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FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!

Glad to see we can all make up. Thanks for reposting that for me Matt, I wasn't going to find it.

For those of us that are going to be in town before school, anyone interested in a "Goodbye to our lives" BBQ? I know some of you will know each other before school starts, because of the HH, but it might be fun to get together anyway so we can meet before classes. I know this is ghetto early, but I thought it would be fun to get the ball rolling.

amasingama wrote: SteelyDan I'm so sorry I didn't mean to offend you on FB!! I just meant that we are all indeed different and have different preferences. I personally fell in love with the Enclave, and I think that it is a LOT more secure than other apartment communities that Wake students choose. I visited Sugar Creek and a couple of other places and just did not think that they were worth the money. I attend Salem College, which is in Winston, so I know this city, and trust me the area in which the Enclave is located is NOT as sketchy as the south side or east side of Winston. After visiting, I made sure to check the crime reports for the area/the city and I decided that I had nothing to worry about. I'd much rather spend fewer dollars on a quality apartment, than more dollars on one that is of less, equal or sllightly better quality. But again, my preference may not be the same as the majority of Wake students'.

Sorry Ama, I didn't know you were a TLS'er! I wasn't serious about being offended by it, I just wanted offer up my view of the Enclave. Like I said on Facebook, for the money it's not a bad deal. I'm sure there are MUCH worse areas in Winston (admittedly I don't know the area). Like anywhere though, I think people need to visit before deciding and go with their gut instinct.

That's good to know about Sugar Creek, though!

amasingama wrote:

SteelyDan wrote:I wouldn't waste your time with the Enclave at North Point. Went there this weekend and it's kind-of a dump.

Now, I was slightly offended on the FB group when the response to this was that it's not "big and fancy" enough for SOME PEOPLE (ie- me). It's not size or fanciness I didn't like about the place, it's that I'd rather pay more to feel safe. Here's why:

1. It's not in a great part of town - tucked away behind some industrial looking businesses.
2. There were all kinds of sketchy-looking people around the complex. Yes, this is just MY definition of sketchy, so there.
3. It was very run-down. The woman said that the management company invested over $1m when they bought it, but it doesn't show. In the model, the stair railing was falling off, the carpet wasn't clean, and the cabinets in the bathroom were falling apart.

That all being said, it is dirt cheap - $500 for a 2br, $560 for a 3br. My girlfriend suggested that by saving money on rent, I could buy several guns to make myself feel safer. I'd rather just spend more on rent

SteelyDan I'm so sorry I didn't mean to offend you on FB!! I just meant that we are all indeed different and have different preferences. I personally fell in love with the Enclave, and I think that it is a LOT more secure than other apartment communities that Wake students choose. I visited Sugar Creek and a couple of other places and just did not think that they were worth the money. I attend Salem College, which is in Winston, so I know this city, and trust me the area in which the Enclave is located is NOT as sketchy as the south side or east side of Winston. After visiting, I made sure to check the crime reports for the area/the city and I decided that I had nothing to worry about. I'd much rather spend fewer dollars on a quality apartment, than more dollars on one that is of less, equal or sllightly better quality. But again, my preference may not be the same as the majority of Wake students'.

You both have good points. I live very near the Enclave, so I might can help. As SteelyDan points out, the complex itself looks like a dump, so that was one of the reasons I didn't consider it. Ama makes a good point that the section of town really isn't that bad. I live closer to the school, but only by about 1/4 mile. There a lots of individually-owned houses built right behind the complex (closer to the school), and I would venture a guess that it's fairly safe. However, there are several fast food joints across the street (along with several other businesses), and these can attract some somewhat sketchy folks that just walk around and hang out around the area all day. I spent a good 5 days looking for somewhere to live before I finally settled on where I'm at now. It's well worth doing your due diligence. When considering where you'll be living, just remember that, even with a scholarship, you'll be spending a pile of money to go to law school. You might as well take out enough money to live in a place where you'll feel comfortable and safe when you're at home each night. IMO, it's definitely worth an extra $50-$100 per month to stay somewhere that I don't have to look over my shoulder each time I get out of the car after dark and don't have to worry too much about someone breaking into my place while I'm gone overnight or over the weekend. So, there's my two cents on the subject.

PirateCap'n wrote:

amasingama wrote:

SteelyDan wrote:I wouldn't waste your time with the Enclave at North Point. Went there this weekend and it's kind-of a dump.

