Bellaire. How much rent would you pay? (Houston, China: rental, appliances)

[barackbff]

Hello, good City-Data people.

I'm new to Houston (been here a month) and looking for a nice rental house. I like The Heights, where I'm located temporarily, and Montrose -- any good in-the-loop nabe (don't y'all hate that word?) that's interesting but with pockets of quiet streets.

I've found a house in Bellaire. It's 1095 a month, the top of my price range, and it's a 2 bdr/1 bath. It has central air/heat, and will accept my cat. I've already applied and been accepted, but I'm wondering if it's worth the price.

It's on a wonderful block, no question, but it's an old house that hasn't really been updated, except for a new carpet. It has fairly new appliances, but only a dryer (no washer). The fixtures and cabinetry could use replacing, though they are functional.

I like the neighborhood so much, and as a single woman would feel safe there.

But would I be paying too much for too little? Should I keep looking?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Topaz]

Have you checked rentometer? I kept thinking maybe my rent was too high until I checked that site and discovered that my rent is right at the median for a house this size and in this location.

[barackbff]

What a neat tool! Thank you. "Not enough data for that location," though. So, I'm still left seeking opinions!

[jfre81]

I'll not crack a lame joke for a change and just say that it sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Go for it.

[bostoner]

Cool tool!

1095 + 2BR + Bellaire, Texas = Your rent is reasonable for your area. About 64% of listings are lower priced.

[barackbff]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Cool tool!

1095 + 2BR + Bellaire, Texas = Your rent is reasonable for your area. About 64% of listings are lower priced.

How did you get Bellaire to work? It keeps telling me "not enough data for that city"?

[bostoner]

Originally Posted by barackbff

How did you get Bellaire to work? It keeps telling me "not enough data for that city"?

I put in what I wrote above, plus chose Tenant, naturally. I don't know why it's not working for you.

[barackbff]

Oh! I was using the widget. Thanks so much.

And thanks everyone for chiming in. I'll post my decision in case it's helpful to posterity.

Originally Posted by houstoner

I put in what I wrote above, plus chose Tenant, naturally. I don't know why it's not working for you.

[bostoner]

Originally Posted by barackbff

Oh! I was using the widget. Thanks so much.

And thanks everyone for chiming in. I'll post my decision in case it's helpful to posterity.

No problem. And to answer your question, I'm not seeing any downsides here. It can be difficult to find a place where all the elements come together just right for you, so when you find it, hold onto it. You've been accepted, they accepted your cat, you like the neighborhood, you feel safe... what's the problem again? The stuff you mention not liking sounds like minor aesthetics that can be helped with a little creative interior decorating. I'd get a washer, go to Ikea, and call it a day.

[desertsun41]

I have a question for those of you familiar with this area you are speaking of. Is that area off Belaire considered the local China Town? That is quite the fancy place over there with every Asian restaurant you can think up.

Thanks