Founded in 1969, Prairie View has an interesting government set-up where the Mayor serves as both the Chair of the City Council and Chief Executive of the city's administration.
Prairie View is a small city in southeast Texas
Founded in 1969, Prairie View has an interesting government set-up where the Mayor serves as both the Chair of the City Council and Chief Executive of the city's administration.
Prairie View is a small city in southeast Texas. Since Texas is a pretty big state, it is more accurate to say that Prairie View is 50 miles northwest of Houston. Sitting in Waller County, Prairie View covers an area of just over seven square miles. Boasting a population of 5,576, Prairie View sits close to sea level at only 276 feet high. The city is fairly young, founded in 1969. Neighboring cities include Waller, Hempstead, and Pine Island.
So you're thinking of moving to Prairie View? What a grand idea - and it was all your own! You should be proud of yourself. Prairie View has a lot to offer to its residents. Relocating to Prairie View is certainly exciting, even though moving can be stressful at times. There are several appealing things about life in Prairie View.
Why Move to Prairie View?
From the low cost of living comparative to major metropolitan cities to the fact that it is also home to the Prairie View A&M Campus to its generous and welcoming residents, you will quickly feel right at home in Prairie View. Not to mention, its proximity to the bustling city of Houston makes Prairie View appealing -- as it is close to a lot of action without all the hassle of the hustle and bustle.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
There are a variety of housing options in Prairie View. No matter what type of rental housing you are generally drawn to, you're bound to find it in here. There are always challenges when searching for property and a home to call our own - and so many decisions to make! It can be overwhelming! Nevertheless, whether you are looking for a house or duplex for rent in Prairie View, start off with a little bit of flexibility. By keeping an open mind and broad parameters, you'll be able to truly identify what is most important in your dwelling so you can find a home that will suit you for the long-term.
If you're looking for apartments for rent in Prairie View, you'll certainly be able to find something that suits your requirements. There are a variety of choices (as you'll discover in your apartment search) with different layouts and amenities. The city does have private landlords, as well as apartment complexes.
What to Expect
When you find rental housing to call your own, you'll start the process by filling out an application. It will ask for some personal information as well as employment and rental history. Many times apartment complexes run a background and credit check, and some private landlords do as well. It's important to have good references as well, since landlords are much quicker to rent their places to folks who come with good payment history and positive past experiences. Often times, the application fee will be between $25 and $50, so be prepared to have a check or cash available to cover that expense.
After you are approved, you'll need to provide a damage deposit. This is often equivalent to the first month's rent. You'll get this back when you move out, less any damages. You'll also need to sign the leasing agreement. Make sure you look over all the terms of the contract, including late fees, subletting clauses, and what alterations are allowed to the property. And ask if there are any rental specials -- since many times complexes and agencies run rental discounts.
The last thing to keep in mind as you plan your relocation to Prairie View is that you'll likely need to act quickly thanks to a competitive rental market. In general, giving yourself some flexible parameters, as well as allowing yourself plenty of time, will ensure that you find housing accommodations that are right for you and ideal for your situation.
Since Prairie View is pretty small in its own right, there are not different neighborhoods of the city. While some might think, and it is certainly fitting, that it's simply a suburb of Houston, Prairie View has a lot to offer its residents. The main thoroughfare into Prairie View is Interstate 290. Once in Prairie View, the most common routes are Business US 290, University Drive, Owens Road, and State Loop 1098. To live near the campus of Prairie View A&M, look for homes with easy access to University Drive and Owens Road. That will make the commute easier and hassle-free. To avoid the campus, look on the south side of Business US 290 off of Rosewood Drive or Alleda Road.
Prairie View offers very few things to do for those wanting to get out and explore locally. Most of action takes place at the university. Cheer on the team at football game at the stadium or watch the Panther's at a track and field event. If that's not your cup of tea, you can catch a play at the university by the Charles Gilpin Players or head to the water park at Tapscott Public Park. While you're near the university, be sure to check out Brubakers Barbecue & Burgers as well. Make sure to visit the nearby Yogi Bear Jellystone Park. It's located just eight miles away in Hempstead, Texas, and you can spend a whole day there enjoying all sorts of recreational activities including mini golf, fishing, swimming and a game of volleyball with friends. Also nearby is the Oil Ranch. Head east on 290 and then north on Hegar road It should only take you about 20 minutes to get there. Once you've arrived, you will get a feel of what it's like to truly live on a ranch by milking a cow yourself. Or head south about 35 miles to Katy, Texas and wander through the Forbidden Gardens -- an outdoor museum that takes you back through Chinese history.
To get your cultural fix, head to the largest city in Texas: Houston. You can be there in under an hour if the traffic is accommodating. For entertainment, head downtown and catch a concert with the Houston Symphony, a performance of the Houston Ballet or Houston Grand Opera at the majestic Wortham Center. If that's not your thing - there's always a play worth catching at the Alley Theatre or an event at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. There are several fabulous museums to enjoy including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Holocaust Museum. The parks and outdoor space in Houston is one-of-a-kind. Make sure you spend at least a little bit of time at the Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens or Hermann Park. You can also cheer on your favorite sports team at Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium or the Toyota Center.
A night on the town wouldn't be complete without grabbing some tasty cuisine in downtown Houston. Check out restaurants of all ethnic flavors. If you're feeling like Japanese, make sure you go to Uchi. If you want to go big with a steak, try Pappas Bros. Steakhouse or Peli Peli. Grab some calamari at Masraff's or some seafood at Reef. And you won't go wrong with Tex Mex or Barbeque. For the former, check out Hugo's, and if barbeque is your thing, you might start drooling when you walk through the doors of Truluck's Steak & Stone Crab restaurant.
