Moving to work in Baytown, where do young professionals live? (Houston: apartment complexes, renter)

[PickinNgrinin]

I'm a 20 something guy about to move to a job in Baytown, TX from Philadelphia. I do not know much about the area or where to live. I'm a renter and I'd like to live around others my age with some bars and things to do maybe a decent music scene. Downtown Houston is an option but if there is a neighborhood closer to Baytown that is a predominately younger crowd(not all college students); that would be ideal. I'm OK with up to a 45 min commute but closer is better. My only other constraint is I want to avoid being downwind from chemical/oil plants. Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks

[Mandres]

Originally Posted by PickinNgrinin

I'm a 20 something guy about to move to a job in Baytown, TX from Philadelphia. I do not know much about the area or where to live. I'm a renter and I'd like to live around others my age with some bars and things to do maybe a decent music scene. Downtown Houston is an option but if there is a neighborhood closer to Baytown that is a predominately younger crowd(not all college students); that would be ideal. I'm OK with up to a 45 min commute but closer is better. My only other constraint is I want to avoid being downwind from chemical/oil plants. Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks

If you're going to work in oil&gas/chemical engineering then live in Baytown close to the plant. You want to be available 24/7 if they need you. There are a handful of bars but overall Baytown doesn't have much to offer a young guy. You'll need to go into Houston for any kind of culture or real entertainment. Most of the Baytown social scene revolves around the churches, just like most of rural Texas.

[PickinNgrinin]

Thanks for the reply. I will be working in oil&gas so I assumed that would probably be the situation with living close to the facility. I was hoping Baytown would have more to offer but along with what you said everything i've read says there is nothing going on there. Houston might be an option, do you have any idea what the commute is like?

[texas7]

You might look in Seabrook, or Clear Lake. Family areas but more singles and activities than you would find in Baytown but still convenient to Baytown. But midtown or Heights would be good as well.

[Lowexpectations]

The are lofts right next to minute maid park that I've looked at a few times. You should live downtown it's 25-30 miles however you trip should have much less traffic than folks living in Baytown driving to downtown for work

[Oildog]

Live in Midtown or in Eado (east of the stadiums). Commute (reverse) will be 30 minutes.

[AlfredB1979]

You can probably get by living near Beltway 8 in Pasadena or down HWY 146 in Kemah or Seabrook. Not a terrible drive in either case and there are some happening spots nearby, too.

In any event, you will be upwind of the plants as the winds from the south dominate much of the year. That much is true as I live near Barbours Cut and even wit the northerlies in the winter, I don't get a whiff of anything.

[Htown2013]

What is your budget? Midtown or Eado is an acceptable commute if you are willing to pay those rents. Congrats on the job - you will get a ton of valuable experience. There is really nothing desirable for someone in your situation along I-10 between Eado and Baytown.

Clear Lake is nice and a bit cheaper, but is a very different environment and not that much shorter in terms of commuting time.

[PickinNgrinin]

Thank you all for this excellent advice! I'm thinking Houston is starting to sound like the best option, especially if it's a reverse commute. I grew up on a farm and now living in a big city I recognize that is a better place for me at my age. My budget is anything up to $1100/month. That being said, just because I can afford $1100 doesn't mean I want to spend it all if I can find something decent that is cheaper.

I've started looking at apartments in Midtown or Eado but I'm fairly simple and don't need anything too fancy, which the majority seems to be. A 1BR in a good building with washer/dryer, dishwasher, some decent living space, maybe a pool and/or balcony. Anyone know of any apartment complexes that fit the bill? I've also rented houses in the past, i'm not sure if that is an option out there?

I'm also concerned with finding a good neighborhood within the city, something walkable, close to food/drink, nearby entertainment, etc. Having lived in Philadelphia and Baltimore, crime doesn't bother me much, i've learned how to avoid places and situations which could present danger, but not knowing anything about Houston, I just don't want to end up on the wrong side of town.

[testmo]

All the places mentioned are not on the wrong side of town. From looks and people baytown and clear lake is more iffy to me than anything in the city of houston.

Use an apartment locator service for inside the loop (phrase you want to get familiar with). You could get lucky and find a duplex to rent in your price range or an older apt complex with a vacant unit for cheaper. Lived in montrose for years when i was younger and it is truly walkable without being overly dense. Its more walkable now too. Loved it