Professional relating to the triangle (Raleigh, Durham: apartments, for rent, crime)

[NewYearJoy]

I am a woman in her late 20s looking to relocate to NC from Philadelphia. I have a new job in Durham and am now looking at housing. I'd prefer to stay within 30mins, driving distance. Ideally I'd like to live near public transportation but that is not a deal breaker

A little more background on myself-- I am a professional working woman and do NOT want to live near hoards of college students. (I like my peace). I am also African American, and single and need a SAFE area that is ethnically diverse.

Now, I know the cost of living in NC is considerably lower than the NE where I am originally from. I currently pay $1500 in rent with a salary of $50,000/year which is tough but possible. I hope not to pay such high rates for rent but I'm seeing a number of apartments for $1300 which is too close to my previous rent, for comfort. Is this typical and expected?

Any suggestions on general areas to look into that are SAFE and affordable as well as minority groups?
Any information would be useful

Thanks!

[RaleighLass]

$1300 or more is typical for new apartments in downtown Durham. Commute to Durham is getting really rough. The freeway commute is horrible. I would suggest SW Durham as its fresh and new, and SO close to anything in Durham (Southpoint Mall) and Cary. If not there, then Morrisville or Brier Creek area would be a happy medium. Brier Creek straddles Durham and Raleigh and has shopping and restaurants on site as well as medical facilities, schools.

[Francois]

All of Durham is ethnically diverse (the whole Triangle, actually). While Durham has an unfair/obsolete reputation as being "unsafe", really it's mostly east, especially southeast, of downtown where the problems are, and you would be able to tell that just from driving around.

Southwest Durham is the "new, shiny" part of Durham, basic suburbia like most of this area has become. Old West Durham and Old North Durham are older, mature neighborhoods with great old houses and huge trees, very interesting, educated people living there, but probably expensive. The neighborhoods near Northgate Mall (Club Blvd and the side streets) are pretty cool and I believe a little less expensive--but stay south, or just north of 85.

You probably won't need to worry about being right in the thick of college kids if you aren't right near Duke or apartments near there.

There are also sites you can google for crime statistics for an area.

[drrckmtthws]

As long as you aren't next to Duke you will be fine in regards to being around college kids. Durham is 40% black and is pretty diverse in general between all the people that come in via Duke, NC Central, RTP, etc. As far as crime though I don't live there(wife and I thought about it but don't want to add to our commute) but I'm there all the time and never feel unsafe in Durham. Crime happens all over but for the most part its not all over and only a real concern if you live in xyz neighborhood.

This house(just using it as example that you probably will get more space than you had in Philly) is 1275


But you will be able to find places cheaper, sister in law rent is like 700 in a quiet area(if that's what you are looking for) but close to shopping, a few restaurants, grocery stores(including asian grocery store) and not too far from DT