Durham - Golden Belt (Raleigh, Chapel Hill: lofts, crime, chapel)

[Mphedz571]

I am a 25/m considering relocating to the Raleigh/Durham area from Boston, MA. I have visited the area a few times and loved the area. I have seen many posts about Durham, both positive and negative.

Specifically I am looking at the Golden Belt Artist Lofts and was wondering if anyone here had any first hand experience or is a current inhabitant that could provide me with a review.

The negative comments about crime and violence in the Durham area always seem to be about east and southeast Durham - would the Golden Belt Lofts be considered in that area? It sounds to me as though this may be a very nice gated community surrounded by tough areas and crime ridden streets.

[DanielleNC]

Hey, I can try to help you as far as the area but can't comment on the lofts specifically, but I do think they look great! Just wanted to let you know that anytime you live in a city anywhere you will have to be careful. That part of downtown is bordered by areas I would be careful in. Durham is having a lot of revitalization in that area and I can only see it getting better because of this. I think buying in downtown will be a great investment. I would drive around the surrounding area and use your best judgment. There are lots of great things to do downtown and only more to come! I've lived here most of my life and am so happy to see all the great changes

I think you would really like Durham since you have already done your homework on it. Having Raleigh and Chapel Hill so close gives you so much more to do within a short drive as well. Good luck!

[mia78]

Just a note after just coming from that area is that some rough areas can seem pretty tame in the daytime, but the nighttime would give you a better feel for the vibe going on in a neighborhood.

[he's so hott]

Originally Posted by Mphedz571

I am a 25/m considering relocating to the Raleigh/Durham area from Boston, MA. I have visited the area a few times and loved the area. I have seen many posts about Durham, both positive and negative.

Specifically I am looking at the Golden Belt Artist Lofts and was wondering if anyone here had any first hand experience or is a current inhabitant that could provide me with a review.

The negative comments about crime and violence in the Durham area always seem to be about east and southeast Durham - would the Golden Belt Lofts be considered in that area? It sounds to me as though this may be a very nice gated community surrounded by tough areas and crime ridden streets.

Golden Belt is located in downtown Durham. That area is pretty tame during the daytime. I don't know how it is at night b/c I've never been in that area at night. The place is gated so you do get that benefit but it is not surrounded by what I would call a "tough area". A tough area is McDougal Terrace but then you'll be no where near McDougal.