If aesthetics and demographics are not an issue, what's a rock bottom rent for a (relatively) low-crime area in Houston? (Dallas: low income)

[Zhang Fei]

And in what area would you get these rents (within a 30 mile radius of Houston city center)? Low-crime in this case means car and apartment break-ins don't occur every month inside the apartment complex. When I say aesthetics, I'm referring to the look of the area - it doesn't have to be leafy or look posh like big chunks of Sugar Land. Demographics means it doesn't have to have a specific ethnicity or mix of ethnicities.

[EasilyAmused]

30 miles equates an hour commute at prime rush. I think everything out there is cheaper and lowish crime. Ironically, the apartments that service these areas want almost as much as the nice, one bedrooms in "prime " areas In Houston. This is a tough one to answer.

[modster]

I am of the opinion that as far as crime is concerned, along with a few other considerations, you do better to get a garage apt or in duplex or four plex. A somewhat sketchy (not too sketchy) area with that set up will trump most big complexes, even in so-called "good" areas. The only exception might be if you get a garage apt and do not have off street parking.

Car break ins are very common in complexes, gated or not.

Example:

http://search.har.com/engine/dispSea...6%20Dallas%203

[Texas User]

Just depends on the apartment history. Avoid the low income requirement apartments.

[go100]

I don't think there are any low crime areas within the Houston city limits anymore.

If you don't mind going to the suburbs -- try zip code 77070. It's NW Houston along Cypresswood. We still have break-ins in our neighborhood, but only a few times a year. Rock bottom rent here would be around $650 a month. A a little nicer would be around $700 to $800.

[sevfiv]

I recently lived in a one bedroom in First Montrose Commons for ~$570. Close in, low crime (none that I knew of or experienced), and relatively historic.

[Oildog]

30 miles extends to Baytown to the east and Katy to the West. I would guess South would be the most inexpensive...maybe Manvel, Rosharon or Iowa Colony.

[texas7]

Aren't those communities increasing in price due to their proximity to booming Pearland and 288 corridor?