Moving to Houston – What Kind of Apartment Should You Look For?

Thinking of moving to Houston? The city is a popular choice for its relatively affordable housing and pretty low cost of living, its great healthcare system, vibrant communities, and, of course, the fact that residents aren’t subject to income tax! What’s not to love? Wondering what kind of apartment you should look for? While the options may seem a little overwhelming, we can help. Use the tips below to help identify your perfect rented pad in the so-called Bayou City.

Spoiled for Choice

If you’re thinking of moving to Houston, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the types of apartments available. Whether you want a luxury pad or a bijou budget apartment, a studio apartment or a pet-friendly two-bed, a furnished apartment or a property designed for senior living, you’ll be able to find it in the city – easily.

And what can you expect to pay in monthly rent? While this will obviously vary widely depending on the type of apartment you’re seeking, the average rent for an apartment in Houston as of April 2024 was $1,157 a month. This puts Houston below the national average, making it one of the more affordable cities to live in in the US.

Make a List of Apartment Must-Haves

Given the range of apartment options available, it’s a great idea to put together a list of must-haves before you start property hunting. As well as non-negotiables (whether this is a designated parking space or an air-con unit), also allocate a score to other facilities and amenities to help you weigh up just how well a potential apartment will suit you – or not. 

Being really clear on what you want from your apartment is the best way to stay focused and on track when you’re looking at a variety of properties. A scored list that you can refer to is also a good way to resist being dazzled by an apartment that may look great but be an impractical choice.

Consider the Neighborhood

It’s not just the perfect apartment you should look for in Houston, but the perfect neighborhood, too. The immediate area in which you live will fundamentally affect your quality of life, so be sure to carefully consider what’s going on beyond the walls of your potential new apartment, no matter how beautiful those walls are.

Think about the things that will best support the lifestyle you enjoy or aspire to. For example, do you want a gym, eateries, or shops within easy walking distance? Would you like to live in a vibrant, lively neighborhood where there are always community events going on, or would a quieter part of town suit you better?

Take a good look at the neighborhood’s crime stats, too – especially if you’re new to Houston. Kingwood, Bellaire, and West University Place are some of the areas generally regarded as the safest parts of Houston.

Visit the Neighborhood at Different Times of Day

Found an apartment or two that you think could be perfect? Before signing on the dotted line of a rental agreement, it’s advisable to visit its neighborhood at different times of the day. The vibe of a neighborhood can be very different at sundown compared to midday, for example, while the low traffic you noticed when you visited in the sleepy mid-afternoon may turn into a congested nightmare during the morning and early evening rush hours.

To really get an idea of what it’d be like living in a specific street, try to visit it at least twice, at different times of day, to assess how you’d feel once those keys were in your hands.

Don’t Forget Renters Insurance

Once you’ve found your perfect new apartment in Houston, don’t forget to take out a renters insurance policy. Renters insurance is not required by law in Houston, but your landlord might require it, and it offers invaluable protection for your stuff, not to mention the fact that policies also typically provide personal liability protection, too, and will even cover your living expenses if you need to temporarily move out of your home. So, while it’s not the law to have renters insurance, it’s a really good idea to take out a policy.

Explore Survey Services for a Seamless Move

The Takeaway

Relocating to Houston could be a great move. As well as enjoying affordable rent and a relatively low cost of living, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere and vibrant communities of the city. When apartment hunting, the choice on offer can make it easy to end up taking a property that isn’t perhaps the perfect fit for you. Use the guide above to go into the fray armed with the information and clarity you need to identify the very best apartment that beautifully fits your needs, in Space City.