The Herald-Sun offered Paul Andrews the opportunity to talk about why he and his wife chose to live in Durham and how they feel about the decision now. Paul moved here from the Northeast almost 20 years ago. His “Other Voices” column on the editorial page of today’s paper adds to the chorus of people who have reflected on the developments that have occurred in the last twenty years and those underway now that are making this a pretty special place to live. It is truly heartening to see more people actually admitting that they enjoy living here and that it’s not quite so fashionable to take that cynical “only in Durham” attitude during any discussion of the city’s problems. (Although, I did hear exactly those words from a Durham native in a meeting in Raleigh this weekend.)
It’s true that all real estate markets are local. We always have the choice to spin the glass as half full or half empty…or we can just keep our mouths shut. No one will ever accuse me of being a “new age” type but I do believe that the momentum for positive community development and even good government rides on the tide of positive community feelings. If any group has a vested interest in seeing this happen it should be real estate marketers. Thanks to Paul Andrews for his contribution to a positive message. For my contribution see the sidebar for a newcomers guide to luxury homes in Durham.