There are over 2.3 million people in Houston, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. On top of that, the HTX metro area spans more than 599 miles! So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about your move to H-Town — we don’t blame you! But, before you say “screw it” and move into whichever decent place you can find, read our insider’s guide on how to find an apartment in Houston.
Finding Apartments in Houston, TX
Consider your commute.
Despite its advanced infrastructure, Houston has some of the worst traffic in the U.S., reports KHOU. Even using HOV lanes and toll roads, the average Houstonian commutes 50.56 minutes, says Robert Half.
If you can’t stand the stress of long commutes and traffic, finding an apartment in an area near your work can save your sanity (and your gas money). Luckily, there are plenty of pleasant suburbs, happening neighborhoods, and even hotspots for singles in Houston for you to pick from. Here’s a quick list of neighborhoods to consider if you work in certain areas of town:
- Do you work in downtown Houston? Check out apartments in Montrose, River Oaks, The Heights, and The Museum District.
- Is your office in North Houston? Start your apartment search in Houston suburbs like Spring Branch, The Woodlands, and Humble. These communities are generally family-oriented, so you may be able to find lower rent prices by seeking out studios, one-bedroom apartments, or even duplexes!
- Headed due south for your daily drive? If you work in south Houston (or just south of downtown) look for places in the vicinity of the medical center and Astrodome area, or check out apartments in Central Southwest and Crestmont Park for a more suburban feel.
- Are you commuting to East Houston? Before you sign a lease on the other side of town, look for apartments in the Greater Eastwood neighborhood and the Manchester/Harrisburg area. If your budget is on the higher side, you can also check out apartments in EaDo — the up and coming east downtown region.
Pick a Houston neighborhood.
When picking a neighborhood, don’t just focus on being close to work. Also, consider what you like and need to do before and after the daily grind. If you’re really trying to avoid traffic, live in an area that contains all the “necessities,” like grocery stores, pharmacies, and excellent schools (if that’s a priority for you).
Remember, we all need some fun, too! So, find a neighborhood that’s close to your needs and wants — whether that means pubs and eateries or churches, gyms, and art galleries. Soon enough, you’ll find a community in Houston that fits your lifestyle and your work or school schedule.
Browse apartments in your desired area.
Once you’ve zeroed in on the perfect Houston neighborhood for you, it’s time to find the ideal pad, too. Find apartments in your desired neighborhood by entering your fave HTX ‘hood or zip code in the search bar on ApartmentSearch.com. That search will pull up rental housing options in that neighborhood, showing rent prices, apartment reviews, and even open availabilities in each property.
Find budget-friendly Houston apartments.
A general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t spend more than a third of your gross income on rent. However, the lower your expenses, the better — regardless of how much you make!
Crunch some numbers and figure out how much rent you can afford. Then, use the settings on our apartment finding website to filter your search results by rent prices. You’ll get a list of available apartments that fit your budget and are in your desired Houston neighborhood!
Pick your favorite!
Last, but certainly not least — it’s time to pick your ideal apartment in Houston! If you’ve followed the steps above, you now have a list of properties to choose from. Narrow that list down further by deciding which “extras” (a.k.a., amenities) you’d like your rental community to include.
Make a list of amenities you’d enjoy, ranking them from most to least important. Consider renter favorites like gated access, resort-style pools, fitness centers, and free WiFi. Once your list is ready, find properties in your ApartmentSearch that offer what you need and use the “Contact Property” button to request more info.
Once you’ve found the one, give the lease a careful read before signing. Don’t forget to tell them ApartmentSearch referred you — it’ll help you qualify for our exclusive $200 reward!
Make Houston Your Home
Whether you want a pool-front studio in The Woodlands, or you’re looking for an apartment with access to a fitness center in River Oaks, ApartmentSearch can help you find a place to call home in Houston!
