Is Blands safe?
Durham, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Blands as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Blands
“Go. Blands is a calm, upscale suburban community in southern Durham characterized by low crime and family-oriented residential subdivisions. It serves as a comfortable, safe base for visitors traveling to Research Triangle Park or exploring the Triangle area, provided you have a vehicle.”
About the area
Blands is a tranquil exurban and suburban neighborhood in southern Durham County bordering Research Triangle Park. The area features a mix of spacious wooded lots, newer master-planned developments, and close proximity to major retail corridors and regional recreation.
- Suburban / Residential
- Wooded / Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Blands
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 32/100
Dedicated on-street bike lanes are sparse on primary roads, but the paved American Tobacco Trail passes just west of the neighborhood providing miles of safe, car-free riding.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Durham municipal and national averages
- High median household incomes well exceeding 95000 dollars with negligible poverty
- Convenient access to the American Tobacco Trail and Jordan Lake recreation
- Well-maintained housing stock and high rates of owner occupancy
Cons
- Car-dependent layout with sparse sidewalks on secondary connector roads
- Isolated incidents of opportunistic vehicle theft and property crime in open driveways
- Limited walkable dining and nightlife options directly within residential pockets
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and encampments are not a notable presence in Blands, as social services and shelters are situated in central Durham.
What Blands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with light neighborhood pedestrian activity and typical commuter vehicle traffic heading toward I-40 and RTP.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and secure, with residents walking pets and children playing in subdivision cul-de-sacs.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Serene and residential with minimal foot traffic outside of subdivision sidewalks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet with virtually zero street crime, though caution is recommended for nighttime driving due to local wildlife.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is limited in the immediate residential core; GoDurham and GoTriangle (such as Route 800) operate along nearby arterial corridors like NC-54 and Southpoint.
Parking is completely hassle-free with free private driveways, residential street parking, and large surface lots at all commercial centers.
Things to do in Blands
- Bike, run, or walk along the nearby American Tobacco Trail multi-use greenway
- Explore shopping, dining, and cinema at The Streets at Southpoint retail hub
- Take a short drive to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area for paddleboarding and hiking
Local favorites
- Bean-Traders Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (1250)Longstanding local roastery known for handcrafted espresso drinks, fresh pastries, and a cozy community vibe.
- Town Hall Burger and Beer · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1100)Casual neighborhood gathering spot offering specialty burgers, craft beers on tap, and outdoor seating.
- Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken · Breakfast Restaurant · 4.3★ (1350)Popular North Carolina counter-serve staple dishing out loaded biscuit sandwiches and savory donuts.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.