Last year, the construction of Stanhope Students Apartments began, and was completed just before move-in on Aug. 15. Even though the office had a mock set-up of some of the rooms and appliances, students who committed to living in the complex did not really know what to expect.
Many styles of apartments are offered at Stanhope; everything from one person studio flats to four-person apartments can be found. The complex also has a parking garage with building access on every floor, and a CVS and IHOP coming in on the ground floor, later this year. Stanhope is also only a two-minute walk from campus, and even though the rent is a little steep, the location is unbeatable.
Compared to Valentine Commons, which were the only apartments close enough to NC State's campus to walk to, for years, the amenities and condition of Stanhope trumps VC in every category. Stanhope offers the attached parking garage, a saltwater pool, fire glass table, outdoor TV and viewing area, great workout facility, as well as many more amenities.
2811 Student Apartments, which are across the street from Stanhope, are also brand new, and while they offer great floor plans and apartments, 2811 does not have all the amenities Stanhope offers (none could be found on building website).
While the building is brand new, do not expect residents to try and maintain the brand-new apartment spell. There is always a party being thrown somewhere, the pool is a popular party area, and everything from beer cans and pizza, to throw up can be found in the stairwell. I would not let this keep you from living here, but you should expect to bang on the ceiling at 1 a.m. when the apartment above you is turning up on a Tuesday. Although the building describes itself as "luxury student living," the residents do not treat it as so. But, it is a student apartment building so this is most likely the same case at other apartment complexes.
Although Stanhope's rent is more expensive than other student housing options around NC State, it brings a lot to the table. And with a new apartment place coming in further down Hillsborough Street, and another coming in between Stanhope and 2811, and VC, the rent will eventually decrease. But for the location and long list of extra features offered to residents, Stanhope is a great option for undergraduate students.
