Moving to Houston in March 2011 (Center, Anderson: apartment complex, to rent, condo) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

vixter3010 · 01-01-2011, 02:10 PM

Hello Everyone,

I am planning on moving to Houston in March 2011. I will be working at MD Anderson. Could someone suggest me an apartment complex near that area (like 2-4 miles radius). Something between $600-700/ month should work fine with me.

Thank you

vixter3010 · 01-02-2011, 08:09 PM

Hello Everyone,

I will reapply appreciate any help on this issue. None of the apartment complexes in my range seem to have good reviews.

Thanks

mistergus75 · 01-02-2011, 08:20 PM

You might as well buy a house.

vixter3010 · 01-02-2011, 08:33 PM

Thanks for the reply mistergus, is that possible in my budget?

mistergus75 · 01-02-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vixter3010

Thanks for the reply mistergus, is that possible in my budget?

Yes, it is.

10% down on a $100,000 house for 20 years gets you a $645/month house payment. Do 30 years (not unusual), and your payment will be even lower.

Use the mortgage caculator on www.har.com, and see for yourself.

Houses are cheap in Houston. Don't rent.

ethanw · 01-02-2011, 09:38 PM

You could also rent a room out to help with the overall cost? Just an idea....

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistergus75

Yes, it is.

10% down on a $100,000 house for 20 years gets you a $645/month house payment. Do 30 years (not unusual), and your payment will be even lower.

Use the mortgage caculator on www.har.com, and see for yourself.

Houses are cheap in Houston. Don't rent.

TheEconomist · 01-02-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistergus75

You might as well buy a house.

This is HORRIBLE advice. If I could subtract from mistergus's reputation points, then I would do so. You can't buy a house in the med center for 100K. A townhouse there costs at least 300K. If you can find a condo for 100K then it will have really high monthly fees which would make renting a better option. The OP said the apartments in his price range had bad reviews, so how is advising him to buy a shack in the med center supposed to help him in his situation?

To the OP, I think if you are able to come up to 700 to 800 a month you should be able to find something that you like. As I have advised others, I would recommend getting an apartment locator because they have a database to help you find the best deals. The price range you have suggested is close to rock bottom. There is a world of difference in what 100 to 200 extra dollars will get you. I hope this is possible on your budget.

Also, EthanW's idea of renting of room is a good one if that fits into your situation. Try craigslist under "housing" then "shared / rooms" or roommates.com. I can't vouch for those from experience, but they always have options. Here are a few craigslist options I found:

http://houston.craigslist.org/roo/2139026109.html (broken link)

http://houston.craigslist.org/roo/2134521629.html (broken link)

http://houston.craigslist.org/roo/2101035431.html (broken link)

vixter3010 · 01-02-2011, 11:56 PM

Thank you all for your suggestions. I believe for starters I would like to rent an apartment and then go ahead and think of buying one once I have settled in the city.@ TheEconomist: Thanks for the links, also I might visit Houston in January end to look for apartments. The budget could be increased but I do not want to go (unless I have to) above 850 including utilities.

I really appreciate all the help I am getting at this forum.

Thanks

TotalFat · 01-03-2011, 01:34 PM

Apartments are typically really awful. I've been combing a lot of apartment rating websites and the ratings are always pretty bad. Add to that most people won't bother posting reviews unless they had a bad experience. Good reviews usually appear to be posted by owners/employees. I've had friends who have stayed in more expensive apartments and spending more doesn't seem to help much (a little but it's still bad). I hope someone will chime in with experience living in a specific place you might be looking at.

We are not in that area, but you may be able to do as we did and find a townhouse somewhere. We like our place a lot. It has a lot of the advantages of a house (our own driveway and entrance areas) while still being cheaper than a house. The walls between us and the neighbors is solid brick, so in 5 years we have never actually heard them not even once!

jasltx · 01-03-2011, 02:09 PM

If you'll work for MD Anderson, then you are eligible to apply to live in UT-Houston's University Housing. The El Paseo complex, the nicer of the two, is on the southern end of the TMC area and has units in the $600-$700 price range. The adjacent Recreation Center is very nice, as well. They usually have a waiting list, so you probably should contact them ASAP regarding availability in the event you are interested.