Where would you buy a house if..... (Austin, Bowie: neighborhoods, new construction)

[jobert]

Originally Posted by eichlerfan

Where would you buy a house if:

1. you wanted to spend no more than 400,000 max.
2. you were in your early 50's.
3. you had one young teenager at home and one college age child at home.
4. Schools were not important other than for resale value.
4. you worked from home, but drive to the airport often.
5. most of what you do in Austin is central, west and northwest.
6. don't want to be in a neighborhood with only young families.
7. wanted a home no more than 5 to 10 years old ideally.

Central would be ideal, but #7 makes it nearly impossible. If you knocked that req't off, went for something renovated, then I would recommend Barton Hills. Wait until they close the local elementary schools, watch the market flood with houses, then snatch up a deal this fall.

[orngkat]

Except for #7, Allandale.

[jobert]

If you drew a venn diagram with two areas representing req'ts 1-6 and 2-7, the overlap would be practically nonexistant. The only way you will get it is if you live far NW, but that would not meet req't 4, as it's on the opposite side of town from the airport. Unfortunately, the only area that truly meets every single req't you mentioned was Mueller.

It's looks at though the concession will be either proximity to the airport, or size of the yard.

[centralaustinite]

I'd look for an urban infill house in central Austin. Yes, you can find new construction on a small lot in central Austin in your price range!

[jobert]

I read this in the Statesman Homes section, and immediately thought of Eichler's predicament. For some reason I couldn't find a current link, but this one is still pretty accurate:

Brohn unveils dog park in Skyway Austin with a party

I can't believe that there is new construction in 78704 at 270K and starting at less than $200/sf. Three years ago, that would have been unheard of.

[eichlerfan]

Originally Posted by jobert

I read this in the Statesman Homes section, and immediately thought of Eichler's predicament. For some reason I couldn't find a current link, but this one is still pretty accurate:

Brohn unveils dog park in Skyway Austin with a party

I can't believe that there is new construction in 78704 at 270K and starting at less than $200/sf. Three years ago, that would have been unheard of.

Great location, but one problem is no 4 bedrooms. With needing a home office and a guest room, 3 bedrooms won't work for us, at least not for the next several years.

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone. Still lots of neighborhoods to look at, and of course some of the items on our wish list just might have to go.

[DenverBrian]

Originally Posted by jobert

I read this in the Statesman Homes section, and immediately thought of Eichler's predicament. For some reason I couldn't find a current link, but this one is still pretty accurate:

Brohn unveils dog park in Skyway Austin with a party

I can't believe that there is new construction in 78704 at 270K and starting at less than $200/sf. Three years ago, that would have been unheard of.

Well, when you build only one-car garages, I suppose you can make it work at $200/sf. But resale will be difficult.

[jobert]

Originally Posted by DenverBrian

Well, when you build only one-car garages, I suppose you can make it work at $200/sf. But resale will be difficult.

Considering you are only 2 miles from downtown, theoretically you won't even need a garage in the first place. Cars2go and your bicycle could handle it. The car would be for the occasional road trip.

Resale difficult? are you serious? It's 2 miles from downtown! The condos downtown are SELLING for $400-$1000/sf

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by jobert

I can't believe that there is new construction in 78704 at 270K and starting at less than $200/sf. Three years ago, that would have been unheard of.

The price range given was a max of $400K, you can find more houses than you think in 04 at or below that. I built my house in 78704 for about $142 a sq foot in 2001 and couldn't sell it for $200 a sq foot if my life depended on it! In 2006, a neighbor did approach that for his house, I think he sold it for $198 a sq ft.

It is all a series of tradeoffs, for us the quick drive to the airport and downtown and the central location are worth it. The yard is small but big enough to grow some veggies and the park is nearby. We never experience those long backups to get out of a subdivision or on to the interstate. We have fabulous, amazing neighbors, and a great sense of community. And I have a newer, energy-efficient house!

[DenverBrian]

Originally Posted by jobert

Considering you are only 2 miles from downtown, theoretically you won't even need a garage in the first place. Cars2go and your bicycle could handle it. The car would be for the occasional road trip.

Well, I wasn't trying to be theoretical; I was trying to respond as the original poster made their criteria known.

Someone who's considering Cars2Go and their bicycle as their primary mode of transportation is probably not also criteria #1-7 on the original poster's list.