Why I Hate My HOUSTON Apartment!! From a Recent Texas Aggie Grad 🏠😩
HOWDY! When I tossed my cap in the air at Kyle Field, I had all the excitement in the world about starting my career in Houston. The energy capital of the world, Aggies everywhere, and endless opportunities. What I didn’t expect? That my apartment would turn into one of the biggest sources of stress in my post-grad life.
Let me break it down for y’all:
1. The Rent vs. Reality Problem 💸
On paper, the rent looked doable — especially with the “specials” they promised me during the tour. But once you add in parking fees, trash fees, “concierge” fees (whatever that means), and random add-ons I didn’t even know existed, my rent shot up way past what I budgeted. Lesson learned: if it sounds too good to be true in Houston, it probably is.
2. Maintenance Nightmares 🔧
College Station spoiled me with decent student housing maintenance. In Houston? Not so much. From broken AC (in Houston heat — brutal!) to water pressure that barely works, getting anything fixed takes weeks. And don’t even get me started on the mysterious “we’ll put in a work order” responses that never go anywhere.
3. Safety Concerns 🚨
I thought I picked a decent area, but living here has opened my eyes fast. Cars broken into in the parking garage, sketchy activity outside the complex, and the feeling that you need to double-check the locks every night. Houston has some amazing areas, but the wrong choice can make you feel unsafe real quick.
4. The Commute Grind 🚗
As an Aggie, I knew Houston traffic was rough, but I underestimated how much it eats into your life. Some days it feels like I spend more time in my car than in my apartment. That “close to work” promise? Definitely not as close once you factor in clogged freeways at rush hour.
5. The Noise Factor 🎶🚨
Between thin walls, neighbors who throw parties on weeknights, and the endless sounds of sirens from nearby streets, it’s hard to feel “at home.” Rest is hard to come by, and when you’re trying to start a new career, sleep is something you really can’t afford to lose.
Final Thoughts 📝
Being a new Aggie grad in Houston is exciting — but choosing the wrong apartment can be one of the most frustrating mistakes you’ll make. If I could give one piece of advice to other Aggies about to make the move: tour more than once, read every review, and don’t let flashy move-in specials blind you to the real costs and realities.
This experience has taught me a lot, but let’s just say… my lease countdown is officially on.
👉 Fellow Ags in Houston — did y’all have the same nightmare experience with your first apartment? Drop your stories in the comments so new grads don’t make the same mistakes! 👍
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Aggies—find your perfect apartment in your new city for FREE with Howdy Apartments! We’ll guide you on the best areas, recommend the right places, and even set up your tours. 100% free and Aggie-focused.
👉 Sign up here: howdyapartments.com/start
📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791
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