Just wondering if the Houston dopers might be able to help me out. I’m moving down that way in a week or so and have to go look for apartments that are within a reasonable distance from the Medical Center area (that would be under a 45 minute driveor less). I’m on a tight budget, so I’m looking for an apartment that is near $500 a month. Any suggestions? Or any suggestion as to what area to concentrate on when I’m looking??? HELP!!!
Thanks a bunch! 
I’d send you to my old landlord, but he’s a jerk.
There are some apartment hunters in the area that will help you look; they keep lists of apartment complexes and make appropriate referrals. They’re paid by the complexes, not by you.
Keep in mind that going from downtown to the Medical Center IS a 45-minute trip on some days, what with construction and traffic. (I exaggerate, but not by much. The distance is about 10 miles.) Seriously, there is a lot of construction and traffic is often hellish.
I’d stay outside Loop 610. Apartments are generally less expensive there, but the tradeoff is you have more traffic to sit in. Also, the words “bills paid” are music to any Houstonian’s ears, especially in the summer, but they’re rare.
If you’re a student, you might also try the school’s housing bulletin board. Private landlords (i.e. not a complex) might also be a good way to go.
The Houston Chronicle for classified ads.
Robin, who should point out that she no longer lives in Houston.
I live pretty close to the medical center area, just outside the loop, but I do not think you will find anything much less than $600. In the few years I have been here the rents of shot way up. I am currently paying a little over 600 and feel lucky that it is not higher than that.
I agree with MsRobins comments above. Although watch out for “all bills paid” places, they are usually older, more run down and not in the best parts of town.
[librarian mode on] if you need further assistance feel free to ask.[/librarian mode off]
I live on Richmond on the other side of Rice, not too far from medical. I pay about $500/mo, but unfortunately my little double quadraplex is currently full. My landlords are really cool, though, and have lots of property around here. Call Kaldis realty (in the book) and tell them what you need.
GQ is for questions with factual answers. This is more of an IMHO sort of thing, so I’ll move it over there.
I live in the Montrose, in a duplex with a great landlady. There are vacancies that are under market in an interesting little attached complex. If you are not familiar with Houston, Montrose is very close to the medical center (4-5 minutes). I see you’ve been lurking for a year. Are you an OK neighbor?
I also live in the Montrose! Hi, neighbor!
Hi pravnik! Make it to the next HouDope if you can. Road Rash is also amongst us.