Professional mother of 2 looking to downsize & relocate from energy corridor to rice village/West U/ Museum / DTown? (Houston: apartments, renter)

[HoustonTango17]

Hi there-- I searched this forum and am starting to get a feel for neighborhoods but could use some more advice:

Professional mother in early 30s with 2 small children both under 5.
Currently renting in the energy corridor 77077 and looking to move closer downtown / in-town for work, less travel/commute, more family time, outdoor adventures (enjoy cycling) and activities close by.

Looking for a safe, clean and small area/home for my family. Like the opportunity to walk and use train/metro. Have a car prefer to use as choose not only option.

Some of the neighborhoods I'm considering: west university, rice village and museum district. To be closer between 77005 and downtown for work and schooling commute wise.

Would like to stay under $1000/month rent; open to studio, 1 or 2 bedroom. Downsizing from 1500+ sq ft home and want to get rid of the fluff and unnecessary clutter. Like the idea of passive home and micro-homes, researched and so far haven't found a big push for it here.

I lived in and loved the south Austin community environment and would love to find a little piece of "Austin" in Houston neighborhood. is it possible without living in the woodlands or heights and being budget conscious?

[chris_ut]

All sounded good till you listed your budget and a studio with two toddlers doesn't sound great but that's just me and your tolerance might be different.

[sketteroo]

I would look east of downtown. You MIGHT find something in your price range. Also, the new eastside metro has just opened up. But, IMO, you won't want to put your kids in the public schools around there.

[HoustonTango17]

Originally Posted by chris_ut

All sounded good till you listed your budget and a studio with two toddlers doesn't sound great but that's just me and your tolerance might be different.

Thanks for your response. What would be a realistic budget for this area living in a 1 bedroom. With a smaller budget I wanted to be mindful of living large in a small area. I'm really big on safety, cleanliness, community and being closer to transit for commuting.

Looked at a place further out between gulf freeway (45) and EaDo. It was an older home lots of charm but had bug issues, cracked windows, foundation concerns and little to know lighting that left me feeling very uncomfortable. I much prefer small "box" rental that's clean, bug free, well insulated, safe and lots of lighting to stay while being a renter for the location.

[HoustonTango17]

Originally Posted by sketteroo

I would look east of downtown. You MIGHT find something in your price range. Also, the new eastside metro has just opened up. But, IMO, you won't want to put your kids in the public schools around there.

Thanks for response. Where at in EaDo? Any apartment recommendations? Public school not issue right now; going to daycare school now and will look into magnet schools.

[Oildog]

North of downtown, 5th ward. If you are comfortable w Hispanic families.

[key2thecity]

Originally Posted by HoustonTango17

Would like to stay under $1000/month rent; open to studio, 1 or 2 bedroom. Downsizing from 1500+ sq ft home and want to get rid of the fluff and unnecessary clutter. Like the idea of passive home and micro-homes, researched and so far haven't found a big push for it here.

I was with you until I saw your budget. It would be pretty hard for you to find what you're looking for in those areas for that budget, and realistically, you should probably be looking for a 2 bedroom (which increases your budget). As a mother, you will need your space and the children will definitely need theirs. Just think about sleeping arrangements, toys, dating life - you need that extra bedroom, lol. You should probably check out HAR for lease homes and possibly the classified ads. Years ago when I was looking for a unique apartment/home on a limited budget, I found some pretty cool older apartments and rent homes in the classifieds that weren't posted anywhere else. Several of them were in great neighborhoods and they were much cheaper than places I found when driving the areas.

You should seriously consider re-evaluating your budget though. Where you live now would actually be more budget friendly than where you're trying to move to. Trust me, I know the feeling. I want to move back inside the loops also and was pretty much shot down by other posters because of my budget on another thread, lol.

Last, no offense to you, but it always annoys me when people want a "little piece of [insert city here]" in Houston. Houston is Houston. Find what you like about THIS city. Trying to capture another vibe or culture from someplace else will have you chasing your tail.

[DJboutit]

If you can bump your budget to 1300 to 1500 you could rent a 1400sqft to 1700sqft 3-2 house

[Schumacher713]

Your budget is not even slightly realistic. I would suggest looking in the Heights or Montrose for an apartment in a small complex or garage apartment. You can find some nice ones with hardwoods etc... It won't be as nice as a big complex, but that is well out of your price range anyways. Peak around on craigslist.

[DJboutit]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

Your budget is not even slightly realistic. I would suggest looking in the Heights or Montrose for an apartment in a small complex or garage apartment. You can find some nice ones with hardwoods etc... It won't be as nice as a big complex, but that is well out of your price range anyways. Peak around on craigslist.

Did you even read the org post she has 2 kids she will need a min of 1000sqft to 1200sqft