Apartment Living In Houston for Young Professionals 2024
June 21, 2024Although entering adulthood often means buying a home for the first time, young professionals are choosing to take a different route than the previous generations. More young adults prefer to live in urban apartments and often don’t have plans of upgrading to a house anytime soon.
A stylish, functional apartment translates into a gracious and comfortable life with every available convenience. For young professionals looking for such an idyllic setting, Houston, the sprawling metropolis in Texas, comes to mind. Apartment communities in Houston provide amenities and features that complement the lifestyle of young professionals, allowing them to focus on their careers and personal growth by taking care of their living environment and offering resort-style amenities. Here’s everything you need to know about apartment living in Houston as a young professional.
Getting started with the apartment rental process
Like any paper processing, an apartment search in Houston involves a rental application procedure that usually takes one to three business days or may even be stretched to a week, depending on the property owner.
To ensure a smooth flow for your rental process, secure all the requirements needed such as your basic information, employment information/ proof of income, and professional/ previous landlord references. Along with this, you also need to pay the rental application fee for background checks and screening expenses.
After completing the apartment application, you may sign the lease and negotiate any additional arrangements!
Affordability
One reason young professionals opt for apartment living is affordability. With student loan debt putting a big dent in young adults’ bank accounts, it’s no surprise that they prefer monthly rent payments to the acquisition of additional debt in the form of a mortgage.
Plus, closing costs, home insurance payments, and property taxes add up fast — renting is often the more frugal short-term option. Aside from the monthly rental fees, one must also consider the cost of living in Houston.
Although due to typical reasons such as high demand, low inventory, high maintenance, and inflation, rent costs in Houston have spiked by 23% in the last seven years. Since Houston is one of America’s most populous cities, the rental market is incredibly diverse and covers a huge range of prices. Affordable flats are available in several styles and sizes — you can easily find a nice apartment within your budget! For those seeking affordable apartments, tools like Craigslist can be invaluable for finding budget-friendly options.
Are you living alone or with a roommate?
Deciding whether to live alone or with a roommate can significantly impact your overall living experience. If you’re a young adult or a student in the beginning stages of your career, living in an apartment alone may not be the most practical, especially when certain neighborhoods demand a high rental.
Individual housing contracts can provide flexibility and simplify the renting process, making it easier to manage payments and maintenance requests.
Living in a commercial hub like Houston means that lots of young professionals like yourself will also move in with like-minded people, sharing the average rent and service costs, and benefiting from flexible rental terms. Whether you’re a social butterfly or more of an introvert, living alone also has plenty of advantages such as total freedom in your own personal space.
Know your neighborhood
When relocating to Bayou City, searching for the best places to live in Houston is a top priority. Start researching the safest and best neighborhoods to live in Houston for young professionals. Consider the proximity to your work. Choose an apartment that doesn’t force you to drive extra 30 minutes on your commute. Quick access to major roads, shopping centers, colleges, restaurants, and great parks makes for the perfect apartment.
Decide if you’ll be doing your own repairs or hiring someone for maintenance
Like any humble abode, one surely can not avoid instances where broken furniture, chipped floor-to-ceiling windows, busted water pipes, or several things in the apartment need repairing. Let the management team know about the damages, and their on site maintenance team will ensure quick completion of maintenance requests.
Know about health and safety issues in your apartment community
Above all, health and safety are a must. You don’t want to spend more on hospital treatment and medications, which can generally cost more than your monthly rent. When searching for flats, be aware and raise issues of concern for lead dust, asbestos, mold, radon, and carbon monoxide.
Amenities and features to look for in apartments for young professionals
Once you’ve figured out which neighborhood you want to live in and the expected size of your apartment, you’ll want to decide on your preferences for services and amenities within your new home.
Unlike the usual amenities fit for almost everyone, young professionals look for features that fit their generation, lifestyle, and the latest trends — and Houston offers every one of those. Modern features in these apartments appeal greatly to young professionals.
Fully furnished apartments in Houston often come with luxurious interior features, including the convenience of having an in-unit washer.
Additionally, many residential communities boast a resort-style pool, providing a peaceful getaway for relaxation and stress relief.
Smart locks in these apartments ensure convenient and secure privacy, enhancing the comfortable living experience for residents.
Pet-friendly features
If you are a pet owner, it’s important to ensure your new home meets the needs of you and your pet. When looking for your potential apartment complex, make sure to ask if the building/community is pet friendly and what type of amenities are close by. Be sure to ask the helpful and accommodating Houston residents about parks, vets, groomers, etc.
Internet/Strong Wifi
Water, food, shelter, and Internet service. A strong Internet/Wifi connection is essential for young professionals to survive in today’s world. Apartments with this value-added amenity are appreciated by all tenants in the building.
Fitness Facilities
The common misconception among young adults is that only luxury apartments offer fitness facilities. Most Houston apartments have fitness centers that are free to use.
Consider the length of your lease
Keep track of the term of your lease before signing the apartment agreement. Are you planning to remain for a while? A year? Any long-term plans? You must also ensure that your income is sufficient to pay for the rest of your stay. Security deposits, first and final month payments, and any other benefits indicated by the property owner during your agreement are also guaranteed by the apartment lease.
Moving into your new Houston apartment
Ready to make that big decision? Consider all the factors that check the boxes for your perfect apartment. Uncertainty is a major problem when renting a new flat. Would living there make you second guess your choices? Do you have to alter anything in your lifestyle? Living in a well-managed apartment can significantly ease everyday living by streamlining processes and providing quick responses to requests
Get Help Moving Safely With AOK Apartment Locators!
Finding an apartment in Houston as a young professional can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
We’re here to make it easier for you.
A OK Apartment Locators is a full-service apartment locator agency in Houston, TX that can help you find the perfect apartment for you right now. We take the guesswork out of finding the right place to live, so you can focus on what’s most important: your career and getting settled in your new home! Contact us today!
