Wanting to live off base as a new LT but wandering where is the best area in regards to crime, but affordable to an O-1. Also is there an area that has the demographics closer to my age (my last living situation was where I was one of the younger residents in the area and I would prefer to avoid a repeat performance).

The youngest crowd will be near the university. The majority of the military population lives in either the east side or the northeast side. Each side has it's pros and cons. The northeast seems to have less traffic and is quieter but is also lacking much entertainment.

Make sure to look up the local A&M club when you arrive or post an email address and I'll make sure you are added to the distribution list. Muster will be right around the corner by the time you get here.

some good places on the east side, and close to Bliss is the Bungalows at North Hills, and the Patriot Apartments, both about 10 minutes from the gates. both are gated and have nice pools and good gyms. the Bungalows are just off of MLK and 54, and the Patriot is just off of 54 and transmountain. check them out. i stayed at the Bungalows while at the academy and was happy with the whole experience.

If you have a car/are willing to commute, I know some new apartments are springing up a mile or so from Transmountain, at least they were before I left for Aggieland.

I do have a car and a 30 min commute is nothing for me, as frankly I have had the same commute in years past to either work or school (A&M thanks to slow traffic in the morning would always be a 20 minute treck just down University from where I lived near 6).

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I cannot fiddle but I can build a great state from a small city-Themistocles

Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2009
Titan 20

You might want to check about commuting from the West Side. I'm not sure about price range, but it's a bit better crime-wise than the East Side.

My husband and I are Former Students who PCSed here in August. We live on the NE side and find the neighborhoods safe and friendly. We do have to drive 30 minutes to either the East or West side for "nice" restaurants, entertainment, and shopping, but since I work on the East side it's not a big deal.

If you want to avoid the "young people" I'd stay away from UTEP. The West side is also generally more expensive. The East side has the cheapest housing but the closer you get to the border the more you have to be careful of the neighborhood. Unfortunately you never really know which places are ghetto or not unless you come visit. That's why we picked a place to rent on the NE--we weren't able to check out the city in person first and thought it better to be safe than sorry.