# 33 Relocating with Online Maps

APARTMENTS:
I searched all three apartments sites and liked http://www.apartmentguide.com/ the best. The other two showed "featured apartments" at the top that were NOT in my search area/zip code. I had to scroll down to find the Katy apartments. The site, http://www.apartmentfinder.com/ only came up with three complexes compared to three pages of ten complexes per page on Apartment Guide. Going back was difficult at http://www.apartments.com/. I had to start a new search each time I tried to go back and look at a different complex. On Apartment Guide, going back was easier and there was a place you could click on for seeing ALL Katy apartments, not just the ones in the 77450 zip code. Maps were helpful and I like the hybrid best.
The last time I searched for apartments was when I was in my late teens, so I was amazed by all the amenities and availabilities. The deposits required were as low as $75.00 I always thought they expected first and last months rent as a deposit. I compared two complexes in Katy and found that they were similar. Since I have a dog (70# yellow lab) I was interested to find out about the pet policies. The Vineyards Apartments http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Texas/Katy/Vineyards/PropertyOverview.aspx?listingid=34995has a no weight limit and a $250 non-refundable pet fee with no aggressive breeds. The Kingsland Ranch http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Texas/Katy/Kingsland++Ranch/PropertyOverview.aspx?listingid=36565has a 50# limit and a $350 deposit, which would keep me from continuing my interest in this particular complex. They were both disability accessible.
HOUSES:
I looked on the http://www.har.com/ site first and then went to the http://www.googlemaps.com/ site and clicked on My Maps to find houses with some land/property. I focused on Brookshire, Austin, Sealy and San Antonio. Found one in Brookshire at Peregrine Estates II that has 2 acres with a 2170 sq foot home on it. I would move in a minute if I could...but probably couldn't sell the home I'm in. This home is in the country, 6.11 miles from a country grocery store, 9.36 miles from a drugstore, and 7.19 miles from a library.
This website, http://www.walkscore.com/ was pretty cool. My son moved to Nashville so I looked up Nashville while I was looking. And then I used my current address to see how accurate it is. Didn't know about half the places within my walking area...especially the HEB #497 which is NOT there at 1621 N Mason Rd. I think it must be at 1621 S Mason Rd. So, there goes the accuracy of the site right out the window.