Now, I was slightly offended on the FB group when the response to this was that it's not "big and fancy" enough for SOME PEOPLE (ie- me). It's not size or fanciness I didn't like about the place, it's that I'd rather pay more to feel safe. Here's why:

1. It's not in a great part of town - tucked away behind some industrial looking businesses.
2. There were all kinds of sketchy-looking people around the complex. Yes, this is just MY definition of sketchy, so there.
3. It was very run-down. The woman said that the management company invested over $1m when they bought it, but it doesn't show. In the model, the stair railing was falling off, the carpet wasn't clean, and the cabinets in the bathroom were falling apart.

That all being said, it is dirt cheap - $500 for a 2br, $560 for a 3br. My girlfriend suggested that by saving money on rent, I could buy several guns to make myself feel safer. I'd rather just spend more on rent

SteelyDan I'm so sorry I didn't mean to offend you on FB!! I just meant that we are all indeed different and have different preferences. I personally fell in love with the Enclave, and I think that it is a LOT more secure than other apartment communities that Wake students choose. I visited Sugar Creek and a couple of other places and just did not think that they were worth the money. I attend Salem College, which is in Winston, so I know this city, and trust me the area in which the Enclave is located is NOT as sketchy as the south side or east side of Winston. After visiting, I made sure to check the crime reports for the area/the city and I decided that I had nothing to worry about. I'd much rather spend fewer dollars on a quality apartment, than more dollars on one that is of less, equal or sllightly better quality. But again, my preference may not be the same as the majority of Wake students'.

You both have good points. I live very near the Enclave, so I might can help. As SteelyDan points out, the complex itself looks like a dump, so that was one of the reasons I didn't consider it. Ama makes a good point that the section of town really isn't that bad. I live closer to the school, but only by about 1/4 mile. There a lots of individually-owned houses built right behind the complex (closer to the school), and I would venture a guess that it's fairly safe. However, there are several fast food joints across the street (along with several other businesses), and these can attract some somewhat sketchy folks that just walk around and hang out around the area all day. I spent a good 5 days looking for somewhere to live before I finally settled on where I'm at now. It's well worth doing your due diligence. When considering where you'll be living, just remember that, even with a scholarship, you'll be spending a pile of money to go to law school. You might as well take out enough money to live in a place where you'll feel comfortable and safe when you're at home each night. IMO, it's definitely worth an extra $50-$100 per month to stay somewhere that I don't have to look over my shoulder each time I get out of the car after dark and don't have to worry too much about someone breaking into my place while I'm gone overnight or over the weekend. So, there's my two cents on the subject.

Pirate, if you are going to be a lawyer, you need to learn to charge more than two cents. Unless you are an eerily fast typist...

I figure that because I am unable to come out and see places I am going to rely on your opinions and google reviews. Ultimately I dont want to pay more than 800 with utilities and internet, and if I hate the place, then I bail after the lease. Are you guys doing 9 months or 12?

jdemmitt wrote:

PirateCap'n wrote:

amasingama wrote:

SteelyDan wrote:I wouldn't waste your time with the Enclave at North Point. Went there this weekend and it's kind-of a dump.

Now, I was slightly offended on the FB group when the response to this was that it's not "big and fancy" enough for SOME PEOPLE (ie- me). It's not size or fanciness I didn't like about the place, it's that I'd rather pay more to feel safe. Here's why:

1. It's not in a great part of town - tucked away behind some industrial looking businesses.
2. There were all kinds of sketchy-looking people around the complex. Yes, this is just MY definition of sketchy, so there.
3. It was very run-down. The woman said that the management company invested over $1m when they bought it, but it doesn't show. In the model, the stair railing was falling off, the carpet wasn't clean, and the cabinets in the bathroom were falling apart.

That all being said, it is dirt cheap - $500 for a 2br, $560 for a 3br. My girlfriend suggested that by saving money on rent, I could buy several guns to make myself feel safer. I'd rather just spend more on rent

SteelyDan I'm so sorry I didn't mean to offend you on FB!! I just meant that we are all indeed different and have different preferences. I personally fell in love with the Enclave, and I think that it is a LOT more secure than other apartment communities that Wake students choose. I visited Sugar Creek and a couple of other places and just did not think that they were worth the money. I attend Salem College, which is in Winston, so I know this city, and trust me the area in which the Enclave is located is NOT as sketchy as the south side or east side of Winston. After visiting, I made sure to check the crime reports for the area/the city and I decided that I had nothing to worry about. I'd much rather spend fewer dollars on a quality apartment, than more dollars on one that is of less, equal or sllightly better quality. But again, my preference may not be the same as the majority of Wake students'.

