Waco Rentals (and other questions)... HELP! (Nacogdoches, Sanger: real estate, homes, neighborhood)

[Sparky Jamers]

Howdy folks,

We live in Nacogdoches, about 3 hours east of Waco.
I am likely to be offered a job in Waco soon that we are planning on accepting. We have been looking into rental property, and most of what we have found has been horribly kept and trashy looking, or in less than desirable areas. Granted, we are pretty picky and prefer very clean and well kept properties when we rent. However, they haven't been this difficult to come by in other towns.

One place we looked at (offered by Bluebonnet Properties) wanted 1100 for a three bedroom (fine for a clean house), but there were barrels of trash and various other junk left by the last tenants all over the back driveway, not to mention the grass was about one foot high and the place looked junky in general.

We have checked the paper and the local real estate companies. Can anyone offer any suggestions on where else to look? Where would one look (besides the paper) to find homes rented out by individuals instead of property managers?

How about surrounding towns? The job location is on the west side of Waco, right below the lake (Sanger Ave @ Hwy 6). I would prefer not to drive more than 20 min to work.

We prefer 4 bedroom but would take a 3 BR with study or that was spacious.
Our range is 1000-1250. We prefer rural or quiet neighborhood w/decent sized lots. Excellent references and rental history etc.

We are also curious to know how far of a drive it would be to the nearest area that resembles the hill country (not the 15 acres of hills in west Waco).

Is the climate typically any less humid that East/Southeast TX?

Thanks Present and Ex Waconites!