Relocating to Austin - neighborhood advice - What's close to Downtown with good Elementary and Middle Schools? (Clarksville: apartments)

[flacafranco]

I'll be working Dowtown and hope to live as close to it as possible but need a good elementary and middle school for my kids. One is in 4th grade and the other in 7th grade.

I'd prefer a neighborhood that has some fun walkable activities since the kids love being outside which is why Safety, of course, is important. Coffee shops, restaurants, parks - that kind of feel within walking distance of our place would be great.
I'd like to bike or use public transportation to work.

My budget for rent is around $1800 - give or take for the right place.

Can anyone recommend places to start looking? I'm constantly on craigslist but don't want to make appointments without some local input first.

Thanks!

[sanmiguel]

I would look in both Hyde Park and the Hancock neighborhoods. Both are served by the excellent Lee Elementary school. Kealing Middle School, while not generally highly regarded, has a magnet program which has high entrance requirements and is as good as any private school in the area while still part of AISD.

[TheyCallMeDerek]

Brykerwood and Tarrytown

[passionatearts]

Originally Posted by flacafranco

I'll be working Dowtown and hope to live as close to it as possible but need a good elementary and middle school for my kids. One is in 4th grade and the other in 7th grade.

I'd prefer a neighborhood that has some fun walkable activities since the kids love being outside which is why Safety, of course, is important. Coffee shops, restaurants, parks - that kind of feel within walking distance of our place would be great.
I'd like to bike or use public transportation to work.

My budget for rent is around $1800 - give or take for the right place.

Can anyone recommend places to start looking? I'm constantly on craigslist but don't want to make appointments without some local input first.

Thanks!

How many bedrooms and bathrooms are you looking for in a house?

I don't know anything about school performance, but I know that the Clarksville neighborhood is very close to Downtown and all of the other amenities you're looking for. You can get a 2/1 house in that neighborhood and still be within your budget.

[TexasHorseLady]

Are you looking for a house or are you open to a condo or townhouse?

A quick MLS search turns up 3/2 (just guessing that's the size you're looking for with two kids) possibilities in the Casis and Lee school districts in your price range. Try going to Austin Home Search as well as craigslist - houses, duplexes, townhomes are more likely to be on the MLS, apartments you'll be more likely to find via craigslist or an apartment locator service.