Welcome to 2131 Sunset Avenue, a charming cottage in Durham's beloved Watts-Hillandale neighborhood, where thoughtful updates and an unbeatable location create the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Renovated bathrooms, an updated kitchen, and a family room addition give this home style, functionality, and a little extra room to spread out. Known for its historic character, walkable streets, and strong sense of community, Watts-Hillandale remains one of Durham's most sought-after neighborhoods. Duke University, Duke Hospital, downtown Durham, Ninth Street, local restaurants, and everyday shopping are all just minutes away. For those who appreciate both urban convenience and access to nature, the location is hard to beat. Ellerbe Creek Trail and Indian Trail Park are just one block away, while two additional neighborhood parks are within easy walking distance. At home, a private fenced backyard offers a peaceful retreat for relaxing, gardening, or entertaining. The main-floor primary suite features a spacious en-suite bath and direct access to the deck. Two additional flex spaces—one on the main level and one upstairs—provide options for guest rooms, home offices, hobbies, or additional living space. The upstairs room features sloped ceilings and is not included in the reported square footage because less than 50% of the area has a ceiling height above 7 feet. However, it has long functioned as a bedroom and has been reported as livable space in both MLS records and city documentation. Additional storage is available through bonus closets on the second floor and a backyard storage shed. Major improvements include a roof installed in 2019 and a water heater replaced in 2025. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the character of an established Durham neighborhood while benefiting from nearby parks, trails, Duke, and downtown amenities.
For sale
$585,000
2131 Sunset Ave, Durham, NC 27705
2beds
1,257sqft
Single Family Residence, Residential
Built in 1948
9,147 Square Feet Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$465/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Charming cottagePrivate fenced backyardFamily room additionTwo additional flex spacesBackyard storage shedMain-floor primary suiteRenovated bathrooms
- 23 days |
- 807 |
- 67 |
Likely to sell faster than
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Connie Semans 919-599-7177,
Inhabit Real Estate
Source: Doorify MLS,MLS#: 10173537
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Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Forced Air, Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
Features
- Ceiling Fan(s), Crown Molding, Kitchen Island, Open Floorplan, Stone Counters, Vaulted Ceiling(s)
- Flooring: Carpet, Hardwood, Tile
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Family Room
- Common walls with other units/homes: No Common Walls
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,257
- Total interior livable area: 1,257 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 1,257
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Parking features: Driveway
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Deck, Patio
- Exterior features: Private Yard, Storage
- Fencing: Back Yard, Fenced
- Has view: Yes
Lot
- Size: 9,147 Square Feet
- Features: Back Yard
Details
- Additional structures: Shed(s)
- Parcel number: 101245
- Zoning: R-5
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Bungalow, Cape Cod
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence, Residential
Materials
- Vinyl Siding
- Roof: Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1948
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Not in a Subdivision
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Durham
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $465/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $465,435
- Annual tax amount: $4,613
- Date on market: 6/12/2026
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/12/2026 | Listed for sale | $585,000+175.9%$465/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 11/19/2012 | Sold | $212,000-5.7%$169/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 7/13/2012 | Price change | $224,900-4.3%$179/sqft |
Source: Prudential York Simpson Underwood Realty #1838495 Report a problem | ||
| 5/28/2012 | Listed for sale | $234,900+51.5%$187/sqft |
Source: Prudential York Simpson Underwood Realty #1838495 Report a problem | ||
| 6/13/2003 | Sold | $155,000$123/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,614 +12.9% | $465,435 +58.9% |
| 2024 | $4,086 +6.5% | $292,920 |
| 2023 | $3,837 +2.3% | $292,920 |
| 2022 | $3,749 +0.5% | $292,920 |
| 2021 | $3,732 +2.4% | $292,920 |
| 2020 | $3,644 | $292,920 |
| 2019 | $3,644 | $292,920 +19.7% |
| 2018 | $3,644 +10.6% | $244,648 |
| 2017 | $3,294 +3.5% | $244,648 |
| 2016 | $3,183 | $244,648 +37.8% |
| 2015 | $3,183 +29.5% | $177,569 |
| 2014 | $2,458 | $177,569 |
| 2013 | -- | $177,569 |
| 2012 | -- | $177,569 |
| 2011 | $2,314 +0.4% | $177,569 |
| 2010 | $2,304 +4% | $177,569 |
| 2009 | $2,216 | $177,569 |
| 2008 | $2,216 +23.9% | $177,569 +40.1% |
| 2007 | $1,789 +1.4% | $126,712 |
| 2006 | $1,764 | $126,712 |
| 2005 | $1,764 +1.4% | $126,712 |
| 2004 | $1,740 | $126,712 |
| 2003 | -- | $126,712 |
| 2002 | $1,600 +56.2% | $126,712 +100.4% |
| 2000 | $1,024 | $63,236 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: Watts Hospital-Hillandale
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10E K Powe ElementaryGrades: PK-5Distance: 0.7 mi
- 5/10Brogden MiddleGrades: 6-8Distance: 1 mi
- 3/10Riverside High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 3.2 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Durham - E K Powe Elementary
- Middle: Durham - Brogden Middle
- High: Durham - Riverside High
Source: Doorify MLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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