The Medical Center has lots of choices if that is your final destination in calling it home.  Houston medical center apartments cater to college students, and professionals who work in the area or specifically at one of the many hospitals.

The Equinox apartments is one of the newest apartment facilities in the medical center area.  And newer apartments typically offer the best incentives as well regarding free rent and other bonuses like gift cards. New apartments like the Equinox also have the best features and amenities such as 10 foot ceilings, walk in showers, granite slabs in the kitchens, and state of the art fitness centers with free weights and treadmills. Its definitely worth a look if you are in the market for an apartment home.

A favorite among students is the Archstone Medical Center apartments.  It is right across the street from the Metro Light Rail.  So if you commute towards the Medical Center or farther north towards the Downtown area who most likely will not require a car.  Students and individuals who need short term stays love the property as they allow short term leases in the form of 1 or 2 month lease terms. The property is a little older (construction date 1998) but Archstone has a very capable management team and is interested in pleasing you as a client. Three bedroom apartment homes are also available to renters which can be somewhat hard to find.

Houston has only a handful of high rises in the city limits.  Almost all of the high rises are limited to the inner loop areas and in the Houston uptown area.  The two newest high rise apartments for rent are located minutes from the Houston Galleria mall itself.  The others are either located in the downtown or River Oaks area.

The Cabochon at River Oaks is a 120 unit high rise constructed in 1966 and remodeled in 2002.  It is located between Westheimer and Richmond just north of Highway 59. Floor to ceiling windows is extremely hard to find in Houston, Tx.  However, the Cabochon has it.  It overlooks the gorgeous Houston skyline.  And with its spectacular location in the inner loop restaurants, shopping, and convenient highways are within minutes .

The other high rise in the area, The River Oaks Hi Rise, is located off Westheimer.  It is very similar to the Cabochon as the former property was constructed in 1973 and remodeled in 2004 with a total of 136 units.  Both of these high rises are for rent.  Recently they have offered free rent over a longer term lease.

One of the most renowned loft style high rises in downtown; Post Rice Lofts; is a loft style community complete with tall ceilings and concrete floors.  The only negative to the property are the windows.  They are tiny at best and many of them have views of building adjacent to them.  Most loft style properties should have large expansive windows. However since this is a conversion project it is understandable.  Still it has the best location downtown.

Alexan Silber is Trammel Crow’s newest development right off Silber and the Interstate 10 Freeway.  It will contain a total 402 units at it is zoned to Memorial High School.  There really are not any comparable properties based upon location and new construction to compare rental rates.  9900 Memorial and Fox Hall are within one or two miles of the property but these communities were built in the 1960’s so they won’t offer good comparisons.  The two closest properties are Alexan Silber’s sister property.(Alexan Bunker Hill) and the Cheval.  Alexan Silber will be managed by Greystar Communities while Alexan Bunker Hill is managed by Riverstone Residential.  Expect one to two months free on 13 month lease terms.  We will not know for sure until the property opens for business.  But based on the history of Alexan properties we can say it will most likely be 1 or 2. And with the economy worsening 2 may be more likely.

As far as the interior amenities are concerned expect a few slew of them.  Hardwood flooring, ceramic entry-ways, and either true or faux granite counters will probably be part of the apartment homes.  Also expect full size washer and dryer’s too.  The location near the freeway means freeway noise for units facing I-10.  If you pre-lease choose a unit that faces the rear or sides facing away from the freeway.

The West University area lies just south of Highway 59 and West of Rice University.  Not only does this area boast high home prices; its location is right in the heart of the Houston inner loop. Many students who attend the Universities in the area do not realize that respectable apartments in the area will begin over $900 for a one bedroom apartment home. One of the most expensive properties in the area is The Village at West University. This luxurious Finger’s community was constructed in 1999 and one bedrooms begin at 652 square feet. Market rates for this community begin close to $1200.  However, this community will over up to 6 weeks free on longer term leases.  Once apartment rents increase; there is usually no going back.  The apartment communities will normally just offer free rent if they offer any incentives at all.

Although Bayou Park apartments are not literally in West U, they are located along memorial minutes from West U and the downtown area as well.  These apartment communities are much more economical as renters can secure apartment units for near $700.  Don’t expect any bells or whistles though.  The location is the best part about Bayou Park. It is a monstrosity of an apartment complex as there are hundreds and hundreds of units on the premises.

The Medical Center area in Houston is home to several hospitals, apartments, private residences, and nearby universities.  The Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and the University are but three of the universities in the area.  Every summer thousands of students begin looking for apartment housing in the area. We have put together a few of the more popular apartment communities in the area that cater to students.  Providence at Kirby apartments is an apartment community that caters to students. They usually run some pretty good specials in the summer time to attract students. All units come furnished with a full size washer and dryer.

San Melia apartments is one of three properties located on El Mundo Dr. The model boasts lush carpeting, faux granite counter-tops, and a sparkling pool. This community was constructed in 2002 is a few years younger than the Providence at Kirby. There are several others in the area including San Marin Garden Homes and Versailles Park.  If you must live closer to Hermann Park there are some high end communities including Lofts at Hermann Park and The Esplanade at Hermann Museum Circle.  We recommend flying or driving out to the area and taking some applications with you.  That way if you make a decision you don’t have to return to the property; especially if your from out of town.

The Houston Inner Loop has some of the most luxurious properties in the greater Houston area.  Some older properties have been remodeled to not only attract renters but also to increase rent prices as well.   The Gael Apartments are an extremely nice well kept property that most people are not aware of. The community is located almost adjacent to the Central Market. The Gael has a sister property called The Essex House which is located next door. The Essex is older and doesn’t have any upgrades.  Many of the newer apartment communities in the inner loop boast granite counters, resort-style pools, an business centers with high speed Internet. If you visit one of the communities remember the leasing office is located in the Essex Houston.  The Boulevard apartments are another hidden gem located minutes away from Rice Village and Rice University.  Ok, you will only find white counters and plain carpeting in the units.  There is also no parking garage as you will have to park outside.  So if it rains your out of luck.  The reason people move into this community is the fact its very quiet are there are not many units at all compared to some other mammoth complexes like the Bel Air.  The Boulevard has a sister property; The Plaza at River Oaks and both offices are managed as one.