I heard Northern or Western Houston is safer, low crime? Is it true? (River Oaks: apartments)

[holidaygift]

I am a single lady looking for relocating in Houston Tx.

I heared Northern or Western Houston is safer, low crime? Is it true? Would I be able to find a 700sf apartment (perfer 2 br) for between $500-$600?

Thanks a bunch

[modster]

I think that is too broad of a generalization. North and Northwest have some really dangerous areas such as Antoine area, (especially Desoto St.) and Greenspoint. I'm not too big on Cypress Station myself. There are also nice areas, such as right around Champions.

Southwest Houston gets the lions share of media attention for issues with apartments, and certainly there are very high crime areas there such the Club Creek, Forum Park and Fondren SW apartment areas. But there are going to be areas that are okay too I'm sure.

I think for that price range you would do better to settle for a one bedroom at a nicer complex. I have to question the quality of a $600 2 bedroom.

If you could find it, I still think the best case scenario is to find a garage apt or something like that in an older established area. That way you are not in a "complex" environment and I just think it tends to be safer.

[DJboutit]

Look in the Height's or Montrose areas for a decent priced garage apt should be able to find a nice once for $600 to $750 a month

[texas7]

There are decent communities (safe) on all sides of town - you probably want to consider what area of town you will be working in and then determine which side of town to live in. For the price range you will probably have to live a little farther out but if you find condos or garage apts to rent from individuals then you can likely move closer in.

[bamba_boy]

You really can get an apartment in most sections of Houston for $600 but you're going to be on the low side and either in an older apartment with poor lots of mechanical problems or a lot of slimey residents - drug dealers, gang bangers, burnouts, guys hanging out drinking etc. As a single woman I'd part with another $100-150 and get a little better apartment - avoiding one mugging and losing the contents of your purse and some medical bills will pay for itself! Also, $600-$750 will buy a safer, better quality apt the farther it is outside loop 610 and you can use limited-access lane park-n-ride buses for a quick ride to downtown or med center areas if you work close-in. $600 inside of the loop will buy you nothing but trouble. The one exception might be a garage apartment or spare room in some wealthy families' big house in River Oaks or West U. Might have to give up some privacy though.