Billy Baht

Hi All!

Here is a different twist- I'm an American expat returning to the USA after 11 years in SE Asia and asking for advice about affordable short term lodging in the USA. Life is never dull is it?

I retired early and have based my self in Thailand, rode motorcycles, traveled and now I'm ready to change my home base back to the USA. I'm flying to Houston on November of this year to check it out and see if I want to stay there, some where else in Texas or the USA for that matter. Here is the kicker, I've never been to Houston in my life . But warm weather, access to an International air and sea port and only a bus ride away from Mexico are attractions.

So how about some kind Brits sharing some temporary housing ideas with one of your former colonials . I'd also be interested in your thoughts about the pros and cons of other areas in Texas as well.

I'll be traveling light, only a backpack so logistics are not a problem. I have an appointment with the Veterans Hospital, so health care is covered- sorta. As I understand it, I can legally drive on my Thai DL for 90 days, so getting a Texas driver's license is also a priority. I may rent a car to check out some of the smaller towns in the suburbs and other areas of the state.

It all seems to come back to housing, finding something affordable until I decide where I want to stay.

Thanks in advance!

ChocolateBabz

Houston Extended Stay Hotels | Extended Stay America

craigslist if you are feeling lucky

Billy Baht

^Thanks C. I did try Craigslist, most advertisers were 'proud' of their offerings as in some were $2,000 per month.

Nah

I was hoping to get lucky with a landlord that rented out furnished sleeping rooms. I'll probably spend a few nights in hostels while I am pounding the pavement looking for a deal on lodging. A Mom & Pop hotel might be willing to offer a discount for a 30 day stay. Some times the best prices aren't on the internet...

ChocolateBabz

Try vrbo.com or like you say maybe a b&b, not sure how many of them around though.

Bob

padmapper.com and look for a sublet?

AirBnB might also be a option if it's only for a few weeks tops.

Billy Baht

^ Thanks, will do.

durham_lad

Public transportation is available on the Houston Metro, although I have never used it myself.

METRO - Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston, Texas

Outside the range of the Metro however then there is no public transportation that I am aware of. For example, a day trip to Galveston may be problematic if you don't have a car.

Billy Baht

Yes, the US is very car dependent. I may opt for a motorcycle

Billy Baht

So far AirBnB has the best prices; some weekly rates at $300

Yorkieabroad

There's an extended stay place at I-10/Greenhouse(?) that advertises $275/week, although if the local rag is correct, rooms are also available for as short as an hour. I guess it depends on how often you can put up with new neighbours "knocking on the wall"....

Billy Baht

LOL! I may give that one a miss

Bob

A whole hour? That place is pretty up market

I saw a place a couple summers ago in Ohio that had a 15 minute rate

Yorkieabroad

Flippin' eck, you'd barely have time to, err, unpack!

Billy Baht

Gee, I think the US has changed a bit in my time abroad. LOL.

I am fully expecting to go through a 'readjustment' period, probably the same for many British expats when returning to the UK.

Nothing stays the same...

Yorkieabroad

Indeed.
"They" always say that repatriation is often harder than the initial expatriation.