Yet another Moving to Houston thread (Bellaire, Ross: middle-class, apartments, rentals)

[t0ken]

Hello everyone. I'm a single, black mid-20's guy who has just accepted a Linux system admin job offer near Rosslyn (NW Houston, off of 290 near I-610, 77092 area code). I've done a lot of reading, especially on these forums and I thought I'd make a thread describing my specific questions.

So given the location of my job, where would be the best place to live? I definitely want to live close enough to my job that I'm not spending more than 20 mins on the road. Coming from Orlando, I'm familiar with the 30 min 5 mile commutes. I'd prefer a middle-class area--though it can be older or newer--as well as something inside the outer-loop.

I'm definitely looking to rent, and as such would prefer an apartment or townhouse. Looking for the $800-900/month range. I've looked on craigslist and apartments.com and found some interesting places, but I really won't be able to get a feel for the area unless I'm there. That's where you guys come in

[vertigo5110]

If you're looking at apartment's you might want to look at the Broadstone on W.18th.

When I was looking for a place I looked there and it was really nice, fairly new and seemed pretty safe. Ultimately I decided against it since my job was downtown and I thought it was a little too far but if you're close by then I would recommend looking there too.

[cheryjohns]

I would suggest an apartment in the Galleria area. It's not a far commute to where you work - and you are near a lot of other young, single people. Oak Forest homes in the $100K range (which would be the $1000 rentals) tend to be in bad shape. Those are the ones investors buy to remodel for re-sale.

[vertigo5110]

Only caution with living in the Galleria area is that some parts of it can be heavy on the traffic so make sure this is something you'd be willing to put up with.

[t0ken]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Through my research I'm seeing a lot of aparments right around the area where my job is (290 & I-610, 77092). How is this area? Looks kinda older, which isn't exactly a bad thing. Looking on Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitors sites is not allowed I see that the crime rate is somewhat high in this area...

[cheryjohns]

There is a street that runs through there (Sherwood something, I think) that is known as Crack Alley. I would not live there. Once you have dropped south of the loop, it gets better.

[vertigo5110]

I agree. The specific area around there has some pretty odd bits. But you're right in that it's overall an older area. Might I suggest looking somewhere off of 1-10 W or even off of Washington. Your commute might be a little longer in the morning but not too terrible. In addition, you'd be surround by some pretty "happenin" (yeah, I just said that) places on the weekends!

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by vertigo5110

In addition, you'd be surround by some pretty "happenin" (yeah, I just said that) places on the weekends!

Exactly. That's also why I mentioned the Galleria (Midtown also) - single and mid-20's.

[t0ken]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

There is a street that runs through there (Sherwood something, I think) that is known as Crack Alley. I would not live there. Once you have dropped south of the loop, it gets better.

Originally Posted by vertigo5110

I agree. The specific area around there has some pretty odd bits. But you're right in that it's overall an older area. Might I suggest looking somewhere off of 1-10 W or even off of Washington. Your commute might be a little longer in the morning but not too terrible. In addition, you'd be surround by some pretty "happenin" (yeah, I just said that) places on the weekends!

Thanks for the insight. I've been considering the Washington area as well as Midtown, and west towards the Galleria & Bellaire from what other people have told me. Since I keep hearing that, I suppose I'll focus my search on these areas.

[bluelion_ms3]

look into Cheval Apts. nice apartments and relatively quiet since it's surrounded by businesses. and it's not far from the washington ave. bar scene. AND, it's very close to the 290/610 exchange. Midtown is prolly gonna be over your budget ($800-$900).