Berkshire Communities

rent could be lower, although not bad considering the building is only 2 years old. There's no guest parking and the gym is kind of small. Also no community please printer or garbage disposal. Other than that don't really have any complaints so far.

This building is within 20 minutes walking distance of everywhere you want to be in DC. Under 10 minute walk to all lines on metro and nice, luxury apartment ammenitites

Great amenities! Doorman from 8am-12pm everyday. Great neighbors!

My apartment is amazing -- we pay a bit much compared what else you can get in Durham but it's essentially paying for convenience (close proximity to school, 9th street, social activities, gym). The quality of amenities are really high though and it's all modern interior.

If you're a couple sharing a one bedroom, the comfort and look and feel of the apartment make it feel like a real home + amenities are really nice. Location on 9th street can't be beat, if you're busy or don't have a car, literally every basic need is in walking distance. About 2 miles from school, $5 uber ride + free bus pickup

Complex is new and the staff know what they're doing. The studios are a great option if you'd prefer to live without roommates -- all floor plans have a walled off bedroom, unlike "traditional" studios where it's just one room.

For the location (proximity to Harris Teeter, Station 9, Ninth Street, etc) it is the best. Amenities are great. Awesome gym, and a clubhouse where you actually want to hang out. Responsive management. If you don't mind living a little further away (half a mile) from this central spot, you could find a nice house rental for much cheaper.

Also note that it will probably more expensive for incoming students because it's at full occupancy now. Try to take advantage of specials (discounts if you sign during BDW, free rent during the summer)

Overall, I have enjoyed living at BMain and haven't had any large issues. I like that it is close to Station 9, but not in S9. All of the apartments have Nest thermostats in them, which is great for saving money on cooling/heating. The community kitchen space is really nice and is perfect for having a large group of people over. The common spaces can be reserved online, which is also very convenient.

Be aware of where you chose to live in the apartments, as we are very close to the train tracks and the apartments that face the tracks have to deal with incredibly loud trains 5-10x a day.

We got lucky with our apartment. We have no one living above us (which I heard can be loud), and are happy with the space, warmth, AC, ensuite laundry, dishwasher, etc. There are some limitations to be aware of: you don't have a choice on internet/cable provider, our kitchen tap had lousy water pressure and maintenance took a couple of tries to fix it and added an aerator that helped but often sprays water around, you don't have a choice but to pay for pest control and garbage removal, you have to pay extra for water (10-20/month) and electricity (60-80/month), the kitchen appliances are relatively cheap models. They have strict rules around propert damage, parking, waste removal etc, so remains to be seen whether we get dinged for any of those!

More pricey than some other options but the apartments are really nice. The management company is great and very quick on any maintenance requests. Additionally, its a mixed community so you have people of all ages which is a nice change.

Overall, I would describe my experience in Berkshire Ninth as very positive--the staff is quick to respond, good at addressing concerns, and takes care in maintaining the community. There are minor issues: harmless scavenger bugs that can find their way into an apartment, relatively thin walls, and a garbage disposal that barely qualifies as powered, but the apartments themselves are new with good appliances and space, parking is plentiful, the common areas are trendy and well maintained, and the gym is functional.

For the price and location, it's very worthwhile.

Very new complex with great facilities (pool, well functioned and fully equipped gym, friendly staff, monthly events, package drop-off, dry-cleaning drop-off, etc.)
. Easy access to the 24-hour Harris Teeter and a bunch of great restaurants and bars on the 9th street
. Great interior design and amenities (e.g., Nest - you can totally control your AC and heater on your phone!)
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- Could be a little bit pricey given the average rent in Durham

It's a great place to stay - close to everything and having the flexibility to be on your own in a quieter place or go across the streets to attend parties at Station Nine. The building is well maintained, although I think some of the fee such as trash collection are a bit pricey and the rules are quite strict.

The apartments are new having been built in the past few years, very convenient location both close to school, grocery, and restaurants.

Even though it is not the cheapest, it gives you the best value for what you pay