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I've used CD for my previous moves, and am hoping it will make this new transition just as easy. I've been offered a job in RTP and really have no clue about the area in terms of housing. I'm single and young, so I'd like to rent closer to a city. I've heard good things about Durham. Do you all have any recommendation about areas in/around Durham? FWIW, I'm not opposed to living in another city besides Durham (i.e Raleigh), so I'm really open to any recommendations. Thanks in advance!
Durham is a lot of fun! If you're a sports/cultural arts fan, the area around the baseball park has some cool apartments and there seems to be a relatively good night life happening. Not sure about crime stats for the area.
Unfortunately I'm now a suburbanite (sigh) but Boylan Heights used to be a great hangout place for young singles. Cameron Park is really nice. I don't know about rentals, though.
Cary and Morrisville (RTP's immediate neighbors) and the Leesville Rd. areas are heavily suburban, but Brier Creek might have something that interests you--plus it's pretty accessible to RTP, downtown, etc.
Thanks for giving me a starting point. It's also good to hear that Durham is a good area for young singles. Would you happen to have an idea of rental prices for apartments near the ballpark? I'd be looking at 2 bedroom/2 bath types. Thanks again!
The commute from downtown Raleigh to RTP wouldn't be the greatest - it's doable but it depends on what you're used to. I know a lot of people wouldn't want to do it.
Hello,
Here are some links to some of the apartments around downtown:
American Tobacco Living < Old Bull apartments, literally right next door to the ball park, and a part of the American Tobacco Campus West Village - Historic Urban Lofts - Durham, NC < West Village, sandwiched between the Brightleaf Sqiare area amd downtown (both are within easy walking distance)
There are a few other newly renovated apartments around downtown, but a lot of the focus has been owner-occupied. I would say that crime is not an issue in either of these complexes. They both have 24/7 security that patrol, and since they are mixed use areas there will always be folks walking around. Also, both are really conveinent to the Durham Freeway, and just 10 minutes away from the heart of the park.
In terms of cost, I hear that a 2 bedroom in West Village costs around $1050 a month, but I'm not sure on this. There are a lot of much cheaper apartments, and houses for rent, around downtown as well.
I would definitely recommend coming and checking the area out. The downtown Marriott would be the best place to stay, to get a true feel for downtown living. Unfortunately, it is our only downtown hotel right now, but a second boutique hotel will be open in 2 years (construction is starting before June).
If you have any questions about stuff to do downtown, feel free to ask or message me.
I'm a 24 year old female moving to Raleigh next week. I got a job at Duke University Hospital as a Nurse. The Nurse Recruiter and HR lady warned me not to move to Durham. High crime rate, and generally not a good area to live in. I also have 2 friends in Raleigh who advised me to stay away from Durham.
I know all the Durham fans will come and tear me apart for saying this but please do some research or at the LEAST-visit the area first before deciding. I came down to visit in July and Durham just wasn't the area for me. I could tell from one visit. So Raleigh it is. If you think of moving to Raleigh - check out the Camden Manor Park apartments - gorgeous!! PM me for more info on any of this.
Thanks everyone. I believe the company I'll be working for is willing to put me up for a short while while I get my bearings.
hkrn44, just a quick question, what was it the turned you off from Durham? I understand crime would be a major issue, was it just that or a combination of factors? Price really isn't a major factor, as I can finally afford a nice place after many years of getting by on a graduate student stipend in a much more expensive location .
Hey OP. I think you are doing something good by keeping your options open about where to live when relocating and honestly if your company will put you up for a little to get settled in and feel your way around I would do that. Durham is a great place and not for everyone and that is VERY clear on this board if nowhere else. You have a lot of folks on this board (like a previous poster in this thread) that have NO clue what the Durham area is about, so I ask of you to form your OWN opinion by researching for yourself. As far as areas around the ballpark, there is the American Tobacco Apartments, West Village Apartment (both downtown), Station Nine Apartments off Ninth St. and Lofts at Lakeview and Erwin Terrace Apartments near Duke University Hospital. I would also suggest looking into areas in South Durham around Southpoint Mall, very nice but suburban area.
SN: Take a look at the blog BullCityRising.com, there was a recent post about the duality of Durham and how it is seen in the eyes of many who live in the Triangle but not Durham. I think reading this blog will give you a very REAL look into Durham.
Anyway, good luck.
That blog was just the sort of information I was looking for. Thanks a lot for sending me the link! After the brief read, it sounds as though Durham might have some of the same issues that exist in Houston, where I'll be moving from. I also want to thank everyone else for providing their feedback.
I have a cousin who is originally from Winston-Salem, moved to DC; then her employer moved her to California. They were there for a few years and then, were moved back to North Carolina. She moved to Cary, but said it didn't fit her and her family's lifestyle so they bought in Durham (not sure of the Neighborhood). She loves Durham, the culture, the feel of a real city and the diversity of the area. I'll have to find out exactly where she lives. I do believe they send their only child to Private school, though. But bottom line, she is die-hard Durham!!
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