Hi all,
I've lived in Houston in the Texas Medical Center the past 15 months. It's a little pricey to live in the area but in my opinion it's worth it, at least when you're first starting your degree. The apartment complexes tend to be gated, well kept, very nice looking outside and inside, relatively safe and you'll most likely have other graduate students and young professionals living in the same complex. I HATE HATE HATE Houston traffic so it's absolutely worth it to me that I can walk to work and the MetroRail station. Sure, the rail only goes in a line from Reliant Stadium to Downtown, but that works for what I need! It costs $1.25 to ride (but most people just sneak on with the rush of people without paying, shh...) and it will take you to easy walking distance of anything in the Medical Center including UTHSC-Houston GSBS and Public Health buildings, a plethora of hospitals and clinics, Baylor College of Medicine and the Metro bus transit center. There are a few places to choose from to eat which is great if you go to school or work in the area. Stuff like Subway, Salata, Chipotle, sushi, mediterranean, Tacos-a-go-go (you must try!), and you can also go to any of the hospitals' cafeterias. It's also just a short train ride to Hermann Park, the zoo, museums, a japanese garden and great jogging trails.
You'll definitely need a car, though, since Houston is HUGE and I'm sure you'll want to do more than just go to class and the park once in a while. There's tons to do all the time, from music concerts and bars/clubs to free plays in the outdoor theatre at the park. My personal favourites lately have been going to Rice Village for cupcakes, frozen yogurt or ice cream and going to the Japanese arcade!
I love the apartment complex I live in, but since I live alone and don't make much at my job it's starting to run me down a little. I certainly recommend getting a roommate if possible. Not only will it help financially, but it'll give you someone to explore places with and vent to once in a while.