You both have good points. I live very near the Enclave, so I might can help. As SteelyDan points out, the complex itself looks like a dump, so that was one of the reasons I didn't consider it. Ama makes a good point that the section of town really isn't that bad. I live closer to the school, but only by about 1/4 mile. There a lots of individually-owned houses built right behind the complex (closer to the school), and I would venture a guess that it's fairly safe. However, there are several fast food joints across the street (along with several other businesses), and these can attract some somewhat sketchy folks that just walk around and hang out around the area all day. I spent a good 5 days looking for somewhere to live before I finally settled on where I'm at now. It's well worth doing your due diligence. When considering where you'll be living, just remember that, even with a scholarship, you'll be spending a pile of money to go to law school. You might as well take out enough money to live in a place where you'll feel comfortable and safe when you're at home each night. IMO, it's definitely worth an extra $50-$100 per month to stay somewhere that I don't have to look over my shoulder each time I get out of the car after dark and don't have to worry too much about someone breaking into my place while I'm gone overnight or over the weekend. So, there's my two cents on the subject.

Pirate, if you are going to be a lawyer, you need to learn to charge more than two cents. Unless you are an eerily fast typist...

I figure that because I am unable to come out and see places I am going to rely on your opinions and google reviews. Ultimately I dont want to pay more than 800 with utilities and internet, and if I hate the place, then I bail after the lease. Are you guys doing 9 months or 12?

I don't think that the Enclave is that close to the fast food places/hangout areas, but I definitely grew up around that so I'm sure I will be able to handle it. Either way, I'll have my gun to keep me company!

I'm signing a 12-month lease. If it turns out that I absolutely hate the place (which I doubt), the complex allows subleasing so that would work.

jdemmitt wrote: Pirate, if you are going to be a lawyer, you need to learn to charge more than two cents. Unless you are an eerily fast typist...

I figure that because I am unable to come out and see places I am going to rely on your opinions and google reviews. Ultimately I dont want to pay more than 800 with utilities and internet, and if I hate the place, then I bail after the lease. Are you guys doing 9 months or 12?

Ha. Fair enough, but I figured that was probably the market rate for such advice. Generally, you can count on everything (electricity, cable, internet, water, sewer, etc.) being well under $200 a month (mine runs right at $150 on the highest months and has been less than $100 on good months). Thus, you could plan on a place that charges between $600-650 a month before including that stuff. A couple of places that I would suggest that I haven't seen mentioned on here: Providence Pointe and Robinhood Court (I think that's the name of it). Both are very new places. Providence Pointe has been built within the past 5 years, and I don't think Robinhood is much older. Providence was relatively reasonable when I checked last year, although the prices might have gone up. Robinhood was a bit more expensive, but it was also nicer. Both are within 5-10 minutes of school.

amasingama wrote:
I don't think that the Enclave is that close to the fast food places/hangout areas, but I definitely grew up around that so I'm sure I will be able to handle it. Either way, I'll have my gun to keep me company!

I'm signing a 12-month lease. If it turns out that I absolutely hate the place (which I doubt), the complex allows subleasing so that would work.

I'm mainly talking about the McDonald's, Arby's, Dominos, Dunkin Donuts, North Point Grill, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. that are <200 yards from the complex. If that's something you don't mind (as you mention), then it probably won't be a problem. I just wanted to give a heads-up to the other folks that might have an issue with the individuals that hang around 24-hour drive-throughs and walk around aimlessly at all times of the day and night. Where I'm from, areas like that tend to have higher crime rates than the ones that aren't near such businesses. Either way, I definitely recommend checking with the WS Police Department about the crime rates for whatever areas you are considering.

Also, the determination as to a 12-month lease or a 9-month lease should probably depend on where you want to work and whether you think you'll end up moving. If you want to work out of NC during the summer and won't be around to live in the apartment, you might want to do a 9-month lease. If you don't want to have to move out over the summer, you should probably do a 12 month lease (unless you want to do a 9-month to test the place and then renew for 12 once you decide that you like it).

PirateCap'n wrote:

amasingama wrote:
I don't think that the Enclave is that close to the fast food places/hangout areas, but I definitely grew up around that so I'm sure I will be able to handle it. Either way, I'll have my gun to keep me company!

