Hi,

Im also a dreamer in Houston. I am 23 and let me tell you that i have the same concerns as you.

I am also in the process of doing the same. I live in the NW of the city and have to commute A LOT to go to school and work.

Some of my concerns: Family

Although i could afford to get out and be on my own or with a roommate, there is the itchy thought of helping out the fam. However, we all gotta grow out of this some day, right? (Thats a separate discussion tho)

So, here is the breakdown,

Consider gas these days wherever you end up going. If you plan to go to Rice for example since you mentioned you want to stick around the med center then you can just bike.

Now, if you want to stick around the midtown area of Houston consider paying a rent (on your own) of about 600 average. This is like the heights area or if you want to go cheaper place, try like finding a warehouse (i have found some really good ones close to the George R Brown center.... these places are usually pretty big in dimensions and you can always share space with others.

Now, i was shooting to actually buying a house. These days it is not so hard to find student roomates. You can start ur mortgage and not have to pay the entire monthly amount by yourself...

Do you know of this website: www.craigslist.com

Peace