Popular Apartment Complexes
Durham is a very affordable and fun city to live in, but there are some things you should consider when selecting your apartment. First, as the real estate people say: location, location, location. Distance is a major consideration for many students who are selecting apartments. Depending on where you live now, a twenty-minute commute may seem like a short trek, but in Durham, any travel longer than ten minutes is considered “far.” Another factor to consider when deciding which apartment lease will be best for you is affordability. The financial aid office has a set budget for loan approval which considers the cost-of-living in Durham. “Cost-of-living” is used loosely here because cost differs greatly depending on whether you select West Village or Pinnacle Ridge.
One way to reduce the cost of rent is to find a roommate. The admissions office will circulate information for people looking for roommates in March, or you can look forward to Admitted Students Weekend to meet your future roommate. The roommate decision should not be only a cost consideration, however. When deciding to live alone or with roommates you should consider your own personal living preferences, and how living with a classmate would impact those. People have had many amazing (and some less-than-amazing) experiences with roommates, so it is a very personal decision.
Another consideration when choosing between apartment complexes is the “perks.” Apartments offer amenities ranging from tangible (e.g. free coffee, soda and snacks in their internet cafe) to intangible (accessibility to restaurants and bars). The best way to determine which amenities matter to you is to visit — but if you cannot make it to Durham before signing a lease, you should consider the different options in light of what you value in a home (e.g. a sanctuary, some place fun, many fellow law students). And most importantly, if you have questions… ASK! Many of the apartment complexes are willing to refer you to their current law student residents who can answer your questions about what life there is like for a law student. If they cannot do this for you — reach out to people you know or may have met at Duke Law School. For a more general comparison, visit College Rentals.
Top Picks
240 Ivy Meadow Lane
Durham, NC 27701
919-401-4660
www.addingtonfarms.com
Quite popular among law students, living options in Addington Farms range from apartments to townhomes to cottages. The complex has a pool, rudimentary exercise room, and laundry facilities. Located just off of 15-501 and Garrett Road, Addington Farms is less than a 10-minute drive to school and is on the way to Chapel Hill. Prices range anywhere from a great deal to a bit pricey, depending on the size of the apartment, townhouse or cottage.
100 Alexan Drive
Durham, NC 27707
919-401-4660
www.alexanplaceapts.com/
Located right off of 15-501, Alexan Place is about an 8- to 10-minute drive from campus. Very similar to Addington Farms in style, Alexan Place has two pools, a tanning bed, and exercise room. Prices are similar to the other apartments in this category, and many people keep costs low by securing a two-bedroom and a roommate.
3611 University Drive
Durham, NC 27707
919-490-0531
pinnacleridgeapthomes.com/
In past years, this has probably been the most popular choice for 1L Duke Law students. Students are drawn by the low cost and more plentiful amenities compared to its economical comparisons. The complex features a pool with nice deck chairs and gas grills, tennis court, a racquetball court, and laundry facilities.
2616 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27705
919-382-8184
www.loftsatlakeview.com/
The Lofts are the closest apartment complex to the law school and the rest of West Campus. As the website proclaims, “The common and ordinary have no place here.” The high price tag will deter many students, but those who are still interested may well like what they find. Featuring an internet cafe (supplied with snacks for the taking) and a movie theater, The Lofts supplies many perks — but these perks will cost you.
604 West Morgan Street
Durham, NC 27701
919/682-3690
www.westvillagedurham.com
These loft-style apartments were remodeled from former tobacco warehouses. Located near Brightleaf Square, Durham’s historic shopping district with many restaurants and bars, this location is ideal for urban dwellers. If you want to be near downtown, this is the place to be. The apartment features the usual amenities for this category, including a brand new pool.
2211 Hillsborough Road
Durham, NC 27705
www.stationnine.com/
These are loft-style apartments located near Duke’s East Campus, close to 9th Street. An advantage of living here is that you are within walking proximity of the bars and restaurants on 9th street. Similar to the other apartment complexes in this category, the complex features a beautiful pool and basketball court with frequent group fitness classes.
1000 McQueen Drive
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383-0801
www.thebelmontapartments.com
The Belmont is an apartment community located about a one-mile walk from the law school. This is a great option for those who like the comfort of a nonexistent commute, and those students who will not have cars. The units are moderately priced though much more reasonable than the neighboring Lofts at Lakeview.
910 Constitution Drive
Durham, NC 27705
919-383-0345
www.deerfieldapt.com/j/s/i/iFrame.jsp?p_pgid=7&p_fpid=&p_poid=GCKFO1615F&p_usid=
Deerfield is located square in the middle of the Duke Forest. The rent is reasonable and it has limited amenities including a pool and hot tub. Miles of trails in the Duke Forest are directly adjacent with entry points throughout the complex. The complex is about 2 miles from the Law School.
The Unknown
4130 Garrett Road,
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 489-9400
www.alexangarrettfarms.com/
Located next door to Addington Farms off of Garrett Farm, this complex just opened in Spring 2010. Quite large, look for this complex to be another popular choice amongst law students.
2530 Erwin Road,
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 309-1409
www.trinitycommons.com/
These just completed apartments are directly across from the Duke Medical Center and adjacent to the Lofts at Lakeview. The corner units on Erwin Road have killer views of Duke’s West Campus.
Other Complexes
4800 University Drive
Durham, NC 27707
919-489-7599
866.618.8902
www.beechlakeapartments.com
1400 Laurel Springs Drive
Durham, NC 27713
919-484-0963
www.berkeleysouthpoint.com
Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27705
919-383-3830 or toll-free at 866-383-9256
www.erwinterrace.com/
100 Rose Garden Lane
Durham, NC 27707
919-401-1912
2335 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27704
919.220.5500
www.northpointecommons-apts.com/
20 Moorcroft Lane
Durham, NC 27705
919.419.9895
866-559-4650
www.parcatuniversitytower.com/
4600 University Drive
Durham, NC 27707
919-493-2400
Non-Traditional Apartment Complexes
If you are looking for non-traditional apartment complex living (such as living in a house off of East Campus, for example), there are several brokers:
2723 Campus Walk
Durham, NC 27705
919-309-9765
www.trinitypropertiesapartments.com/
1222 Broad Street, Suite A
Durham, NC 27705
919-416-0393
bsphousing@hotmail.com
www.bobschmitzproperties.com