I'm signing a 12-month lease. If it turns out that I absolutely hate the place (which I doubt), the complex allows subleasing so that would work.

I'm mainly talking about the McDonald's, Arby's, Dominos, Dunkin Donuts, North Point Grill, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. that are <200 yards from the complex. If that's something you don't mind (as you mention), then it probably won't be a problem. I just wanted to give a heads-up to the other folks that might have an issue with the individuals that hang around 24-hour drive-throughs and walk around aimlessly at all times of the day and night. Where I'm from, areas like that tend to have higher crime rates than the ones that aren't near such businesses. Either way, I definitely recommend checking with the WS Police Department about the crime rates for whatever areas you are considering.

Also, the determination as to a 12-month lease or a 9-month lease should probably depend on where you want to work and whether you think you'll end up moving. If you want to work out of NC during the summer and won't be around to live in the apartment, you might want to do a 9-month lease. If you don't want to have to move out over the summer, you should probably do a 12 month lease (unless you want to do a 9-month to test the place and then renew for 12 once you decide that you like it).

damn, i am a sucker for for all these fast food places, i know where i want to stay now

red_alertz wrote:

PirateCap'n wrote:

amasingama wrote:
I don't think that the Enclave is that close to the fast food places/hangout areas, but I definitely grew up around that so I'm sure I will be able to handle it. Either way, I'll have my gun to keep me company!

I'm signing a 12-month lease. If it turns out that I absolutely hate the place (which I doubt), the complex allows subleasing so that would work.

I'm mainly talking about the McDonald's, Arby's, Dominos, Dunkin Donuts, North Point Grill, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. that are <200 yards from the complex. If that's something you don't mind (as you mention), then it probably won't be a problem. I just wanted to give a heads-up to the other folks that might have an issue with the individuals that hang around 24-hour drive-throughs and walk around aimlessly at all times of the day and night. Where I'm from, areas like that tend to have higher crime rates than the ones that aren't near such businesses. Either way, I definitely recommend checking with the WS Police Department about the crime rates for whatever areas you are considering.

Also, the determination as to a 12-month lease or a 9-month lease should probably depend on where you want to work and whether you think you'll end up moving. If you want to work out of NC during the summer and won't be around to live in the apartment, you might want to do a 9-month lease. If you don't want to have to move out over the summer, you should probably do a 12 month lease (unless you want to do a 9-month to test the place and then renew for 12 once you decide that you like it).

damn, i am a sucker for for all these fast food places, i know where i want to stay now

You're in business then. If you overindulge, there's even an urgent care office at the corner to take care of the resulting health problems

I am amazed at the 150 price you say for utilities. Currently my cable/Internet bill is 125 a month. What kind of Internet and cable pkg do you have? Plus my electric/water/trash bill is in the 145 range per month...

NCtoDC wrote:I am amazed at the 150 price you say for utilities. Currently my cable/Internet bill is 125 a month. What kind of Internet and cable pkg do you have? Plus my electric/water/trash bill is in the 145 range per month...

For me, my water bill is about $12 per month, electric varies between $35-70 (depending on the month), and cable/Internet is $46 but that is only for very basic cable (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, etc). Anything on the upper channels I watch online. If I want to watch sports, I can go to my boyfriend's house, to a friend's place, or to a bar. So, in Spring and Fall, that runs less than $100 per month, and in the Summer/Winter, about $125-130.

NCtoDC wrote:I am amazed at the 150 price you say for utilities. Currently my cable/Internet bill is 125 a month. What kind of Internet and cable pkg do you have? Plus my electric/water/trash bill is in the 145 range per month...

I have digital cable with HD channels and the "sports tier" (ESPNEWS, Big 10 Network, Baseball games, etc.). My internet is the "normal" speed (7 Mbps). They're packaged together through Time Warner and cost $90 a month. My gas last month was $20 (and $10 of that is automatic each month no matter how much you use), and my electricity was $30. So, overall it was $140 for the month for a 2 bed/2 bath apartment. March was a relatively cold month by NC standards, so it was one of my higher bills. January and February were within $5 of both the gas and electricity for March, so there wasn't much variation.

PirateCap'n wrote:

amasingama wrote:
I don't think that the Enclave is that close to the fast food places/hangout areas, but I definitely grew up around that so I'm sure I will be able to handle it. Either way, I'll have my gun to keep me company!

