Any words about Manchaca? (Austin, Crockett: crime, mobile home, neighborhood)

[waiting-to-leave]

I am looking to relocate to the Austin area. I have found a beautiful house in Manchaca that I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE. Haven't been to visit it yet though. Anybody have any info/advice on that area? Neighborhood? Safety? Schools? Demographics? Proximity to downtown as far as a drive is concerned (I have seen where it is on a map). I wasn't looking in this area at all until I saw this one house . . . and now I am in love. Thanks for any info . . .

[Trainwreck20]

The area is currently 'spotty' compared to many areas of Austin, but most would agree that it is improving. If I was looking to relocate in the city of Austin and remain at a location for a reasonable period of time, I would definietly look in this area. Not sure what schools it feeds into (Crockett?), but they are probably not some of the better in Austin, although not the worst, either.

There are some beautiful lots out there with some really nice trees, too.

[waiting-to-leave]

Thanks so much for responding . . . can I ask what you mean by "spotty"? So many people have a different idea of what makes "spotty". Thanks again!

[Trainwreck20]

There is probably slightly higher crime in some areas, mostly the public intoxication and property type crimes (cars broken into, etc) than areas just north of there, but nothing outrageous - this is not like a gang turf area or something.

Also, some of the houses are not as kept up (not kep yards, old siding in need of paint, broken down cars) - or are a little rougher (big dogs in yards surrounded by chain link, burglar bars). This is varies quite a bit from block to block, so you will have to check it out yourself. I have not acutally been there in a while, and when I am there, I am just driving though, so take my opinion with a grain (or two) of salt.

[austin-steve]

My Mom has lived in Manchaca since 1992 in the Arroyo Doble subdivision. Manchaca is a "community" with a post office, but has never been officially incorporated into it's own city. It's in Travis County just north of Hays County and Buda. My Mom loves her 1/2 acre lot (even though it backs to the train tracks) and she has wonderful neighbors. There is a blue collar feel to the area and there are some scruffy houses, but she's never had a crime problem or trouble with any neighbors. She does her grocery shopping in Buda because it's actually closer than Slaughter Ln/Manchaca Rd.

There is a neighborhood off of Twin Creeks Rd. that is mostly mobile homes with a few site built houses. It's ugly to drive through on the way to my Mom's. Also check out San Leanna which is adjacent to Manchaca off of 1626. Lots of old Ranch style homes on big lots there also. Noth of 1626 is the 78748 zip code, south is 78652.

That entire area is eventually going to be absorbed into Austin as a title wave of growth is headed that way as Austin stretched further south. 78748 is the fastest growing Austin zipcode.

I also own an office building on Manchaca Rd. south of Slaughter Ln. That stretch has a couple of mobile home parks and a bunch of industrial commercial with some retail and office. My property is rented to a tow truck company. I'm not exactly sure how it will fill in eventually, but there is a ton of new construction happening down there and nearby over to IH35.

Steve