I just accepted a job at Duke University, and have less than a month to find an apartment and relocate (yikes). I currently live in Indiana.

I'd like people's opinions on what parts of Durham are fun to live in, if you're a single 27-year-old woman. Not the college partying areas, but places where young professionals or grad students live.

I'm curious about specific parts of town, neighborhoods, etc. One of my future co-workers lives in the Southpoint area, and says that area is pretty good. Any other suggestions?

I've read a lot of the "Relocating to Raleigh/Durham" type posts on this forum, and they deal a lot with debating a move to the Triangle area, but I'm looking for info a little more specific to Durham.

Alternatively, I'm considering the feasibility of living in Chapel Hill. From what I've read, I wonder if that's more my style than Durham (more quintessentially college-town, "crunchy granola," etc). My future boss tells me living in Chapel Hill would not be such a great idea because it's more expensive than Durham and the commute is horrible. Do you agree?

Just as a point of reference, the most recent places I've lived are: Indianapolis (hate it -- conservative, plastic, no personality), and Bloomington IN (love it -- fun college town, liberal, intellectual).

Thanks in advance!

Kleio, from reading your post, I'd say Chapel Hill sounds like a good fit for you. I live in North Raleigh, and don't really care for most of Durham, would not choose to live there. If you love a fun, very liberal, very intellectual town, you can't go wrong in Chapel Hill! (And you'll be RIGHT THERE when UNC wins the national basketball championship AGAIN next year! )

I live in Raleigh but went to school at UNC-CH, and I work in Durham/RTP, so I have a bit of experience with all three.

I agree that Chapel Hill would be a better fit. I loved living there and still enjoy visiting, but it is quite expensive and the commute would not be fun.

Having worked in the Durham area for about 4 years now, I would be unlikely to want to live there, but they are working hard to improve and revitalize, and I am sure there are wonderful residential areas close by the campus. (I am preferential to historic homes.)

I think it will really come down to what your budget is and your willingness to commute.

Why not come down for a few days and practice the commute from a couple of different areas? That would at least give you a taste of what it would be like.

I am in the office between 6:30 and 7:00 in the a.m every day and leave by 3:00 so I can avoid most of the worst of the Park problems. (I don't do well in traffic tie ups - ugh!)

And Bonnie - YAY HEELS!!!

Thanks for the advice, Bonnie and Diana! I'm coming down this weekend to look at apartments, so I'll check out places in both Durham and Chapel Hill. I'm excited -- can't wait to move!

I wouldn't want to live near I-85 because of all the construction mess. It's been going on for years and I don't think it will ever end.

Southpoint is a good area. Woodcroft is also a good area to commute to Duke. I live near the mall so I might be biased. Around the old South Square (now Target) are anumber of apartment complexes. But I think they are more for the college crowd than the working for a living crowd.

Southpoint mall is roughly I-40 between highway 751 (a/k/a Hope Valley Road) and Fayetteville Road. Woodcroft is just north around, you guessed it, Woodcroft Parkway between Hope Valley and Fayetteville.

For living in Chapel Hill and commuting to Durham can be difficult, until you learn about Erwin road. An apartment complex in the eastern or north-eastern section would be an ok commute. Also depends where you park/work. However, in CH most apartment complexes are full of students.

There are way too many apartments around here. Work a good deal and do not pay anytype of application fee.

The American Dance Festival starts in June. If you like modern dance, it's for you. Ninth Street in Durham is short, but full of 'crunchy granola' things. Around the corner on Broad is Whole Foods and Ben & Jerry's.

Thanks for the tips, NCGrrl! Very helpful...

Kleio, I think you are getting some bad advice from folks who don't know Durham. Raleigh is a fairly conservative city. Yes, Chapel Hill is somewhat liberal. But it's that 'we're liberal, but don't move here if you're not like us' sort of place. Durham is a great place to live. It's very diverse. It's has the best places to eat in the triangle. The Utne Reader picked it as one of the most progressive communities in the USA. Woodcroft is nice enough but is rather bland and not really close to Duke. There are several very nice older neighborhoods that would be close to Duke. These include Watts Hospital and Trinity Park. Hope this advice isn't coming too late to do you any good.

I guess I have to defend myself.

I grew up in CH (and agree about your 'our kind of liberals' comment) and now live in Durham.

Kleio asked about APARTMENTS and I provided answers. The areas I mentioned probably have a couple of dozens apartment complexes you could view in a quick must find a place to live trip. The neighborhoods you mentioned are great for HOUSES.

I don't live in Woodcroft, but I don't find it bland. The neighborhood has walking and bike trails, the rec center with pool and numerous programs, Christmas luminaries, an active neighborhood association, close to shopping and yes, it is convenient to Duke. Drive up Hope Valley Road turn left on to University, then right on Academy and it takes you to campus in under 15 minutes.

I mentioned to someone else when she was looking for a home to buy in Durham, I'm not thrilled with Trinity Park because of the traffic. Yes, it's close to Duke, but I wouldn't want to live on a street with that much traffic (Duke, Gregson, Trinity, and I guess Knox and Mangum count for that neighborhood). And as much as I love trees (hey, I did grow in CH) and homes that don't look alike, I don't want to live on a street with a solid, double yellow line down the middle of it.

Kleio, welcome to Durham. I guess if we're arguing over neighborhoods, it must be a good place.

Hi! I am moving to Chapel Hill for grad school this month was wondering what place you decided on. I'm also looking for a place with grad students or professionals so I can meet some fun people. Nothing against undergrads or married couples, but I'm just in neither stage right now. I was also looking at joing http://www.trissc.com/ if you're interested. Anyhoo, I'd really appreciate any advice you can give! Thanks!
Tammy