Is Parkwood safe?
Durham, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Parkwood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Parkwood
“Go. Parkwood is an established, peaceful mid-century suburban neighborhood in South Durham offering a very safe environment with low crime rates. While it lacks commercial tourist attractions, it is exceptionally secure for visitors seeking a quiet residential stay near Research Triangle Park.”
About the area
Parkwood is a historic planned subdivision developed in the late 1950s and 1960s, defined by sprawling ranch homes, mature trees, and quiet cul-de-sacs. Positioned near Research Triangle Park and the intersection of NC-54 and NC-55, it attracts families and professionals looking for stability and easy highway access. Its calm atmosphere and community lake make it one of South Durham's most traditional suburban pockets.
- Quiet Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Mid-Century
- Tree-Lined
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Parkwood
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no bike-share docking stations in Parkwood, but cyclists can easily access the multi-use American Tobacco Trail located just a short ride to the west.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are remarkably low and well below Durham citywide averages
- High homeownership rate creating a stable, well-maintained residential community
- Solid economic profile with low poverty rates and strong ties to Research Triangle employment
- Quiet street layouts with low through-traffic, ideal for daytime strolls
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins typical of quiet suburban subdivisions
- Sparse street lighting on interior residential roads after dark
- Suburban, auto-centric layout requires a car for dining, retail, and errands
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is essentially absent within Parkwood's residential neighborhoods. Minor transient presence is occasionally observed only along major commercial highway junctions like NC-54 and NC-55.
What Parkwood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with neighborhood residents walking dogs and commuting along leafy streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm with minimal vehicular traffic and excellent visibility throughout residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and safe as families settle in, though visibility decreases due to limited streetlamps.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with virtually no pedestrian foot traffic; safe, but darker side streets warrant basic awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
GoDurham operates route 8 along the outer edge of the neighborhood connecting to downtown Durham Station. There is no passenger rail or BRT service in the immediate vicinity, making car travel the primary transit mode.
Parking is free, abundant, and straightforward, consisting primarily of private driveways and unrestricted curbside street parking.
Things to do in Parkwood
- Walk or relax along the banks of Parkwood Lake and its quiet neighborhood trails
- Spend an afternoon at Parkwood Park utilizing the playground, open fields, and athletic courts
- Connect to the nearby American Tobacco Trail for scenic long-distance walking or cycling
Local favorites
- True Flavors Diner · Brunch Restaurant · 4.5★ (2150)Upscale diner serving elevated Southern comfort food, specialty scratch biscuits, and popular brunch dishes.
- Bralie's Sports Bar & Grill · Sports Bar · 4.4★ (480)Unpretentious neighborhood gathering spot offering cold brews, pub grub, and outdoor patio seating.
- Mattie B's Public House · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (720)Cozy neighborhood hangout featuring craft beers on tap, artisanal brick-oven pizzas, and comfort fare.
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.