Relocating to houston (best neighborhoods, apartment complexes, for rent) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Luscious31 · 02-24-2009, 01:38 PM

We are relocating from NY to Harris County this July. As we get closer to moving I am attempting to put together a budget. I have already looked @ the salary calculators and we've found a few 2 BR apartments for around $600 but I need an idea of what the basic living costs such as utilities, gas, food, etc. We have been struggling to survive off of one salary of 29k here in NY so we're hoping to make ends meet a little better there possibly with 2 salaries. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

TexasTheKid · 02-24-2009, 01:51 PM

Is your budget going to be the same here? How big is your family?

Utility costs will vary drastically with the quality of the home you live in and with your comfort tolerance. People who want the temperature to hover around 65 degrees in a drafty house will spend far more than those who have a well insulated house and an expectation of 80 degrees. A grocery budget will vary based on the number of people who are eating.

Despite this lack of information, I think it's safe to say that in general prices are lower here than in New York. And, if you can survive on that pay there, you should be more than able to make it here.

Luscious31 · 02-24-2009, 02:11 PM

Thanks, sorry I thought I put our family consists of myself, my boyfriend, and our 3 yr old son. We like it warm so I'm not anticipating on running the ac 24hrs. We've visited in mid july to early august and got through 106 degrees with the ac @ 80. Our budget consists of $700 in bills we are going to be taking with us as well as a rent of about $600 this much I know so far.

TexasTheKid · 02-24-2009, 03:37 PM

That only amounts to $15,600/year. Even if you account for payroll taxes, you should have plenty to spare on your current salary. Also, at that payscale, you can qualify for numerous social programs, with the most beneficial one being WIC (Women Infant Children). I'm not sure if that's a federal program or a state program. Look it up online if you haven't already heard of it.

Luscious31 · 02-24-2009, 07:52 PM

I'm currently on WIC here in NY so I will be able to transfer it to TX which helps a little. Thank you for your help. Also I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on good neighborhoods and school districts. We aren't sure which neighborhood we're going to settle in yet but I don't want to leave ghetto NY to wind up in another dingy area in another state. We have family in Harris which is why we picked it but we're not sure on an exact area.

Poltracker · 02-25-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luscious31

I'm currently on WIC here in NY so I will be able to transfer it to TX which helps a little. Thank you for your help. Also I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on good neighborhoods and school districts. We aren't sure which neighborhood we're going to settle in yet but I don't want to leave ghetto NY to wind up in another dingy area in another state. We have family in Harris which is why we picked it but we're not sure on an exact area.

With only 600 for a 2 br apartment, it will be tough to find something in a really nice or moderate area. I would suggest staying with your family member until you can search out a place. Really hard to look from long distance.

Texas Mack · 02-25-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poltracker

With only 600 for a 2 br apartment, it will be tough to find something in a really nice or moderate area. I would suggest staying with your family member until you can search out a place. Really hard to look from long distance.

I agree. Even in the suburbs, $600/month for rent won't land you the nicest place in the nicest area. You'll probably need to fork down at least another $75-$100 month to get to "decent". "Nice" will command at least another $100.

And then there's still the issue of location. You can have nice apartment complexes in not so neighborhoods as well.

Luscious31 · 02-25-2009, 08:30 PM

how much do i need to make to survive there in a decent place with a family of 3? we barely live off of 29k here in ny and the whole point of relocating to houston is to make ends meet better.

Cougar31 · 02-25-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luscious31

how much do i need to make to survive there in a decent place with a family of 3? we barely live off of 29k here in ny and the whole point of relocating to houston is to make ends meet better.

starting at 48K, a family of 3 can have a descent life.
I would rather pay $600 for 1-bed in a nicer area than for a 2-bed in lesser area.
And think about purchasing a home, price are much lower than NY.
Best of luck.

Poltracker · 02-26-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luscious31

how much do i need to make to survive there in a decent place with a family of 3? we barely live off of 29k here in ny and the whole point of relocating to houston is to make ends meet better.

You can live off of 29K, it just will not be in the best neighborhoods. The above is right, you can probably find a nice 1 BR for $600 but a 2 BR is stretching it. Unlike New York, you must also count in fuel and transportation costs as the public transit is somewhat limited in certain areas. Even the not so good neighborhoods have some redeeming features if you know how to cope.