Areas to look at while at my interview (Houston: apartment complexes, rentals)

[brassylass]

I have an interview in the Greens Bayou area soon (engineering) and was wondering where was a good place to look for housing and other things i might want to do if I end up living in Houston. I like yoga and jazz and cooking and reading.

I am thinking of Houston heights as a primary looking area for housing. It seems nice and diverse and has a lot of amenities while not being ridiculously expensive. Are there areas in houston heights to avoid?? Also, when I look at trulia or zillow I see a lot of houses for rent for the same or less than the apartment complexes that are reviewed horribly. Even the 2000 dollar a month 1 bedroom places have 2-3 star reviews. I am hoping to spend less than a grand on rent, preferably around 800 dollars. Is it risky to rent from private SFH owners in Houston now? Is there a good Realtor I can rent from in the Heights area. Am I missing out by not looking at other areas?

Thanks! Laura

[donblackie]

$800 a month in the heights will put you next to a crackhouse

[brassylass]

There seem to be so many results in different parts of the neighborhood and near neighbor hood? Which one is near the crack house?

Apartments for Rent & Apartment Rentals - Zillow

(this search was 900 and under)

Or these ones?

Houston Apartments For Rent and other Houston Rentals — Trulia.com

(this search was 1000 and under)