3916-22 Rawlins St

This is a relatively affordable complex for the Oak Lawn area, which is reasonably close to campus (~10-15 minute drive, 1 hr walk). Units have one bedroom, one bathroom, and a combined kitchen/living room. They are small, about as specious as a medium size studio, but reasonable if you don't plan to bring a lot of stuff.

The complex was probably built in the 1970s and is reasonably maintained. Maintenance is responsive to requests. The walls are on the thin side, but most tenants are pretty quiet so noise has not been an issue for me. There is gated open parking. The kitchen/living room is hard wood and the bedroom is carpeted. There is gas heating and a window unit for air conditioning. I don't have any pets, but some tenants have cats.

This is one of very few apartments that is affordable on a grad student stipend in the Oak Lawn area.

If you do not mind living in a smaller unit with a combined kitchen-living room, it is ideal for a single person. Utilities are included with the rent and the property owner is easily reachable for maintenance issues.

The building is older but moderately well maintained. Walls are on the thinner side, but the residents are older and there is little noise. I am a light sleeper and do not have any issues. Residents are generally friendly and considerate.

The area is great, being located right between Lemon and Cedar Springs. A Kroger grocery store, many restaurants, UPS, Walgreens, and a post office are all within walking distance. I do not own a car, so this is a huge plus (walkability is generally poor in Dallas).

I have also yet to see a single insect in my unit. This is my first apartment in the Dallas area that lacks a pest control issue.

The main downsides are a lack of storage space and very little counter space in the kitchen. These units are not intended for someone with a lot of possessions and furniture. The stove and heat are gas powered, which might not be for everyone. For air conditioning, there is a single window unit in the bedroom. However, due to the small size of the apartment, it does a good job keeping the unit cool in the summer.