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Durham, N.C.

flickr.com/phoosh

Durham, N.C.

Neighborhood: Downtown Durham

The 12-by-14-block area, which was abandoned decades ago by tobacco companies and residents moving to the suburbs, has blossomed during the past decade and is now a vibrant place with outdoor concerts, bars, and about 40 restaurants. Some artists got in early and now own or rent downtown, which is no longer cheap. Developers, however, are setting aside space for artists in new downtown developments. And many artists are finding deals on the outskirts, within a 25-minute walk of downtown.