Anyone live around or know someone who does in the Durham Tech or NCCU neighborhoods? (for rent, crime rate)

[mia78]

I want to see a house for rent that is in the Durham Tech area (literally right across the street from the school) on Lawson St. My dh balked when I first mentioned it saying that he'd never want to live near this school or any school. Funny how he didn't say that when I was looking at some places near NCCU. I told him that I doubt it'd be the same type of atmosphere as a high school or places like UNC or Duke because the school tends to cater to older students who are already working (basically a more mature demographic). Anyway, does anyone know of any problems with living in close proximity to DT or NCCU (not specifically on the same block)? Also to note, I'm not talking about issues like general crime as I know this area's crime may be more than some are comfortable with. We are aware of that. I'm speaking about quality of life issues that are directly a result of living in close proximity to the school.

[BoSoxFanNC]

Not a good hood around there. Visit the Durham Crime Map
Durham Police Department to see for yourself.

[Exit MA Now]

Someone I know goes to school at Durham Tech. NOT a good area at all.

[DanielleNC]

I grew up in Durham and have gone to Durham Tech. I would never live in that area, especially being female. Durham Tech and NCCU are great schools though.

[goat1of2]

Well, I guess no one is bothering to read your entire post as everyone is commenting on the crime rate in that area. That said, I would be a little concerned about the traffic on Lawson as it is the main feeder road for both schools for people coming off the freeway. Durham Tech is totally commuter and NCCU, I believe, has a large commuter population as well.

[DanielleNC]

Yes there is lot of traffic throughout the day. But I consider crime a huge issue concerning quality of life. If you don't care about crime and traffic then that's fine. I do want others who read this who aren't familiar with the area to understand what the area is like truthfully. I also understand some of these things don't bother others because they have lived in areas like this before. Anyways this is my opinion and if I could live elsewhere I would.

[mia78]

Yes, I see that people didn't read the post in its entirety. I KNOW there is crime in these areas. If we could afford to live in Woodcroft, Hope Valley Farms, or around Southpoint, we sure as heck would. Thank you goat1 for the comment about the traffic as this was a problem I was looking for feedback on.

[Exit MA Now]

Originally Posted by mia78

Yes, I see that people didn't read the post in its entirety. I KNOW there is crime in these areas.

I think we all jumped on the crime thing because that area is noted for more than just some crime. That is an area that has some of the highest crime rates. What is your budget, so we can guide you toward a safer area?

[mia78]

Originally Posted by Exit MA Now

I think we all jumped on the crime thing because that area is noted for more than just some crime. That is an area that has some of the highest crime rates. What is your budget, so we can guide you toward a safer area?

Durham high crime rates are nothing like Baltimore and Newark, NJ which is where we're from. Hopefully that'll put it into some perspective. We need to stay in S. Durham to be in closer proximity to work, school, and place of worship. There's some great stuff in N. Durham for dirt cheap, like I posted before, but won't work for our family. Our price range is for 3-4 br up to about $1050. Another biggie is a need to be close to public transportation as our vehicle status in unreliable. The nicer neighborhoods in our price range and in SD tend to be on cul de sacs and/or several streets in from main roads and far away from bus stops. The vast majority of the homes we're looking at (close to bus stops) tend to be within a 2/3 mile radius of Central from all sides. We're just glad to be getting out of the two br townhouse (fam of 5) and into our first single family house in 12 years. We'll deal with the trade offs.

[Exit MA Now]

That is a tough price range for the size you need. I wish you the best. Hopefully someone with better street by street info can point you into a safer area for your family.