The Graduating Aggies (& Moms!) Guide to Getting the Perfect New Apartment in Your New Career City

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The Graduating Aggies (& Moms!) Guide to Getting the Perfect New Apartment in Your New Career City

You did it, Aggie! 🎓 You’ve walked the stage, taken photos under the Century Tree 🌳, and now you’re gearing up for the next big step — starting your new job and moving to your new city.

For many new graduates, this will be your first time signing a lease on your own, managing your own space, and making decisions about where and how to live. And for the Aggie Moms who’ve been part of the journey from Fish Camp to finals week, this move is a huge moment, too! ❤️

The good news? Finding your perfect apartment doesn’t have to be stressful — especially when you start early and know what to look for. Whether you’re moving to Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio, this guide will walk you through exactly when to start, what to prioritize, and how to find an apartment that feels like home — all with that friendly Aggie touch. 🤘

🗓️ Step 1: Start Your Apartment Planning 6 Months in Advance

The biggest mistake new grads make is waiting too long to start planning. The best apartments in each city often lease several months in advance, and availability changes fast.

Six months before your move (usually around January or February for May grads), you should:

  • Identify your target city and job location 🏢

  • Set your realistic monthly budget, including rent, utilities, parking, and pet fees if needed

  • Research the best neighborhoods for young professionals

  • Talk to Aggie friends or former students who already live in your new city

This stage is all about gathering info — not signing yet. Use this time to decide what you really want: walkability, proximity to work, pet-friendliness, a quiet area, or a more social community.

🎓 Pro Tip for Moms: Help your Aggie make a moving budget and checklist now. That early preparation saves stress when leases open 60–90 days out.

🏃 Step 2: Begin Touring and Applying Around 90 Days Before Move-In

If you want to move in June or July, the best time to start touring apartments is around March or April. That’s when the communities begin listing their upcoming availability for summer move-ins.

Most luxury apartment buildings in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio operate on a 90-day leasing window. This means that current residents must give notice 60–90 days before their lease ends — which is when their unit officially becomes available for you to lease.

So, when you start touring in that 90-day window, you’re seeing real units you can actually reserve.

What to Do During the Touring Stage:

✅ Tour 3–5 buildings in your preferred area (we’ll help you pick them!)
✅ Ask about current rent specials or waived fees
✅ Confirm move-in dates and unit hold policies
✅ Get a feel for the management team’s responsiveness
✅ Always ask: “If a better unit opens before my move-in date, can I switch?” (Most will say yes!)

Remember — great apartments open and close fast. If you find something you love, it’s smart to apply within 24–48 hours.

🔍 Step 3: Know What to Look for in Your First Apartment

Now that you’re ready to choose, let’s cover the most important things new Aggies (and moms!) should prioritize when evaluating apartments in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

1️⃣ Safety and Security Come First

Nothing matters more than peace of mind. Look for:

  • Controlled access buildings or gates

  • Secure package lockers for deliveries 📦

  • Good street lighting and visible security cameras

  • Key fob entry systems (especially for urban apartments)

  • Ask management about on-site patrols or neighborhood watch programs

In all four cities, newer properties often have better lighting and built-in tech features like mobile door access and video intercoms — things that make everyday life safer and easier.

2️⃣ Management and Maintenance Quality

The management team makes or breaks your experience. You want a staff that is responsive, professional, and proactive.

Before signing, check reviews for mentions of:

  • Quick maintenance response times 🧰

  • Friendly leasing staff

  • Clean common areas and hallways

  • Well-maintained amenities

A strong management team means fewer headaches when something breaks — and more time to focus on your career and new life.

3️⃣ Walkability and Lifestyle

For many Aggie grads, walkability is a huge plus. You’re used to walking across campus or meeting friends without driving — and that same convenience matters in your next city.

Each metro area has walkable hubs perfect for new grads:

  • Dallas: Uptown, Knox-Henderson, Deep Ellum

  • Houston: The Heights, Midtown, Montrose

  • Austin: Mueller, East Austin, Domain

  • San Antonio: The Pearl, Southtown

Living close to restaurants, fitness studios, coffee shops, and grocery stores means you’ll settle in faster and meet people more easily — creating your new “Aggie circle” in your city. ☕🏙️

4️⃣ The Right Area of Town for Your Lifestyle

Each city has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Here’s a quick Aggie-style overview:

  • Dallas: Uptown and Knox for social energy; Lower Greenville for cozy charm; Addison for affordability and convenience.

  • Houston: The Heights for community; Midtown for nightlife; CityCentre for balance.

  • Austin: Mueller for calm and comfort; East Austin for creativity and culture; Domain for modern convenience.

  • San Antonio: The Pearl for walkability; Alamo Heights for mature comfort; Stone Oak for suburban feel.

Every Aggie has their “fit” — and Howdy Apartments helps you pinpoint exactly where that is.

5️⃣ Aggie Community and Networking

One of the best parts about being an Aggie is that you’re never really alone.

In every major Texas city, there’s a strong Aggie Former Students Club and a huge network of Aggie Moms and alumni who love helping recent grads. Many of our clients end up in apartments with other Aggies nearby — whether they planned it or not!

When you work with us, we can help connect you to Aggie-friendly properties and communities that already have a few maroon hearts living there. ❤️🤘

🧭 Step 4: How Moms Can Help Without Taking Over

Aggie Moms, we know how much you care! This is a big transition for both of you, and your support means everything.

Here’s how to make this experience smoother for your grad:

  • Help with budgeting and decision-making, but let them lead the choice

  • Join virtual or in-person tours so you can ask practical questions 🏠

  • Review lease terms together — two sets of eyes are better than one!

  • Encourage them to get renter’s insurance and set up utilities in advance

  • And most importantly, celebrate this milestone together 🥂

This is their first step toward independence — and your chance to watch all those Aggie values shine in real life.

💬 How Howdy Apartments Helps Aggies Every Step of the Way

At Howdy Apartments, we specialize in helping graduating Aggies and their families find the perfect place to live — for free.

We’ll handle the details so you can focus on the excitement:

  • Recommend the best areas based on your career, commute, and budget

  • Find apartments with the best specials and openings in your move window

  • Review floor plans, parking, and amenities with you

  • And even schedule and confirm all your tours

We’re 100% Aggie-founded and 100% focused on making your move easy, affordable, and stress-free.

🎓 Final Thoughts

Graduating is one of the most exciting times of your life — and finding your new home should add to that excitement, not take away from it.

By starting your search early, touring at the right time, and knowing what to look for, you’ll find the perfect apartment in your new city — one that’s safe, convenient, and surrounded by other young professionals (and hopefully a few fellow Aggies 🏡).

Your career is taking off, and your new home should feel like the foundation for that next success. Howdy Apartments is here to help every step of the way — for free. 🤘

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