2br/bath Apartment recommendations (Houston, Detroit: hardwood floor, apartments, rent)

[Slappy san]

I've spent many months searching for roommates and one bedrooms inside the Loop. I haven't had a ton of luck. I will be moving at the end of the month and now a friend has also decided to move down.

I've spent the last couple of days looking for two bed/baths. Can anyone recommend a decent one in the Museum District, Galleria, Midtown or Montrose for $1,200 or less after paying utilities?

[houstoner]

You haven't found anything in months? I'm shocked. Did you try driving around the neighborhoods? What kind of place are you looking for? Hardwood floors (i.e. "character") or a pool and gym on-site (i.e. "amenities")?

[Slappy san]

Originally Posted by houstoner

You haven't found anything in months? I'm shocked. Did you try driving around the neighborhoods? What kind of place are you looking for? Hardwood floors (i.e. "character") or a pool and gym on-site (i.e. "amenities")?

I live in Detroit. The months applied more to the roommate situations in more places than Houston.

I don't care about pools, community centers or workout rooms. I'd like the following. :

• Cable Ready w/jacks in bedrooms
• Central Air/Heating
• Controlled Access
• Extra Storage would be nice
• Fully Equipped Kitchen
• On Site Laundry
• Some included utilities
• Space between the two bedrooms
• Thick walls and floors
• minimum of 9ft ceilings
• proximity to restaurant, movies and bike trails would be very nice

I know I'm forgetting something. I'd been pretty locked in on roommates that I haven't thought as much about apartment features.

[Poltracker]

You would have a whole lot more luck if you gave up the idea of controlled access. Alot of the best units in that area are small complexes and 4-plexes that do not have controlled access. Most of these get rented pretty quick and do little advertising, just a sign in the yard. Best advice is to drive around the area and look.

[Slappy san]

I can live without controlled access. And I'm trying to get an idea before I get there.

[kim4man]

So are you looking to stay in about the 900-950 a month rent range? Generally there are not a lot of apartments in that area that are all bills paid. There are nice properties in the area that you are looking that would be within your price range. So many of them have move in specials going on as well. Are you defently wanting to be on the inside of the loop?

[Slappy san]

Originally Posted by kim4man

So are you looking to stay in about the 900-950 a month rent range? Generally there are not a lot of apartments in that area that are all bills paid. There are nice properties in the area that you are looking that would be within your price range. So many of them have move in specials going on as well. Are you defently wanting to be on the inside of the loop?

I did not expect to find an ABP apt. What I'd like is something paid. I've been spoiled for almost seven years by having ABP. I was expecting to paid electric wherever I moved though. So many I've encountered pay nothing at all.

I'm not big on commuting. I actually moved within walking distance of my job. I'm trying to be centrally located more than anything else.

[kim4man]

Where is your job going to be at? Location wise I mean like road etc? I did come up with a Pont Alba that is ABP and the other two were senior living communities. I dont know anything about about Pont Alba maybe some on the board do though. I can do a complete search of what you may be looking for if you would like.

[Slappy san]

Originally Posted by kim4man

Where is your job going to be at? Location wise I mean like road etc? I did come up with a Pont Alba that is ABP and the other two were senior living communities. I dont know anything about about Pont Alba maybe some on the board do though. I can do a complete search of what you may be looking for if you would like.

There in lies the problem. I have no idea. That's why i just threw out some areas that were highly regarded. These are also areas that a fellow mover is looking at.

The purpose of this thread is just to find some properties in those areas that match the criteria.

[xiabelle]

I've lived out of that area for a while, so it's tough for me to recommend right now.

You'll definitely have to pay electricity at most places, but some may provide water (or a flat rate water that can be added to your rent) or gas (usually only older complex have gas appliances, though.)

I would recommend talking to a locater. You may also want to take a look at har.com and see about trying to find a townhouse or privately owned apartment.