Broke Musician Moving to Houston (Austin, Bellaire: apartments, rentals, university)

[Johnny Rotten]

Where are the cheap, hip areas to live? I'm currently looking at apartments in Bellaire because of the cheap rentals but I have no idea where the musicians/artists are living. I'd like to stay under $650/month.

Thanks guys.

[brookeb1119]

You'd do better in Austin- unless that's where you're moving from!

[Premont]

You'd probably want to be in the lower Westheimer area inside the west loop.

[modster]

The most desirable for what you want would be Montrose. That would be ideal if you can find it. Problem is the area has "gentrified" and finding it for $650 can be a real challenge now. Same with the Heights further north.

I would recommend looking more into 77023. Drive streets and look for signs, whether it is Montrose or the east end. That is the way many are rented, especially the "deals." You might check out Bohemio's Home and ask around and see if anyone has any leads that are not on the open market yet.

There are lots of duplex/four-plex/garage apts cheap over there. Check out areas like Broadmoor (roughly a triangle of 45 S-Lockwood-Telephone), Eastwood/Woodleigh (roughly Cullen to dumble, from behind the Macy's warehouse to the train tracks) Across Telephone and north of Lawndale St. is Lawndale, which may also provide some options.

The housing stock is "varied" to say the least, but I think you could find what you are looking for over there. Check craigslist, but I would start with har.com and run 77023. I would also do some driving.

[texas7]

You might find a garage apt. in the Montrose area for that. You might check on some of the University bulletin boards - University of St. Thomas was always posting for cheap rentals in the area on their boards in the snack bars and cafeteria area and in some of the classroom bldgs.

[houstoner]

Along with other suggestions above, you might try parts of the (transitional) Near Northside, too.