New to Houston. Should I stay or Should I go? (apartment complex, rentals)

[GipsiChik]

So I just came to Houston yesterday. Looking for a cheap place to live. I'm not picky however, I am a single female so, relatively safe. I do have a dog that is protective but only weighs 35 pounds, she will bite someone if she feels I am threatened.... but so will I! Her bark sounds like she is a vicious 135 pounds instead of 35.
I can't afford much and I am currently unemployed, but it's difficult to look for work while sleeping in my truck (with a dog and a cat). My budget is about $0-$350 per month. I'm fine with not so nice as I am willing to clean, paint do a bit of work if I need too. I don't need much space; even a studio would work for me. I have a truck but prefer to cycle everywhere (and I may not have the truck for long).

I've looked on CL but most of the postings there are fake. Bought a Chronicle..... $2.50? Really? There are no classifieds... WTF! and tons of adverts...... What a joke.
So to find rentals do I drive around and look for "for rent" signs? There has to be a good classifieds listing somewhere.

Please don't suggest Apartment Guide or For rent.com, these are for the "showcase" places. I'd rather rent a storage unit to live in if I could get away with it.

As for work, I'm going to need cash ASAP and have server experience but I prefer quaint-but-not-upscale breakfast/lunch (mom n pop not corporate) places. If you know of any places around town that fits the bill.....
Also, I do plan on returning to school to finish my degree in Architecture, I've found that typically, most university areas in cities tend to be expensive and noisy.... I don't know if that's true here.

Also wondering what month the heat usually starts (I mean above 80F)?

So as I posted in the heading... should I stay in Houston or keep moving on somewhere else? No small towns, I'm looking for job opportunities and things to do besides watching the trees grow.

any info would be appreciated
Thanks

[crono_clone]

Try this website for looking for apartments. Should be better than the others if you're looking for non-showcase stuff:

Every Last Apartment in Houston - a map of Houston Apartments

As for the heat, it usually starts near the middle of May.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by crono_clone

Try this website for looking for apartments. Should be better than the others if you're looking for non-showcase stuff:

Every Last Apartment in Houston - a map of Houston Apartments

As for the heat, it usually starts near the middle of May.

If she's talking about temps over 80f that's going to start in a couple of weeks. Temps will be over 80 every day in April.

As far as apartments for $350 mnth , maybe you can get a room for that, but I don't know about the pets...

[HoustonRonnie]

Go, to answer your question. Based upon the terms you've dictated, you can't live in Houston. Never moved to a city like Houston without a job.

Just sayin'...

Ronnie

[Oildog]

I'd keep moving. You seem to be picky for someone claiming to 'need money'. Maybe the trust fund checks don't get deposited till the first.

[GipsiChik]

Originally Posted by Oildog

I'd keep moving. You seem to be picky for someone claiming to 'need money'. Maybe the trust fund checks don't get deposited till the first.

Picky? Really? But what do I know, perhaps you think a 100 square foot shack with a hole in the ground for a toilet is considered a mansion by your standards.

[Keyan]

Where are you from originally? any family here in Texas? Use Couchsurfer for places to stay temporarily. How reliable is your truck? There are many restaurants looking for delivery drivers, usually some of these restaurants will feed you for free too, so you won't be looking at major food costs atm. Let me know what area of town you will be staying in and I'll try and send you a list of few restaurants hiring wait staff.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by Oildog

I'd keep moving. You seem to be picky for someone claiming to 'need money'. Maybe the trust fund checks don't get deposited till the first.

And you seem harsh. I don't see $350 a month in rent as picky at all. She sleeps in a frickin truck for Pete's sake.

[Oildog]

Choices for employer, only mom/pop places? How do you afford internet? Many restaurants are hiring, car washes, when you are hungry enough you can apply. Just driving from city to city won't help.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by Oildog

Choices for employer, only mom/pop places? How do you afford internet? Many restaurants are hiring, car washes, when you are hungry enough you can apply. Just driving from city to city won't help.

She prefers mom and pop places. Don't you prefer certain employers? Internet is free at most apartment complex lobbies and I used to sit outside of Barnes and Nobles for hours soaking up the web in my car.

Get off your high horse.