I'm signing a 12-month lease. If it turns out that I absolutely hate the place (which I doubt), the complex allows subleasing so that would work.

I'm mainly talking about the McDonald's, Arby's, Dominos, Dunkin Donuts, North Point Grill, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. that are <200 yards from the complex. If that's something you don't mind (as you mention), then it probably won't be a problem. I just wanted to give a heads-up to the other folks that might have an issue with the individuals that hang around 24-hour drive-throughs and walk around aimlessly at all times of the day and night. Where I'm from, areas like that tend to have higher crime rates than the ones that aren't near such businesses. Either way, I definitely recommend checking with the WS Police Department about the crime rates for whatever areas you are considering.

Also, the determination as to a 12-month lease or a 9-month lease should probably depend on where you want to work and whether you think you'll end up moving. If you want to work out of NC during the summer and won't be around to live in the apartment, you might want to do a 9-month lease. If you don't want to have to move out over the summer, you should probably do a 12 month lease (unless you want to do a 9-month to test the place and then renew for 12 once you decide that you like it).

Thanks for your input Pirate! I wish I knew someone who lived there so I could get a first-hand account, and find out whether or not they'd recommend it. I am picking the 12-month lease because I am moving in in May, otherwise it would be the 9-month because I don't anticipate staying in NC summer after 1L.

I will def have to have digital cable with DVR. I don't need an upgraded channel pkg though. I guess my electric is outrageous because my duplex is NOT energy efficient at all. Thanks for the breakdowns of both your bills

NCtoDC wrote:I will def have to have digital cable with DVR. I don't need an upgraded channel pkg though. I guess my electric is outrageous because my duplex is NOT energy efficient at all. Thanks for the breakdowns of both your bills

Anytime. The DVR is an extra $10 with TW Cable (I don't have it), but it would probably be $10-20 cheaper without the HD channels and another $10 without the sports tier. If you just want DVR, it'll definitely be cheaper that way.

Where you going back to? I am worried about taking a 12 month lease, but then working in charloette as a 1l or raleigh. Humdinger.

Edit: I also need a dvr and hi def, and sports package. I need to find a way to fit Monday night football into my life.

jdemmitt wrote:Where you going back to? I am worried about taking a 12 month lease, but then working in charloette as a 1l or raleigh. Humdinger.

Edit: I also need a dvr and hi def, and sports package. I need to find a way to fit Monday night football into my life.

I'm staying in NC for work. I've already renewed my lease again for next year (another 12 month lease), and I didn't want to move out over the summer. I won't be in Winston Salem, but I'll still want to come back on occasion over the summer for various reasons. I figured it would just be a lot easier to do a 12 month lease and not have to move my stuff out. Also, you might want to check around with the apartment complexes. Some of them refuse to do anything other than a 12 month lease, or, if they will let you do a shorter one, you'll have to pay more per month.

I will be doing a 12 month lease. My stepmom has a house in Raleigh so that gives me the ability to take summer work in Raleigh and no worry about housing.

I'm starting to think we should hold a week-long celebration before orientation starts. Perhaps a party/cookout at 7 different houses/apartments? I seem to remember foothill brewery renting kegs?

Bulls wrote:I'm starting to think we should hold a week-long celebration before orientation starts. Perhaps a party/cookout at 7 different houses/apartments? I seem to remember foothill brewery renting kegs?

As someone moving out to WS in early August, this sounds like a great idea, because I have no idea what I will be doing for those three weeks before class.

Crying in the fetal position.

zunde2 wrote:

Bulls wrote:I'm starting to think we should hold a week-long celebration before orientation starts. Perhaps a party/cookout at 7 different houses/apartments? I seem to remember foothill brewery renting kegs?

As someone moving out to WS in early August, this sounds like a great idea, because I have no idea what I will be doing for those three weeks before class.

That sounds awesome! I'm down.

jdemmitt wrote:Crying in the fetal position.

+1

red_alertz wrote:so are you gonna be a tardheel or what Dub

I haven't heard back yet. (I'm hesitant to write this due to the trainwreck that occurred over in the Tarheel thread. I'm staying out of the angry mob lol. Actually I don't like both sides, the angry mob is too mad, and if I come in on UNC's side i'm a brown noser)

Lol @ Dub. Ya, I don't blame you. I just let people know I was WLed and got out of there. That thread is vicious.