How do i find a roommate???

Question

i want to move to texas on my own

but im not sure if i can afford it

how do i find a roommate &

make sure its safe???

Answer 1

If your moving to Austin, then Craigslist is definitely the place to go. I found my last roomies on there AND I found my current roomie (though under different circumstances) on there.

Definitely do a background check on people. And if they ask the same of you, let them. They may not want a serial killer living with them anymore than you do. :D

Finding a stranger to be a roomie can be a scary thing, obviously. However, it can also be a great opportunity to meet people, which is ESPECIALLY good when you are new to town and far from people you know. It was the best thing for me after moving to Austin from Lubbock. Beats bars and the grocery store or wherever people meet people. I know, for me, I'm more likely to maintain a relationship with people if they live with me or are around often as opposed to meeting them once at a community event.

So, my point with that is a roomie may be more than just a financial help. :)

As far as costs (even though you didn't directly ask), it depends on where you are moving. Austin is rising in housing costs whether you buy or rent. Also, certain parts of town are rising considerably faster than other parts thanks to 'revitalization' efforts. For example, east Austin, which is kinda a 'little Mexico' and was typically cheaper, is now having tons of upscale condos being put up all over the place and driving the rental costs sky high. If you happen to be moving to Austin or Lubbock, I can probably give you good, yet affordable areas in either city, as I have spent lots of time living in both (though why you would want to move to Lubbock unless for college beats me). As for the rest of the state, not sure at all about the cost of living.  

Answer 2

First, I would figure out exactly WHERE in Texas I wanted to move. I'd look around for places I was interested in, find out how much it would cost, THEN look for a roommate on something like CraigsList.

The MAIN thing to do is GET REFERENCES from who ever you consider taking on as a roomie. SERIOUSLY -- get a background check, even if you have to pay for it. Ask the person if they've ever been arrested (and for what). Ask if they have a job (and where -- and CALL that place to verify). Check their ID -- if they won't show you their driver's license, just say "you can go now."

Frankly, I would NEVER want to share a place with a total stranger.

Answer 3

Go on Craigslist.com