Welcome! I don't know Durham as well as I know Raleigh but I've heard lots of great things about Woodcroft which may be where dcnats is also referring to, as its just down the road from Southpoint. You may not find a cottage there, though, as its an older more well established neighborhood. But yeah, Durham definitely has a rap for being sketchy in some parts, but honestly I've been downtown a few times at night and have never felt unsafe. It's an exciting time for Durham, lots of start ups and new restaurants and I think it's headed in a positive direction. Sorry this may not have been much help, haha!