Moving to Houston from Chicago! Very nervous but very excited! (Sugar Land: apartments, rent)

[aczerniak]

Hello everyone!
My boyfriend has received an engineering job in Sugarland and I work in medical research. We're heading down to Houston in the next few months and i'm really wondering what you all have to say as far as suggestions of great things to do, see, places to live, ANYTHING! We're both in our mid-twenties and looking to meet people and make the most of our new city. I know nothing about Houston (or Texas in general really) but i'm ready for the challenge and ready to start working in your wonderful medical center!

Any advice on housing locations around the medical center OR between the medical center and Sugarland (1300 is max) would be much appreciated!

[crono_clone]

What's important to you guys? A house? Schools? Nightlife?

[Oildog]

I would look in the Montrose area, zip 77006. Cost will be similar to Lincoln Park but you get a bit more space.

[aczerniak]

We're thinking of renting for a while first, that way we can figure out what areas we like and then plan for buying a home once we do.

As for nightlife, we do think that's important because we don't know anyone in Houston and would like to meet some new people. We aren't crazy barflies but we do like spending our weekends out with friends having some drinks.

We have no children and since we're not buying yet, schools are not important right now.

[aczerniak]

Originally Posted by Oildog

I would look in the Montrose area, zip 77006. Cost will be similar to Lincoln Park but you get a bit more space.

Great! thank you! I love the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area (been there all my life) so i'd love to have something at least the tiniest bit similar!

[Chicken_of_Bristol]

Originally Posted by aczerniak

We're thinking of renting for a while first, that way we can figure out what areas we like and then plan for buying a home once we do.

As for nightlife, we do think that's important because we don't know anyone in Houston and would like to meet some new people. We aren't crazy barflies but we do like spending our weekends out with friends having some drinks.

We have no children and since we're not buying yet, schools are not important right now.

Definitely rent first.

If you are going to be working in the medical center and your boyfriend in Sugar Land, I would focus on apartments in Upper Kirby, Rice Village or around the Galleria area/Post Oak. Those areas would put you in somewhat a central location for both of you (although the commute to SL will be longer).

Each area is slightly different. Upper Kirby is more residential but there are many newer restaurants and bars opening up. Pretty upscale. The area around Rice is a little more crunchy but, depending where you live, it will also give you the ability to actually walk to places. The traffic around there can be terrible though (bikes can be a plus). The Galleria is probably a little older age-wise and upscale. A lot of international expats. More high rise buildings but not nearly as welcoming to pedestrians as you will see in Chicago.

The biggest difference you will have to get accustomed to is that Houston is much more spread out, less conducive to walking and has terrible public transit. More like LA if you have ever been there (but even less transit/walkable areas).

Good luck.

[aczerniak]

Originally Posted by Chicken_of_Bristol

Definitely rent first.

If you are going to be working in the medical center and your boyfriend in Sugar Land, I would focus on apartments in Upper Kirby, Rice Village or around the Galleria area/Post Oak. Those areas would put you in somewhat a central location for both of you (although the commute to SL will be longer).

Each area is slightly different. Upper Kirby is more residential but there are many newer restaurants and bars opening up. Pretty upscale. The area around Rice is a little more crunchy but, depending where you live, it will also give you the ability to actually walk to places. The traffic around there can be terrible though (bikes can be a plus). The Galleria is probably a little older age-wise and upscale. A lot of international expats. More high rise buildings but not nearly as welcoming to pedestrians as you will see in Chicago.

The biggest difference you will have to get accustomed to is that Houston is much more spread out, less conducive to walking and has terrible public transit. More like LA if you have ever been there (but even less transit/walkable areas).

Good luck.

Public Transportation is definitely one of my biggest things i'm upset about leaving. But, I do have a bike so as long as I can get where I need to go on the bike I should be good Thanks!

[slingshot]

Hot and humid!!!!

[jerbear30]

I would second the Montrose area. Also look at Hyde Park/Midtown for a similar vibe, and the Heights for an older, "neighborhood" vibe. River Oaks is beautiful too, but it is cost-prohibitive in comparison to the other places.

[aczerniak]

What about if I lived in Sugarland and then commuted to the medical center? Would there be much for us to do in Sugarland other than shop and eat?