Deciding where to live while attending Fuqua is an important choice that has shaped our student experience. From the bustling energy of a downtown district to the convenience and walkability of neighborhoods near campus, there are many options for students to consider. In this blog, we explore a few key locations: Downtown Durham, 9^th Street, and another popular area a short drive from campus.

Where do you live? 

TULIO: I initially lived at 810, and now I’m at Station Nine, both located near 9th Street. In both cases, I chose to share a two-bedroom apartment to manage costs, and it’s been great to have a roommate for company and shared experiences. My decision was heavily influenced by the location and the quality of amenities, which make daily life more convenient and enjoyable.

REBECCA: Living downtown was always my preferred choice. I value walkability and wanted an apartment that offered a sense of separation from school life while still keeping me connected to the larger Durham community. I’m a person who needs downtime to recharge, so I thought that a little distance from an academic and social environment would provide that balance. I also wanted to live in a new building at a lower price point, which is common downtown with move-in specials that apartment buildings often offer. Proximity to excellent restaurants was another priority for me. I also wanted access to a well-equipped gym within my building, with a variety of equipment, indoor and outdoor spaces, energy drinks, towels, and snacks.

FRANCISCO: When deciding where to live, I prioritized finding a place that would support my family’s needs and foster a sense of community. Being South American, I heard from Duke alumni about this place called “Chilean Farm,” a typical destination for students with kids. Located 10 minutes away from Fuqua and from 9^th Street, 501 Estates is near the Durham-Chapel Hill line. It earned the nickname “Chilean Farm” because of the number of Chileans who choose to live there with their families. It is as someone perfectly described it: If 9^th Street is downtown, the Chilean farm is like the suburbs.

The best thing about 501 Estates is that it creates a natural network of friends who look out for one another, carpool to school together, babysit the kids if necessary, and do a lot of indoor and outdoor activities. During summer, we gather by the pool, and in winter, the cozy winter garden becomes our hub for connection. The cherry on top is that, beyond its warm and welcoming atmosphere, 501 Estates is also more affordable than other centric places (especially 9^th Street), making it the ideal place for us to live — and save.

What does your commute to Fuqua look like? 

TULIO: I don’t own a car, so I typically rely on rides from friends for commuting. Luckily, Fuqua’s community is very supportive — there are always people offering rides, and we have carpool groups that make getting to campus easy. Other options include taking the bus, biking (which some friends prefer to have independence), or even owning a car.

REBECCA: I have a car, and the commute is typically just a 10-minute drive. For those without a car, there’s a growing number of students living downtown, and we have a WhatsApp group that people can use to arrange carpools. While many people bike to class, it’s less common to do so from downtown. If you choose to bike, I highly recommend using an electric bike.

FRANCISCO: Commuting to Fuqua is both convenient and community-driven. I typically carpool with other residents, thanks to a group chat of 20-25 people who live in the complex. This is a great opportunity to chat, rant on, get to know each other even more, discuss music, and more. With Fuqua’s four schedule options, there’s almost always someone driving to or from campus, making it easy to coordinate rides.

For those who prefer a more active commute, biking is another option, but it must be done during warm weather and takes about 25 minutes. Driving on your own is quicker, averaging around 10 minutes. Unfortunately, walking isn’t a practical choice — it’s not impossible, but it’s close, due to highways and traffic hazards. The good thing is that the variety of commuting options, paired with the supportive carpool network, makes getting to Fuqua stress-free and efficient.

What do you like most about living in/near Durham? 

TULIO: I love the walkability of the area. Living near 9th Street means I can easily get around on foot, whether it’s to grab a bite, run errands, or join friends for community events, which often happen close by. The area feels like a hub for Fuqua students, and having most people nearby adds to the sense of community and support.

REBECCA: I love that Durham has a small-town feel. It’s a very welcoming city and easy to navigate. Living in a smaller city during business school has been amazing, especially considering the fast pace of classes and recruiting. It’s been comforting to settle into a place where I could adapt quickly without feeling overwhelmed. 

FRANCISCO: What I love most about living near Durham is how quiet and family-oriented the area is. I know for some people this might be a major downside, but for me, it is a big plus. My family is my priority, so their safety is first. Weekends are a treat as we explore different coffee spots, inspired by the Fuqua Coffee Club’s recommendations. I never tire of walking the beautiful American Tobacco Trail, and the abundance of tennis courts and soccer fields keeps us active and engaged. I’m a book geek so I need good libraries and I’m glad to say there are. Besides that, everything we need — restaurants, sports, music venues — is within a 30-minute drive, making it easy to enjoy the vibrant culture.

Speaking of music, I’ve had the chance to see incredible concerts from bands like Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin, and Jungle here in Durham or in Raleigh. And to top it all off, the weather here is excellent, adding to the charm of this wonderful place we call home.

Any advice for incoming Fuqua students?

TULIO: Talk to current students to get their insights on housing and other logistics. It’s also smart to explore sublease options and furniture packages — it can be overwhelming to buy and set up everything from scratch. Having a plan in place for finding furniture and settling in will make your transition smoother.

REBECCA: Choose to live in the place that will make you feel most comfortable and happy for your individual needs. I initially worried that living downtown instead of on 9^th Street would mean missing out on social events, but that hasn’t been the case at all! You definitely don’t need to be on 9^th Street to connect with classmates and participate in social activities. 

FRANCISCO: For incoming Fuqua students, my biggest advice is to consider getting a car if you want to explore beyond the house-school routine. And if you do consider getting a car, the first thing you should do as soon as you arrive in Durham is get a driver’s license. I still haven’t heard from anyone who got it on the first attempt, so the sooner the better. Having a car is simple, affordable, and opens endless possibilities — from trips to the beach or mountains to skiing or camping adventures.

One thing I wish I’d known sooner is the challenge of walking in some areas. When I first arrived, I tried to walk to the bank, seeing that it was really close. I ended up walking for hours because highways and no sidewalks made it very hard to get there. While walking is convenient in downtown Durham or 9^th Street, it becomes almost impossible beyond those areas. If you plan to step outside these walkable zones, having a car is essential to fully enjoy everything the region has to offer.

To sum up, I found in Durham the perfect blend of community, activity, and fun — the ideal home base that I was looking for me and my family during our Fuqua journey.