78741 Zip (Austin, West, Parker: apartment complexes, renting, low crime)

[bdlangton]

I know 78741 has a high crime rate compared to other parts of Austin, but I am curious about within the zip code how the different neighborhoods compare. Basically, are there concentrated areas in 78741 that make up a majority of the crime? For instance, how are the following areas?

Parker Lane (South of Oltorf, North of 71)
Riverside (North of Oltorf, West of Pleasant Valley Rd)
Pleasant Valley (East of Pleasant Valley Rd)
Montropolis

Of course, if I think about renting or buying anywhere in those areas, I will check it out for myself beforehand, but would like a little input from the board if possible. Thanks!

[drshdw]

All pretty bad..

[centralaustinite]

I think the key question is "compared to what?" Austin in general has a pretty low crime rate but all of those areas listed have higher crime rates, particularly property crime. You would have to look carefully at crime stats but I would guess that most of the crime happens in apartment complexes and duplexes. There are pockets of single family homes in that zip that are pretty hidden away and probably have less crime. I live near all those areas and are often in them for work too. I always feel safe in the daytime. Not sure I would buy a house in any of those areas except for Montopolis which is beginning to gentrify and is a solid working class neighborhood. If I was searching a place that will appreciate over the next 20 years, Montopolis would be near the top of the list.

The pocket of single family homes off that stretch of Parker are probably ripe for re-habing too, so close to downtown and the airport, but it has not happened yet. And there are no signs that it is going to start any time soon. I would not buy property in any of the areas listed unless I could afford to lose my investment. Close in East Austin from the river to 51st would be a better bet. But if I was gambler and had had money to risk (and it would be a risk and the payoff would be far off), then maybe.

But spend time, lots of time, in the area first. Do not buy anything in that zip sight unseen.

[jobert]

There are some expensive pockets along E. Riverside. Generally the close to I-35 you are (and by extension, Travis Heights) the better off you will be. The proximity to downtown and the terrrain offer good views that some will pay good money to have.

[jobert]

Another benefit of this zip code - it's served by Cars2Go. I know it sounds trivial, but this is one of only a handful of zips where one can live without owning a car. Throw in the specter of $5 gas, the plans for future light rail between downtown and ABIA via 78741, other plans for SE Austin in the works, and the outlook for this part of town looks promising. I would not be surprised if in 10-15 years, the property values in 78741 are close to those in 78704.