I'm moving to Houston, having trouble deciding where to live.?

I will be working in the Med Center at about 70k a year. I found a apt right down the street from work and 2 blocks from the school I will be attending. It is 1 bed/1 bath with study for $1050 a month. Is this too much? I found some townhomes a little cheaper $900 but further from work and school. Do you think I could make up the difference in price by a shorter commute to work/school or what? I want to know if I can afford around $2000 per mth on living expenses (I also have a $460 mortgage in OK to pay). Thanks!