I 100% agree that place to be is inside the loop, with possible consideration of galleria area on a case-by-case basis. There are Wal-Marts out there!

Oh, and when we say "inside the loop" we mean "inside the west side of the loop" (I-45 + SH 288 form the boundary, though downtown qualifies).

The ideal would be to work downtown, and have your choice of all the excellent suggestions mentioned so far, but the commute would be pretty rough from anywhere inside the loop, except along the 45 corridor. If you're near the west loop, you have to deal with it's shenanigans every day (are they planning to finish that road, ever?), regardless of direction of travel. If you need 59, you've got to go through the 59-45 interchange, where 6 lanes become 2 (It seemed like a good idea at the time, ok?)

Given all that, IMHO, midtown (google map) is a no-brainer. It's a quick hop onto I45 (in contraflow) and you're to work in 15-20 minutes. For the young single (and relatively well to-do, I suppose... though he's likely quite happy about Houston rent prices. I know I miss them...) person, it's the best most active social scene, with very nearby access to all manner of scenes (upscale, dirty, everything in between).

Complexes to call would be (off the top of my head, in no particular order) Camden Midtown, Ventana, Post at Midtown, AMLI Midtown.

Alternatively, the area known as Memorial Heights (for its position between those storied neighborhoods-- google map) is an up-and-coming good choice. There are three large complexes there (AMLI Memorial Heights, Sienna, and the very affordable Archstone Memorial Heights). These are a little more removed from the action of Midtown, but have 5 minute access to Midtown and Montrose (which isn't actually all gay, as many -- mostly from outside the loop -- will imply) for stuff to do, and the rent is marginally cheaper.

If you need any other suggestions, just ask.