So, Padmapper is a useful tool, but you'll get the most mileage out of HAR (http://www.har.com/) for finding a place to live. Generally, Midtown and the Heights are nice places to move to, although the southwest area near the 610 loop is somewhat undervalued and pretty decent to live at.

Optimize for living near easy access to either the light-rail, bus-stops, or the highways--59 and 45 are the big ones, the 610 loop is as well. Don't live in the Galleria area--too expensive and the traffic is shitty.

Basically, living nearish to downtown or the universities is a good idea. You can get very cheap places if you move outside Beltway 8, but the commute time sucks rocks. Inside 610 is the best if you can swing it.

If you find yourself in town, drop me a line, and we can grab beers--I'll link you in with some of my startup folks here.