Considering move to Houston - tips for newcomer (Dallas, Allen: apartments, leasing)

[HeadedWest2020]

I have a very short list of cities I am considering to move to before the New Year, as my employment/promotion will allow me to work 100 percent remote. I have done preliminary research on the Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ area, and am also looking at the DFW market along with Houston if the move is to TX. If I remain on the East Coast, I will likely land in Central FL, however Tampa and Orlando are a distant 4 and 5 on my list.

Late 30s African American male originally in the Northeast, and have spent much of my professional career between Washington DC and Charlotte NC (in financial services industry *mortgage leadership*)


1. I prefer to live in an area close to bars, sporting events, nightlife, etc

2. I strongly prefer an area with diversity and where other professionals/singles will be prevlant (not looking to settle in the suburbs day 1).

3. Regarding housing budget - if renting - $1500-1800/mo, however prefer to purchase over renting long-term, although if I rent it will be for 12 months max to get on the ground and "find my way". Already have two trips booked to visit the areas I am considering Phoenix early October, Dallas and Houston late October).

Any advice on areas/zip codes I should focus my search on are welcome. If I need to increase my budget to be where I would prefer, don't be shy, tell me.

Thanks,

[Burnley]

Check out the 77082 77077 and 77042 areas

Very diverse, lots of nightlife and bars, only a few minutes drive to sports stadiums, affordable housing in your price range.

[AcresHomes44]

Given what you're looking for, Midtown and/or Downtown would be your best bet. If you're planning on moving here permanently, live close to your job so you won't have to deal with ridiculous commutes.

[HeadedWest2020]

Originally Posted by AcresHomes44

Given what you're looking for, Midtown and/or Downtown would be your best bet. If you're planning on moving here permanently, live close to your job so you won't have to deal with ridiculous commutes.

Thanks. Remember though - my job is 100 percent remote, so I can live anywhere.

[houston-nomad]

I would recommend looking at apartments in the Allen Parkway/Memorial area near Sabine Street. I love this location; it's along Buffalo Bayou park so you can run or bike or whatever. It also puts you near downtown, Montrose, the Heights and Washington Ave corridor, all places with the liveliest nightlife and also diversity. Rent for 6 months then decide where you want to buy.

[HeadedWest2020]

Originally Posted by houston-nomad

I would recommend looking at apartments in the Allen Parkway/Memorial area near Sabine Street. I love this location; it's along Buffalo Bayou park so you can run or bike or whatever. It also puts you near downtown, Montrose, the Heights and Washington Ave corridor, all places with the liveliest nightlife and also diversity. Rent for 6 months then decide where you want to buy.

Thanks. Are 6 month leases popular there? I have owned and lived in homes I own for a decade, so not familiar with what apartment leasing companies offer.

[houston-nomad]

Originally Posted by HeadedWest2020

Thanks. Are 6 month leases popular there? I have owned and lived in homes I own for a decade, so not familiar with what apartment leasing companies offer.

I'm not sure; I would think yes, but you probably pay a bit more.

[Lbjen]

6 month leases are a little more common here since Houston is quite a transient place. But yes you may pay a small premium to do so.

[cheryjohns]

I would suggest a 6 month lease and explore. Midtown and near the Galleria would be good for a single guy. 77042, yeah - 77077 and 77082 - absolutely not, especially 77082. 77077 if near CityCentre.

[HeadedWest2020]

What about 77002 or 77040?