To those with kids... (Austin, Allen: homes, neighborhoods, good schools)

[mimimomx3]

Central IS Austin.

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by mimimomx3

Central IS Austin.

You better trademark that before I make it into a bumper sticker!

[cmaxmor]

It really depends on where your family is. And what you want to do. There is no transportation into central austin from the burbs. You will always have to drive (despite the train). If you want your kids to grow up in a cookie cutter subdivision, then go for it. Otherwise, spend your money in Crestview. There you have good schools, an access to transit, and a feeling for Austin. Personally, coming from someone who lived in Austin before kids, I would go for Austin. The 'burbs don't offer THAT much by way of culture and friends. But that is just me (and my family). We are selling and moving back to renting to get our way of life back.

[hilsmom]

Good question - we are looking into the same thing. We are moving to Austin hopefully in about a year, and we looked in the SW burbs and then in Allandale. I really liked Allandale - why did a previous poster say Crestview instead? Are the schools better?

We also saw Shady Hollow and Circle C, as well as a couple homes under $400K in Westlake. I did not see Woodhaven, but there seem to be some nice homes there in our price range.

Thoughts?

[AMJ27]

We considered living more central as well, but ended up deciding on Circle C. Steiner was on our list, but I knocked that off right away when I realized how far out it was. I'm excited that Circle C is only 10-15 minutes from downtown, but a lot less expensive (price per sq. ft.). Obviously, I'm sold on the area since we are moving there, but have you considered that area? It felt like a nice compromise between both worlds to me.

[Dr.Mom]

DH and I have this conversation all the time. ALL the time. I would like to live central to be closer to DD's school and more things to do but once DH sees how much more square footage you can get for the money in the 'burbs, my points fall on deaf ears. I actually had the opposite point of view before a trip to Austin last February. I was Westlake all the way but DD and I drove through many, many of their neighborhoods on a Saturday and could not find any kids playing anywhere. The desertion was actually a little creepy until I realized that they were all in cars being driven somewhere. Honestly, it felt like generic suburban USA. It was lovely, don't get me wrong, just not what I am looking for. When we returned to our Old West Austin B&B there were plenty of young families taking a stroll through the neighborhood and we were able to walk to the corner to get an after dinner ice cream at Amy's. That felt much more Austin to me, personally. Every one is different with different expectations - just my experience.

[austinnerd]

Not even a contest, central all the way. Heck Steiner wouldn't rank in my top 10 areas period, way too cookie cutter and way to far from downtown. For me it's main positive is the school district, and there are other areas to get there (e.g. Anderson Mill Estates) that to me have a bit more character. Again, this is just me, but I do have kids and have recently concluded a home search where we looked literally everywhere in Austin.

[thedogatemyhomework]

central central central central

[AK123]

I know someone else in a similar dilemma.
What about a lower budget ($300k or less) with kids -- is central (with good schools) even possible? If not, what are other suggestions (with good schools) that aren't too far out... Gateway to Anderson Mill area maybe?

I get the impression Steiner is meant for those who specifically want to be near the lake and aren't commuting into central Austin on a daily basis... would this be correct?

[av8or1]

Interesting. Seems like everyone chimes in for Central like it is some kind of utopia or something. Oh well. 'Different strokes for different folks I guess. Personally I'd never raise a family there, so all I can agree with is the notion that has been repeated a few times, which is along the lines of "it depends on you and what you are looking for."

For example, I - and my family - much prefer a better space-to-dollar value, so we live on 2 acres in Leander. I can't see my neighbors and consider that a good thing. We love it and go into Central Austin maybe once every 4 months, if that. And are no worse for wear. :-)

I just get tired of the Central types trying to poo-poo anything that isn't Central, like it's the be-all-to-end all or something. It isn't. You don't need to live in the Central part of Austin to "live in Austin" and you certainly don't need it to be happy. I don't have anything against those who do and would like for that sentiment to be echoed but unfortunately it isn't. Most of the time anyway.

Good luck to the OP wherever you end up.

HAPPY in Leander.