🎓🏠Why I Did NOT Rent a House Right After Graduation! – Aggie Grad POV
Howdy Ags! 👋 As a fresh Texas A&M grad, moving to a new city after college felt like the ultimate freedom. No more exams, no more all-nighters, and finally—time to choose my own place to live. Naturally, I thought about renting a house. I mean, it sounds awesome, right? Space, a backyard for BBQs, maybe even a garage. But after running the numbers (and getting some reality checks from fellow Aggies and my parents), I decided NOT to rent a house right away. And let me tell you why…
đź’¸ The Hidden Costs Are No Joke
On the surface, splitting rent on a house with a few buddies sounds cheaper. But here’s the kicker: landlords expect you to handle everything else—lawn care, repairs, utilities that aren’t bundled, pest control, and sometimes even extra deposits. It adds up FAST. What looked like a $2,000/month “deal” for a house became closer to $2,600 after everything was said and done.
⏰ Maintenance Eats Into Your Free Time
As new grads, our schedules are already packed with starting jobs, networking, and building a social life. A house sounds fun until you’re the one mowing the lawn in 100-degree Texas heat or dealing with a broken A/C unit at 2 a.m. (and trust me, landlords don’t rush). In an apartment, maintenance usually shows up within hours—huge peace of mind when you’re starting your career.
đźš— Location, Location, Location
Most affordable rental houses are farther away from the heart of the city—meaning more traffic, longer commutes, and higher gas bills. Apartments, on the other hand, are often in prime spots near restaurants, gyms, and nightlife. As a single Aggie trying to meet people in a new city, living close to the action mattered more than a backyard I’d rarely use.
đź”’ Safety First
This was a big one. Many rental houses don’t have gated access, security systems, or on-site management. Apartments often come with controlled access, cameras, and staff around—making me feel way safer, especially moving to a brand-new city.
🛠️ Flexibility Wins
As a new grad, I honestly don’t know if I’ll stay in this city long-term. Renting an apartment gave me flexibility with shorter leases, move-in specials, and even options to transfer within the same property management company if I need to relocate for work. With a house, you’re usually locked in hard—and breaking a lease is brutal.
🎯 My Takeaway for Fellow Aggies
If you’re graduating and moving to a new city, don’t let the “dream” of a house trap you into extra costs, chores, and stress. Apartments are designed for people in our stage of life—convenience, safety, location, and flexibility. Maybe down the road, I’ll rent (or even buy!) a house. But right now, I’m glad I stuck with an apartment.
So, fellow Ags—before you jump at that house listing, ask yourself: Do I really want a yard… or do I want a life? 👍
👉 What about y’all? Would you rather start with an apartment or go big with a house after graduation?
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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