I want to move to Houston in May (West: apartment, leasing) - City-Data Forum

prettymissj · 03-13-2011, 04:00 AM

I am a graduating senior at Michigan State University and I REALLY would like to move to Houston as soon as I graduate. I have been read the threads and now I am concerned about finding a job. I recently visited Houston and fell in love with the city, went on a few job interviews and all I have is a minimum wage job as a back up. I will continue to look for employment but I would like to know would I have a better chance finding a job once I get down to Houston, or will my out of state address be the death of my move. Thanks, oh and I checked out the Arbors on Westheimer, any tips or suggestions on that place?

Texascrude · 03-13-2011, 08:27 AM

If you're at a University, you need to get the career center to help in your job search. Once you leave you'll be on your own and the difficulty of finding a job will increase dramatically -- you'll be one of many, but with 0 experience.

Use the resources you have and ask them to help you find alumni or companies in Houston to speak with.

Malvie · 03-13-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prettymissj

I am a graduating senior at Michigan State University and I REALLY would like to move to Houston as soon as I graduate. I have been read the threads and now I am concerned about finding a job. I recently visited Houston and fell in love with the city, went on a few job interviews and all I have is a minimum wage job as a back up. I will continue to look for employment but I would like to know would I have a better chance finding a job once I get down to Houston, or will my out of state address be the death of my move. Thanks, oh and I checked out the Arbors on Westheimer, any tips or suggestions on that place?

There are a lot of Michigan State alums here; I run into them a lot in my business. Try the placement center at the University, but also contact the Alumni Association and see if they have a chapter here (I'll bet they do). They might be able to help you.

jm02 · 03-13-2011, 09:13 AM

I worked for a major Houston company for over 25 years. Are you looking for a career or a job? If a career, an out of state address will have no bearing on your appeal to a major company. Instead they will be looking for your qualifications. It this is your plan, taking a minimum wage job might even make you LESS attractive. After all, who would you hire - some cracker jack with a power resume or some recent graduate waiting tables down the street? Unless you're just looking to party down in H'town, I think you'd be doing yourself a favor by waiting to land a good job. Even if you did take a minimum wage job, how much fun would you really be having? It takes money to live.

Good luck.

prettymissj · 03-13-2011, 10:09 PM

Ideally I want a career but I understand in today's job climate, that may not happen. I am willing to just work to pay bills until something great comes along. And thanks for the alumni suggestion, I appreciate it.

mwahahahanni · 03-14-2011, 08:36 AM

Hi prettymissj,

I'm in the just-do-it boat. Jobs are more plentiful in Houston than in other parts of the country. I think while you are young and unencumbered, you should go ahead and come out.

Quote:

Thanks, oh and I checked out the Arbors on Westheimer, any tips or suggestions on that place?

77063 (where the arbors are located) is the zip for an area called Westchase. I used to live in that zip, albeit not right off Westheimer (which is maybe the busiest non-highway in Houston). Westchase is certainly affordable considering it's close to Uptown, but it can be kind of sketchy. I heard about a lot of robberies (and parking lot muggings) in apts that face Westheimer directly (like the arbors).

My recommendation for you, is that you work with an apartment hunter before signing a lease anywhere. They are free and, in my experience, an invaluable resource for navigating the apartment scene in Houston. My apartment hunter is great--have used her many times and recommended to others with good result. PM me if you would like her information.

Sunnyskies10 · 03-17-2011, 09:47 AM

Everyone has shared very valuable points here. Another thing to consider are the requirements for leasing an apartment here. Can you show you make enough $$$ with check stubs to lease the apartment? Will you have a co-signer? Will you be moving alone? You definitely want to navigate the city with someone that knows what they're doing. It will save you a lot of time and aggravation!

prettymissj · 03-19-2011, 10:31 PM

This wont be my 1st apartment so I know what it typically takes to get one. Im not really worried about an apartment as much as Im worried about employment.

houston_alex · 03-20-2011, 09:31 AM

I was in the situation you were in. Graduated from Kansas State and moved down last year. I would suggest not taking any kind of minimum wage job. Find something in relation to your major even if it is part time. That is what I did and it paid off as I just landed a great job recently and they knew I was making 10.00/hr at the previous job. There are all sorts of companies here so I would check out the smaller/start-ups. That way you can always volunteer to do a little extra work to gain experience and add to your resume. It can definitely be done.

piyf · 03-20-2011, 02:51 PM

Can I ask what made you fall in love with Houston (looking for honest outsider opinion)? Where else have you been other than MI?

I'm asking the OP no one else, thanks.