S9 is a fun place to live. A lot of Duke MBAs live here, so social life is amazing. Amenities are also decent and the management is very responsive. Maintenance requests are completed within 2 days.

It’s been fine so far but there is a roach problem

I love the space available in the apartment, but some of the appliances/fixtures feel a bit outdated compared to my previous apartment

You're close to everything, but price and amenities could be improved

Good apartments but a bit expensive

It's a great place to live in but B9 and BMain have similar costs and they look much better and put together.
There is no price on the community aspect though because it is the hub for almost all activities.

I've lived at S9 for 2 years. S9 is a popular apartment among MBA students and fairly affordable as an apartment complex in the 9th street area. The staff help with maintenance requests quickly (usually within 24 hours). There are useful amenities such as a gym, pool, BBQ area, business center, and study rooms. I also appreciate the package lockers and package room (no worrying about theft).

Only downsides are the occasional parties (though that is dependent on neighbors) and some bugs (though I've seen a noticeable improvement this year).

Moving from another state with crazy rent prices, the rent is expensive, but the convenience of the small town of Durham makes it almost worth it. I'm 8 minutes away from school (if there is traffic), a walk from my friends and classmates, across the street from a grocery store and food options, and Durham is at most 30 minutes away to other necessities. I do think accessibility is good for those without cars/bikes, but having a car makes everything incredibly close. Station 9 itself is exactly what I need - a place to stay, to park my car, and close to classmates to study together or party together.

Property management staff are very responsive, whether it be answering a question via email or addressing a maintenance request. I did not appreciate how much they overemphasized the urgency to sign a lease. I know they are trying to maximize profits, but they are really trying to take advantage of stressed students who are trying to find a place to live. They insisted that demand was so high for apartments and if we didn't select a lease that started in June, we would lose the apartment we wanted. Now that I have arrived, they still have empty apartments they are trying to fill. I understand their position, but being preying on student stress and uncertainty is unfair.

Another practice I do not like is the requirement that all residents pay for "valet trash". This means that you pay $30/month for someone to come to your door and collect your trash bag(s). You cannot opt out of this, even if you only generate one trash bag per week or you are willing to walk your own trash to the dumpster.

The management company is also not interested in sustainability. I asked about shutting off the hallway lights (that are on 24/7) during the day and was told that isn't possible. Again, I understand that they are trying to maximize profit and it would be more costly to put in lights that are darkness or motion detecting, but that means I have less control over my environmental impact and the residents are paying for those lights to constantly be on.

On the positive side, the management are very eager to address maintenance claims. The gym is nice (but I am not a gym fanatic). The building is across a quiet street from a grocery store. The apartments themselves are spacious and updated.

Great location to be closer to other students, spacious apartments