27713 is all about connection and community. From neighborhood block parties in Woodcroft and cookouts in Parkwood, to community garden projects and seasonal festivals, family-focused engagement thrives here. The culture is laid-back, welcoming, and inclusive—ideal for parents seeking a nurturing, diverse environment for their kids.

Many neighborhoods here boast shared amenities such as:

  • Community pools and clubhouses
  • Walking trails and greenways
  • Kid-friendly events like movie nights, holiday parades, and farmers markets

In particular, the Southpoint area mixes retail with residential life beautifully. At The Streets at Southpoint, you can enjoy shopping, grab a bite, or see a movie—all within walking distance of several residential developments.

Neighborhoods such as Hope Valley Farms, Woodlake, Chancellor’s Ridge, and Brightleaf at the Park are seeing an influx of young families thanks to their community feel and stellar amenities.

3. Educational Opportunities

If you’re prioritizing education in your relocation decisions, 27713 hits high marks in that department. Governed by the well-established Durham Public Schools (DPS) and supported by the nearby Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Wake County Schools, families living in 27713 have access to a diverse range of public, magnet, charter, and private institutions.

Top Public Schools Serving 27713:

  • Pearsontown Elementary School – Highly rated for STEM and language programs.
  • Githens Middle School – Noteworthy for its academic support services and honors programs.
  • Hillside High School and Jordan High School – Offer advanced placement courses and strong college readiness curricula.

Charter & Private Options:

  • Voyager Academy
  • Kestrel Heights Charter School
  • Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill

Higher Education Access:

27713 is within 30 minutes of:

  • Duke University
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • North Carolina State University

These institutions not only provide further education options but also host child-focused science days, arts events, and youth camps—adding to the academic richness of the area.

4. Housing Market Trends

Affordability meets opportunity in 27713’s real estate scene. While home prices have risen in recent years, this zip code remains more affordable than other parts of the Triangle, offering incredible value for growing families.

Housing Snapshot:

  • Median Home Price: $405,000 (as of Q1 2024)
  • Year-Over-Year Price Growth: +5.8%
  • Typical Home Styles: Single-family homes, new townhomes, and modern condos
  • Top Neighborhoods for Families: Woodcroft, Audubon Park, Parkwood, Hope Valley Farms

Developments like Brightleaf at the Park are especially popular, combining modern builds with green space and access to top-rated schools. Sherwood Forest and Chancellor’s Ridge also offer spacious homes at price points that start in the mid-$300Ks—significantly more accessible than neighboring Chapel Hill or Raleigh.

Rental options are also family-friendly, with 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes and apartments near schools often including community centers and playgrounds.

5. Amenities and Attractions

27713 is made for families who love to explore and play. It’s home to an impressive lineup of family-focused amenities, blending natural wonders with everyday conveniences.

Family-Oriented Attractions:

  • Southern Boundaries Park – Baseball fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters
  • Piney Wood Park – Tennis courts and an extensive dog park
  • American Tobacco Trail – A 22+ mile greenway perfect for biking, jogging, or stroller walks
  • Lake Jordan – Less than 30 minutes away for weekend camping, fishing, or kayaking

Libraries and Cultural Centers:

  • Southwest Regional Library – Offers toddler story time, STEM clubs, and teen programs
  • Museum of Life + Science – An amazing indoor-outdoor science park with animals, experiments, and butterfly exhibits (just 20 minutes away)

Dining & Family Favorites:

  • Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken – A hit with kids of all ages
  • Nantucket Grill – Seafood and American dishes in a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery – Family-friendly with locally sourced food and even a play area

6. Transportation and Accessibility

Whether commuting or planning weekend trips, getting around from 27713 is a breeze.

Commute & Distance:

  • To Downtown Durham: 15-20 minutes
  • To RTP: 15 minutes
  • To Raleigh: 30 minutes
  • To Chapel Hill: 20 minutes

27713’s proximity to I-40 and NC-147 ensures easy access to major employment centers, hospitals, and universities. Durham Station Transit Center, as well as GoDurham bus routes, offer public transport options, and RDU International Airport is just 20 minutes away, perfect for family vacations or travel for work.

7. Family Testimonials and Case Studies

Meet the Thompsons: Originally from DC, the Thompsons relocated to Durham last year. “We were immediately impressed by the school system and how friendly our neighbors were,” says Jessica Thompson, mother of two. “The fact that we could afford a four-bedroom home in Chancellor’s Ridge near great schools was the deciding factor. We’ve never felt so welcomed.”

The Perezes, who moved from California, echo the sentiment: “We wanted a safer, slower pace of life for our kids but didn’t want to give up great jobs. 27713 offered us both. Our daughter enrolled in a STEM magnet program, and we’ve spent nearly every weekend exploring the greenways and parks.”

These stories reflect a growing reality: 27713 isn’t just a good zip code—it’s a place where families thrive.

8. Conclusion: Why 27713 is a Top Zip Code for Families

At CompaniesByZipCode.com, we dig deep to highlight areas where families can not only live but truly flourish. Durham’s 27713 zip code leads the way thanks to its outstanding schools, community cohesion, green spaces, affordability, and access to opportunity.

Whether you’re just starting your family journey or looking for a fresh, fulfilling place to raise your kids, 27713 offers the perfect blend of modern living and old-fashioned community values.

Ready to explore more top zip codes like 27713? Visit us each week at CompaniesByZipCode.com for the latest insights, trending destinations, and family-tested recommendations from coast to coast. Your family’s next great chapter could start here.