<p>My son and his 3 friends decided on Garnet River Walk. It is under new management, which hopefully is a good thing, and the security deposit was waived and the price is reasonable. I realize the parent info session said you could wait until Feb-March timeframe but they have 4 of them trying to get a 4 BR unit together, and those apparently are the first to fill up, so they all wanted to sign up now rather than risk not getting a 4 BR for their lot. </p>
<p>We drove down and toured several with son and one of the roomies and even though this isn’t ‘easy’ walking distance (2 miles), it was my first choice (for what that is worth, which isn’t much! - at the end of the day, I was a bystander in the decision). </p>
<p>Just some notes on what we discovered on the trip re: the places we visited: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Garnet River Walk - 2 miles from campus. Appears to be a nice area- very convenient to grocery stores, restaurants, Vista area. Price is reasonable ($585/month per person for a 4 BR / 4 BA -each room has it’s own bathroom). All utilities included with a cap on electric. Free parking and free shuttle service- which I heard from 2 sophomores that live there now is reliable except possibly if a train comes, which is obviously out of their control. Son has a car so this is non-issue. Fully furnished, which I think is the case for most of these- they seem to cater to college. </p></li>
<li><p>The HUB - Popular new spot opening next fall. I talked to them a few times and they emailed me info. Comparing apples to apples (4 BR) - some of their 4 BR units have 4 BA and some with 3 BA, but either way, the price was substantially higher (~ $670-$750/month per person) and only includes “Internet, trash and cable”…. thus, electric is NOT included. They said one of the roomies would need to take responsibility and put it in their name. If I recall, parking is not included either ($40 /month). They say “walking” distance, but it is still a mile from campus. A mile isn’t much but they do not provide shuttle service so if it’s pouring down rain and you have no car, you’re SOL … grab a raincoat. Also, consider walking back from an evening class by yourself. They also charge security deposit, unlike Garnet where it was waived. </p></li>
<li><p>The Loft - Also ‘within walking distance’ but I was turned off by this place after talking to them on the phone. They were downright rude and you could not just walk up and get a tour. You actually had to make an appointment for a tour!! They could not guarantee my son would get a room with his buddies no matter how far in advance they signed up. Garnet, although not 100% ‘written’ guarantee on this, they seemed more reassuring since they signed up so early. Plus, I heard the roach problem was huge here. My son is not afraid of roaches but I heard of it more here than anywhere else… as well as the lack of response to maintenance issues. Prices were higher than Garnet but I believe less than HUB. </p></li>
<li><p>Pointe West - This is across the bridge as well but on the other side of the railroad tracks (so no risk of getting caught by a train on the way to class). It’s a bit further distance than Garnet (2.5 miles vs 2 miles so not enough to even ponder). Son and his buddies liked this place as well. Apparently one of the IT guys on campus lives here and he really likes it (told my son); however, it seemed very dated - smelled musty and old- and looked old too. Plus, I was not crazy about the surrounding location, at least at first impression. $500 /month per person, includes same utilities as Garnet. Also has shuttle. </p></li>
<li><p>Copper Beach Townhouses - These are past the stadium near the Woodlands (HUGE complex) approx 4 miles to campus. They liked the layout of these- 3 stories, lots of space- up to 1800 sq. ft. for a 4 BR /4.5 BA. $485/month per person (utilities not included but could pay more to include utilities). Their concern was traffic being near the stadium and the drive to campus potentially more traffic than the direct route from Garnet. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>They also considered renting a house nearby the campus but really like the community aspect you get with the apartment living. Living off campus, you’re already losing the ‘dorm socialization’ but in an apartment, you still have the community socialization. </p>
<p>Also, I agree with notrichenough re: paper-thin walls… you get that in the dorm already- and most apartments as well. It’s part of apartment living, which is a right of passage at that age in itself! :-)</p>