Best Complexes for Off-Campus Housing?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

Hi everyone,

I’ll be moving off-campus next semester, but I’m having a hard time choosing between some of the apartment complexes and was wondering if anyone could chime in with their experience on the matter.

So far I’ve narrowed my decision down to the following complexes:

  1. Station Nine - seems to have a nice community and spacious apartments, is close to Harris Teeter and Downtown Durham, but is somewhat farther away from campus. Also, the apartments and appliances seem to be a little older than in the other complexes. Indoor basketball court used to be a plus, but that’s being torn down to expand the gym so not much more to say about complex amenities.

  2. Lofts at Lakeview - also a nice community, though it seems to be comprised more of Duke Health professionals rather than students. Apartments and appliances are nicer than in Station Nine, but are also smaller and A/C seems somewhat loud in the apartments, which could be disruptive when studying. Closer to campus (Erwin Road) and right next to several restaurants (Enzo’s, TGIF, etc.).

  3. Trinity Commons - All the benefits of the Lofts, plus nicer appliances and no noisy A/C. On the other hand, seems to have more noise from outside (as it is practically on Erwin Road itself) and supposedly has thin walls/floors so noise from neighbors is audible. Heard some mixed reviews about management too.

  4. Bell West End - Nicest complex by far, even the hallways look like those of a hotel. Great appliances, nice bathrooms and very quiet A/C. Apartments are somewhat small. Downsides are that it is farther away from campus than other complexes, community seems to have very few students and the area seems a bit iffy at night (though this is perhaps true for most of Durham).

My main concerns are safety and proximity to campus, as I will be relying entirely on public transportation and the occasional Uber.

P.S.
Sorry if any of these descriptions and concerns seem petty or nit-picky - these apartment complexes are pretty damn expensive, and I definitely want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck, even if it’s something as seemingly insignificant as a difference in quality of appliances (fridge, oven, stove-top, etc.)

Many thanks in advance to all those who contribute!

2

It’s hard to make recommendations without knowing what you’re looking for. Are you an undergrad or grad? Do you like quiet or prefer neighbors who are social? Do you have a car? Campus parking pass?

3

Thanks for the reply, @sgopal2 !

To be honest, I’m not even looking for a tailored recommendation - literally any experience-based information would be very helpful. If you (or any of your friends) have experience living in one of these complexes, I would love to hear what it was like!

Thanks again!

4

I am quite familiar with the area, but unfortunately have never lived in any of these apartments. If you don’t have a car, your biggest hassle will be getting groceries. Why not pick the place near Harris Teeter?

5

@sgopal2 Thanks again for the reply!

The grocery issue is certainly a good point, though it seems to me that an Uber once every week or two would solve that problem. Being right next to Harris Teeter (like in Station 9) would certainly be a huge plus in that respect, but I’m not yet convinced that it makes up for the difference in living quality between the complexes (then again, I could be wrong- please do let me know if you think otherwise!).

6

I see your point. All of them are fairly close to campus. Then it just comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Best of luck.

7

Have you looked at the Duke bus schedules? Not talking the C1, CCX, etc. but H5, LL, PR1? The H5 has a stop at Erwin Mill so Station Nine wouldn’t necessitate an Uber before 6pm.

8

@allthelamps Thanks for the reply!

Indeed, commuting to and from Station Nine shouldn’t be a problem, just as with the complexes on Erwin Road (though I suppose the buses run a bit more often on Erwin, as they aren’t Duke buses). When I mentioned Uber in my previous comment, it was to address the potential issue of buying groceries from Harris Teeter without having a car of my own to transport them back (assuming that I choose to live in a complex other than Station Nine).

If you have any other information on these complexes (based on your experience or things you’ve heard from friends) please do let me know!

Thanks again~