Durham's 27703 ZIP Code booms as new neighborhoods attract homebuyers
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you drive through Durham's 27703 ZIP Code, you'll likely notice entire neighborhoods popping up across the area. Realtors say buyers are flocking here for a mix of convenience and affordability, making it one of the fastest-growing parts of the city.
"We looked at this community, and we loved that we're the first people living here. It's our own house. The screened-in porch really got us," said homeowner Autumn Ortiz.
Ortiz is so new to the area that she hasn't met her neighbors yet. She and her husband, along with their 1-year-old son, moved into their three-bedroom home just a week ago. The family relocated from West Virginia, drawn by new opportunities in North Carolina.
"My husband and I are nurses. It opened up so many jobs for us. We work at UNC. We also love how many things there are for my toddler," Ortiz said.
For Ortiz, the Stella View community stood out for its convenience, especially being close to family.
"My family lives here in Durham, and a little further away, about 15 minutes. That was something pretty appealing for us. We wanted to be close to family," she said.
Cleared land and new construction are becoming a common sight in the 27703 area.
"It has lots of land that people have gotten their hands on. It was family land. Somebody might have 60 or 100 acres of land that they're selling off to the builders," said Realtor Donna Bass.
Bass, who has been in real estate for 25 years, describes the area as previously underdeveloped, but now rapidly expanding.
She says its appeal comes from its proximity to major universities, affordability, and easy access to key destinations like Research Triangle Park and the airport.
"You can get to the airport within 10 minutes. You can get to Southpoint mall within 10 to 15 minutes. You can get to Duke University within 12 minutes. It's actually very centrally located in a really good spot in Durham without you feeling like I have to go to the outskirts to get some affordability," Bass said.
Right now, Bass says there are 177 active new construction homes for sale in the 27703 ZIP Code. They are not resales, but new builds.
This comes as White House economists estimate the U.S. is short about 10 million homes, saying more construction could help boost the middle class and the overall economy. For buyers in Durham, though, there are already options taking shape in 27703.
