Lost in the apartment sauce! / Looking for advice

Let’s talk apartments,

I’m planning to make the move to the gulf coast of Florida, to the Houston area. I have never lived in another state and am frankly TERRIFIED of a move like this.

My main concerns are Safety, followed by price. I am glad to see that deposits in Texas are significantly lower than the 2 month’s rent asked for in my areas, huge plus ! But I am overwhelmed by apartment options, there are just SO many in Houston I have no idea where to start.

My preferred area is the Montrose ( and west of Montrose ) , the Westchase area , and have also seen the Jersey Village area. Medical center area has also looked appealing .

If you had to live in one of these, which one and why ? Does anyone have any specific recommendations for a 2×2 or a 1×1 +Den/Loft in these areas, under or around $1500 ?

I have looked on HAR , Realtor .com , Zillow, apartments .com , and others to search, none really give a Long term Houston resident’s perspective, and I could really use one !!

Thank you in advance to all my future Houston neighbors !