Lancaster Commons

Pros: good shuttle service, new amenities
Cons: walls are way too thin and can hear everything your neighbors are doing, so your experience is highly dependent on who live above or next to you. also depends on who lived in your room last year, you might get a super clean room, or a filthy room that you have to clean up all by yourself when you move in.
Other comments: the management company staff are very nice and helpful, but the student RA that I got for my building is of no help at all.

The apartment itself is beautiful, spacious, and cheap. The pool is small but nice, and the leasing office staff are always friendly and super helpful. The gym is only good for arm workouts, and the common area doesn’t feel very cozy.

Location-wise, it depends on your situation. If you have a car, it’s fine. Without a car it’s not recommendable to live here. The only grocery store somewhat nearby is Target and Li-Ming (25 min walk). Walking to campus is far (little less than an hour), hilly (not recommendable during the Summer), and not safe after dark (you walk through a forest). The Duke bus service is limited in the Summer with inconvenient times, but in the Fall the schedule improves, though the time schedule is more an indication.

Overall, a great value if you’re looking for space, peace and quiet, and affordability, but only if you have a car.

Great place for students

The rent includes all utilities. The apartment complex is for Duke Graduate and Professional students and there is a free shuttle that takes you to Duke's West Campus in 10 minutes. The management and maintenance here are fantastic and they promptly and professionally respond to requests. The complex is new so any issues with utilities, heating, etc are very unlikely. This is not a gated community but several security personnel are always present at both Lancaster Commons North and South. The location is quite safe and we know of no safety-related problems encountered by any occupants. The gym includes machines and dumbbells (but no barbells or weight plates).

I live at 2721, Lancaster Commons South.

My favorite features about this apartment is its spaciousness and tranquil surrounding. The apartment management has also been responsive with respect to different maintenance issues ranging from utility maintenance (lightbulb replacement, repairing of the showerhead to pest control).

My least favorite feature of the apartment would be that it is not within walking distance of a lot of stores. You would generally need to Uber a ride to the nearest Target or Harris Teeter.

Excellent choice

The apartment is very spacious compared to most other places around Duke. You get good parking space, the swimming pool and the gym is also decent. The only con would be that it’s a bit far away from campus but Bus is regular. Target and spice Bazaar(Indian Grocery) are at walking distance of around 20 minutes.

Great apartment with very low price. Like it

Lancaster is a great option. Is a bit cheaper. However, the location is not ideal if you don’t have a car. We have busses that take us to Duke. However, no grocery shops or restaurants are in walking distance from Lancaster.

Apartments pretty new, excellent condition, good amenities, bus going to the campus every 30min. Highly recommend.