Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Wake Forest, Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Clayton.... and the list goes on.

All of these cities/townships make their home in the Research Triangle area of Raleigh Durham, which has been heralded as one of the most formidable emerging real estate markets in the US. Each of these areas has its own personality and norms (with regard to real estate), so where is the "hot spot" for real estate investors who are interested in this region in the southeast.

South Durham.

South Durham is one of a few distinct pockets of growth and development that are leading the path of growth in the Triangle. The trend started a few years back with the introductin of Southpointe Mall, the area's newest, higher-end shopping area. The mall brought with it an influx of commercial and residential developement whose pace continues to date. The newest addition is a Sheraton Four Points Hotel, an upcoming condominium development, a plethora of retail and entertainment establishments, and countles new construction developments in the immediate area.

Area residents have enjoyed solid property appreciation despite the growth in new construction, as 2 of Durham's more established and respected neighborhoods are in South Durham, just minutes from Research Triangle Park, one of the country's largest research and employment parks. Although these 2 neighborhoods were built out in the mid 1980s through the mid 1990's they enjoy higher dollar-per-square-foot property values than some newer areas elsewhere in the Triangle.

Insider's Tip -- There is a new housing development in the works in this area with prices starting under 150k...unheard of in South Durham. Although I am not a speculative investor, if the past performance of similar developments in this area is an indicator of the future of this new development, getting in on the early phases of this neighborhood should prove very formidable for investors in the know. (Feel free to reach me at tiffany@tiffanyelder.com if you'd like more information as it becomes available.)

A recent article at triangle.com outlines a bit more on this thriving area. Find out more about South Durham and other Triangle real estate hot spots at http://www.triangle.com/108/story/18594.html