Pinhead80

Greetings to all and happy Saturday. I'm a young man still living currently at home, recently finished college etc etc. The time has come to venture out on my own. Primary reason for this is that I live in Kingwood, and drive daily to Meyerland (35-40 minutes) and it is driving me insane. I've paid off my debts, saved a reasonable amount (thank you Dave Ramsey) and am ready to go. I thought it would be a good idea to find an apartment for a year or two and then consider a house. When I noticed construction nearing completion for the Millenium Greenway on 59, I got really excited. Internet searches on properties in that area showed reasonable rates, and that particular area is both close to work and exciting. Finally a week or so ago the Millenium released prelimary rates, and it was a punch in the stomach. Basically I really want to find an apartment complex that is relatively new and relatively upscale. Maybe it's the wanna-be yuppie or Kingwood snob in me, but I'd like to spend a year or two living in a "nice, modern" place. Searching apartment review sites and the lot, it seems that those places are only sounding boards for disgruntled renters and paint very negative pictures of practically every building. Then the ones that do seem resistant to negative feedback, their rates are through the roof (Museum Tower, Parklane). I have a roommate option, so my budget is < 1000 for a 1BR and < 1800 for a 2 BR. To all you seasoned renters out there, do you have any wise words for someone becoming more and more apprehensive about the task at hand? When a website lists rates like those the Millenium released (starting at 1250 for a 1BR), are there usually specials involved which will lower those to more justifiable levels? If there are any property recommendations I would very much appreciate it. Browsing this forum has taken me to a number of properties, and I was intrigued by the Lofts at Hermann Park/The Ballpark, some of the Alexan properties, etc. I should be touring some of these places, but I feel like I could be pressured into something foolish and don't want to jump at the first offer that appears attractive. Thanks for any advice.