Housing situation east of the TMC?

I’m moving down to Houston for medical school soon. Pearland was recommended to me but it seems a little far and expensive. Housing east of the TMC is obviously cheaper but the houses seem older and in not the best neighborhoods. Is it as bad as it looks or can I safely live in that area for the next four years? I was looking around Foster Place.

I do not want an apartment or condo as I live with my husband and a roommate and we have a dog and cat. I also mention East and not north/northwest because my husband will be at U of H.