Live on Hillsborough: A Detailed Decision Review
Live on Hillsborough is a student-oriented apartment property in Raleigh, North Carolina, located within walking distance of a major university campus. It offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with monthly rent ranging from US$979 to US$1,409 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property provides a gym, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool, but has a mixed reputation based on resident feedback. This review helps you decide whether it fits your needs based on real resident experiences, price positioning, and room-type options.
Who This Residence Suits
- Students or staff who prioritize proximity to campus. The address is on Hillsborough Street, a main corridor that puts you within a short walk or bike ride to classrooms, libraries, and campus amenities. Residents often mention “close to campus” as a clear advantage.
- Those who want larger bedrooms and bathrooms. Several units are described as having bigger bedrooms and bathrooms compared to other off-campus options in Raleigh. If space matters to you, this property may stand out.
- People who value on-site fitness and pool access. The gym and swimming pool are included in the rent (no extra membership needed), which can save you time and money compared to joining an off-site facility.
- Residents who are comfortable handling their own internet service provider. Because the property does not manage Wi-Fi – you have to sign up with Spectrum directly – this is only suitable if you have no problem dealing with a telecom company yourself.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Budget-conscious renters. The city’s lowest-priced student property starts at US$599 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator), so Live on Hillsborough’s starting price is about US$380 higher. Parking adds another US$175/month (per one review), and reviews mention “hidden fees.” If your housing budget is tight, this may not be the right fit.
- People who depend on reliable, on-site Wi-Fi. According to resident reviews, the internet breaks often and the property makes you deal with Spectrum yourself. If you need stable internet for online classes or remote work and want a single point of contact, this could be frustrating.
- Those who are sensitive to safety concerns around parking. One resident noted that without a parking spot on site, you are forced into nearby lots that “often feels unsafe at night.” If you rely on a car and don’t secure a reserved spot, the alternative may be uncomfortable.
- Anyone allergic to hidden fees. The same review mentions that there are “a lot of hidden fees.” If you prefer all-in pricing with no surprises, you may want to read the lease carefully or consider other properties.
What Residents Actually Say
The property has a Google rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 141 reviews. Here are three verbatim reviews that capture the range of experiences:
Ava Griffith (Rating 1):
Pros: - nice staff - close to campus Cons: - if your WiFi breaks u have to deal with spectrum yourself (you would think they would dead with it since your paying so much) and the WiFi breaks often - sent two different people out to fix our washer and dryer and it’s still broken (one of the times they somehow made it wo
(Note: the original review was cut off at “made it wo”. The reviewer points to recurring maintenance issues.)
Ava Schank (Rating 2):
The bedrooms and bathroom are bigger than a lot of places around campus, but there are a lot of hidden fees with this apartment, and parking is 175 a month. If you don’t get a parking spot, you get stuck paying for parking at a lot that often feels unsafe at night. Some people in management are nice; others were very r
(Again the review ends abruptly. The resident highlights a trade-off: bigger rooms vs. extra costs and parking concerns.)
Vincent Farrell (Rating 5):
I had a great experience when I toured and met with the team at LiveOnHillsboro. I had a hard time finding a place that checked all my boxes because nothing felt like home when I toured. After talking to the LiveOnHillsboro team and touring the apartments, I knew I had found the place for me. The team was incredibly he
(Rave review about the touring experience and helpful staff.)
What these reviews tell you:
- Staff competence seems inconsistent – some are “nice” or “incredibly helpful,” others are “very r” (likely negative).
- Maintenance (washer/dryer, Wi-Fi) can be slow or unresolved.
- The physical space (bedroom/bathroom size) is a clear strength.
- Parking and hidden fees are the most common pain points.
- A good touring experience does not guarantee a problem-free tenancy.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From-Price
Raleigh’s lowest-priced student housing property (among the nine listed on this platform) starts at US$599 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). Live on Hillsborough’s cheapest unit is US$979 – about 63% higher. Its top unit goes to US$1,409. That places it in the upper-middle or upper range for the city, depending on unit type.
Why pay more? You get a prime location near campus, larger rooms, and amenities like a gym and pool. But the extra cost also comes with the risk of unexpected fees and parking expenses. If you compare total monthly cost including parking (US$175) and potential hidden fees, the delta over a US$599 property could be US$400–US$500 or more. Make sure your budget can handle it.
Room-Type Guidance
Live on Hillsborough offers three unit types:
- 1 bedroom (1b): The most affordable option, likely the US$979 entry point. Best for a single occupant who values privacy and doesn’t want to share common areas with roommates.
- 2 bedroom (2b): A middle ground. Typical for two students splitting rent. Each person’s share may range from around US$490 to US$700, depending on the exact unit and floor plan.
- 3 bedroom (3b): The largest and most expensive, up to US$1,409 total. Splitting three ways brings each person’s share to around US$470, which is closer to the city’s lowest price, but you still face the same parking and fee issues.
All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. You should ask about the exact square footage and whether utilities are included or extra.
Booking Timing
The first available move-in date is 13 August 2026. If you are planning to start your lease in the fall term, begin your search in early 2026. Properties near campus often fill up by spring. For Live on Hillsborough, given the mixed reviews, you may want to tour in person (or virtually) before signing. Many student leases in Raleigh run August–July, so you can sign a 12-month lease starting August 2026. If you wait until summer, the best units may be gone, and you might end up in a less desirable layout or floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Are utilities included in the rent?
This is not specified in the data provided. Reviews mention “hidden fees” but do not detail which utilities are included. You must ask the leasing office directly what is covered (water, electricity, internet, trash, etc.). Given that residents complain about hidden fees, assume that some utilities may be billed separately or charged as a flat fee. Always get a written list of all mandatory charges before signing.
H3: How is the management responsiveness?
Opinions vary. One resident called the staff “nice” and another said they were “incredibly he” (helpful). But the same positive review was from a tour, not a resident. The negative reviews explicitly mention that maintenance issues (washer/dryer, Wi-Fi) went unresolved or took multiple visits. If quick fixes are important to you, ask current tenants about their experience or check recent Google reviews (dated after the ones quoted here).
H3: Is parking included in the rent?
No. Parking is an additional US$175 per month for a spot on property. Without a spot, you must use an off-site lot that one reviewer described as “often feels unsafe at night.” If you have a car, factor in at least US$175/month plus the risk of limited availability. Some students may bike or walk instead, but if you drive, this adds significantly to your monthly housing cost.
Sources & Data Date
All pricing, availability, and review data are current as of July 2026. Google rating and review count (3.8/5, 141 reviews) are from the same period. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For live availability and to check current lease options, use the on-site assistant on this page.
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