I have issues & need your help! :~D (San Antonio, Helotes: apartment complex, for rent)

[Newbie2SanAntonio]

Good afternoon folks,

I’ve reviewed a lot of the posts within this forum and I’ve learned quite a bit from all of your advise. However, I want more. I cross-compared the apartments I previously selected with the SAPD crime stats for 2007 and found that most of the apartments I had previously selected were in the highest crime rated zip codes (98229 &78240 were the worst).

I then went on to two different apartment complexes in what seemed to be a less crime-rampant area (249 & 251) but these complexes had severe roach problems.

I’ve now settled on three potential apartments (since I can’t seem to find a house to rent in a good area for a decent price) and was hoping one of y’all could give me your opinion on my selections. Seeing as how I’m still in Washington State, it’s very hard to gauge the complex via online. I have a few friends of friends who are down there…but y’all have always been honest and I value your opinion more.

1. Deer Creek (Timber View Dr-78251)
2. The Marquis at Deerfield (Huebner Road-78248) (Can’t seem to find an accurate listing for pricing. Four websites have four different prices)
3. Winding Creek Apartments (NW Military Hwy-78231) (looks sort of old and run-down looking)

I want someplace relatively safe, close to NVCC for commuting but far enough away that I don’t have to hear/tolerate the frat party mentality. I realize crime is everywhere but after 3-years in Iraq, I don’t want to carry around my 9mm everywhere I go. I’ve gone through apartment finding agencies and apparently I’m pickier than they are since they sent me listings of places I wouldn’t want my worse enemy to live in.

Although I’m pretty certain I want to move to SA since I really enjoyed the people, atmosphere, etc. of the area, the crime rates and lack of affordable housing is beginning to worry me. Any suggestions or recommendations on my previous listings (or if you know of a good 1 bedroom for $5-650), please let me know. [SIZE=4] [/SIZE]

[KY Filly]

Newbie - I don't know about those complexes but I could tell you about the apartment complex in which we are living temporarily. Thing is, I don't know what/where NVCC is cause I'm new to the area? I think the complex would be in your price range for a one BR. You can DM me if you want.

[Midorigreen]

I haven't seen any of the apartments you speak of....but 78251 is a pretty good zip code to live in....I'm sure someone else on board can give more details....

This may be a silly question to ask...but....have you thought about sharing a house with a roommate...? If you were to add a few hundred dollars onto your budgeted amount, you could rent a pretty decent house in the area around NVCC.....

Maybe you could check craigslist to find a roommate....or maybe a friend of one of your friends would share with you. It seems that, with houses so cheap, it's a waste to rent an apartment (JMO...)

Good luck...we moved down here from WA state and had to rent a place, sight-unseen, so I fully understand your dilemma....

If I see any of those apartments...or something else in your price range and area....I'll update......

[scuba steve]

Where in WA are you? I live near Seattle and am in the process of buying a house in one of the Deerfield neighborhoods. The apartment complex with "Deerfield" in its name can't be too far from the area I was looking, and I didn't notice any run down or scary looking apartments in the region. Hope that helps. The area seems to be one of the more upscale ones I saw during my househunting trip last week, and I drove all over the city.

[annie_annie]

There is a new apartment complex off 1604 and Bowen's Crossing. It's right on 1604 so you would have easy access to the loop. It's a safe neighborhood and is next door to an elementary school. Here is a link that contains a video about the apartment complex:
View The Villages at Bowens Crossing Apartments For Rent in San Antonio, Texas - ForRent.com

There is also a nice apartment complex in Helotes right across Hwy 16 from O'Connor High School. I lived there for about a year but it might be a little higher and a little further commute than you would like. But it is also a safe area to live in.

I am unfamiliar with the three complexes you listed so I can't offer an opinion on those. Sorry.

[Lauren0319]

The Deerfield apartments are in a fabulous location... close to everything and very safe. I live in a neighborhood just around the corner. I don't know about the others...

[gwrober]

Make sure you check the apartments at the Texas Research Parkway - nice and tucked away!

TRTF - Tom Pawel Village Apartments (broken link)

[ryneone]

I live in 78240 and have never had problems. I live at the Villas at Medical center. Their pretty pricey but very nice and the people are very tame. Lived in 78249 also very nice but both of these zip codes are a ways away from where you need to be.

[Newbie2SanAntonio]

Midorigreen,

I thought about sharing a place briefly...but I've had to live with someone for the last 4-years in a tiny CHU (containerized housing unit) overseas. I also have a LOT of furniture and stuff that I'm trying to sell right now to make my move easier. However, I really wasn't looking to share my space with anybody right now.

Good to knwo that the 51 area is as good as it appeared online. Thanks for the potential updates in the future, I appreciate the help!

Originally Posted by KY Filly

Newbie - I don't know about those complexes but I could tell you about the apartment complex in which we are living temporarily. Thing is, I don't know what/where NVCC is cause I'm new to the area? I think the complex would be in your price range for a one BR. You can DM me if you want.

Originally Posted by Midorigreen

I haven't seen any of the apartments you speak of....but 78251 is a pretty good zip code to live in....I'm sure someone else on board can give more details....

This may be a silly question to ask...but....have you thought about sharing a house with a roommate...? If you were to add a few hundred dollars onto your budgeted amount, you could rent a pretty decent house in the area around NVCC.....

Maybe you could check craigslist to find a roommate....or maybe a friend of one of your friends would share with you. It seems that, with houses so cheap, it's a waste to rent an apartment (JMO...)

Good luck...we moved down here from WA state and had to rent a place, sight-unseen, so I fully understand your dilemma....

If I see any of those apartments...or something else in your price range and area....I'll update......

[Newbie2SanAntonio]

Scuba Steve,

I live in the Auburn/Enumclaw area right now. Nice to hear that deerfield housing are nice neighborhoods. My goal later on is to purchase a house. However, I want to roam around the area first to get a feel for the place before I spend all that money on a house.

BTW, have you ever gone onto DiveBuddy.com - Global Social Nework for Scuba Divers? There's apparently a lot of diving activity in the SA area--at least from the individuals that I heard from.

Originally Posted by scuba steve

Where in WA are you? I live near Seattle and am in the process of buying a house in one of the Deerfield neighborhoods. The apartment complex with "Deerfield" in its name can't be too far from the area I was looking, and I didn't notice any run down or scary looking apartments in the region. Hope that helps. The area seems to be one of the more upscale ones I saw during my househunting trip last week, and I drove all over the city.