Renting in Houston is terrible?!

I feel like either you have to pay $2500/month for a 1b safe and clean apartment OR $1200/month for a 1b with terrible terrible terrible reviews about safety, roaches, towing cars, and bad management. Any tips on how to find a decent apartment ??

I just want a safe and clean 1b apartment for a reasonable price. Is that too much to ask????

Edit – thanks for all the replies. Will try out HAR and maybe will have to increase my budget.