Tips for Conducting a Housing Search Near the Duke University Marine Lab
1. The phone will be your best friend.
Start by calling property management companies rather than looking on websites. Websites can be out of date, and many properties are never event listed. Call weekly to ask about availability.
2. Ask about off-season rentals.
If possible, ask about off-season rentals rather than year-long leases. A number of management companies have owners that will rent to students from late August to mid-May.
3. Consider other short-term options.
Some students use Airbnb or VRBO to find housing.
4. Timing is everything.
Historically, most students do not secure leases until the late spring or early summer. While it would feel better to have a lease locked in by January or February, most rentals will not know availability until later in the spring semester. Be patient. DUML students always find housing, but you might have to wait or search longer than you'd like.
Some property owners have listed their places with DUML. Check that list here.
Tips for Working with Local Property Management Companies
An Incomplete Account of Neighborhoods/Areas of Carteret County:
Beaufort
PROS: bikeable and walkable to local shops & restaurants; close to DUML; community with other DUML students, faculty, and staff
CONS: difficult to get to DUML without a car
ETC: can be a more progressive part of the county
Atlantic Beach
PROS: the beach; accessible amenities
CONS: a little farther from DUML, difficult to access without a car
ETC: likely to find a year-round lease here; more off-season vacation rentals by property owner
Morehead City
PROS: many neighborhoods are bikeable and walkable to the water, shops, & restaurants; more affordable options
CONS: fewer DUML students, perception of distance (though many rentals are not far)
ETC: apartment complexes: