Graduating soon, need an Apartment... (Houston, Center: apartments, for rent, crime)

[Hokie to Houston]

Hey ya'll.

Here is yet another "help me find a place" thread.

I am about to graduate and plan on moving down to good ol' Houston for a job with a Civil Engineering Firm. My company is located on the west side of Houston, right outside the Parkway.

I have heard that younger people tend to enjoy living in the inner loop. Any recommendations on where to live with a reasonable (<30 minute) commute to work?

I am looking at a budget of no more than $900 for rent and safety is also an issue.

Thanks ahead of time for the input!

[jfre81]

Parkway? The Grand Parkway? Or Beltway 8?

[Hokie to Houston]

sorry. Beltway 8 (Sam Houston).

[jfre81]

Okay.

Generally speaking, commuting from the inner city outward is not so rough, but it depends on where you are, where you're going and which way you're going to take. Renting right around where it sounds like you'll be working (Westchase) can be iffy. Maybe take your search closer to Uptown (the Galleria area).

[EasilyAmused]

Yeah, head for Uptown/Galleria and reverse commute.

[tstone]

IMO, work in Westchase, live in Westchase. Live next to work until you know the area better. I knew a lot of younger people who lived there, and the fun spots are a straight shot down the road once the traffic eases up in the evening. It's honestly no better or worse than the Galleria for safety, both having more than their fair share of petty/car crimes but not much else. And it's a little cheaper / less pretentious overall in Westchase. Trying to get in/out of the Galleria during the afternoon (no matter which way you're coming or going) is almost always hell.

Originally Posted by jfre81

Generally speaking, commuting from the inner city outward is not so rough, but it depends on where you are, where you're going and which way you're going to take.

The huge exception to this rule is trying to commute inward in the afternoon between the Galleria and Downtown. This is around the "trendy" & densely populated part, as well as the most congested during afternoon rush hour. Talking about almost LA-congested. However morning commutes aren't bad at all, relatively speaking.

[Hokie to Houston]

Thanks for the input.

I have been to the Galleria area during my job interview visit, and the traffic was quite hectic. However, that was during the Holidays so I am sure it normally isn't quite as bad. I can handle a little bit of traffic.

I'll check out both areas when I am down there. I have a good friend who lives in the Medical District, so it would be nice to be in between them and work.

[jfre81]

From what I've heard the apartments in Westchase are what's really shaky. I'm going as much as what I hear about the quality of apartments and not just the crime element. Still, I've been looking at the crime stats and seeing nothing you wouldn't have in Montrose or the Med Center. I guess there are people who think anywhere in Houston is "the ghetto" Westchase is right around the corner pretty much from the Memorial villages ferchrissakes.

Westheimer has some long red lights and plenty of traffic, but it's doable. It especially helps if you manage to pull work hours that don't have you commuting in peak traffic times (e.g. not "9-to-5"). Then again, I'm the sort of guy who will leave early before the rush and find something to do in the meantime. You can do that here.

[Bike4Life]

You mean TMC as Texas Medical Center? Or is it Museum District?

Originally Posted by Hokie to Houston

I have a good friend who lives in the Medical District, so it would be nice to be in between them and work.

[jfre81]

Well, the Medical Center and the Museum District are practically right next to each other...