Moving the Family to Austin? (Round Rock, Pflugerville: house, transfer, neighborhoods)

[goldmouth]

I have an opportunity to transfer my job to the austin,tx area. Currently my family consists of me, my wife,and our 3 sons(1,3,6). We live in milwaukee,wi right now.The big factors for moving woud be more affordabe housing and a warmer climate. I'm wondering where would be the best places to live for a multi racial family of 5.We aren't big into politics or bothered by race or nationality. We just want a safe affordable place to raise the kids. What would be better,city or suburbs? What suburb or where in the city? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks! I should add that our price range for a house would be 180k-200k. Also schools are very important.

[CptnRn]

There are good options in many areas around Austin. Where will your job be? We can make recommendations based on that. Traffic is a problem and gas prices are going to keep going up, so you should start with that, minimize your commute.

[goldmouth]

I'm a maintence tech for TWC. So I'd be working all over the city. I wouldn't be working in an office.

[h886]

Originally Posted by goldmouth

I have an opportunity to transfer my job to the austin,tx area. Currently my family consists of me, my wife,and our 3 sons(1,3,6). We live in milwaukee,wi right now.The big factors for moving woud be more affordabe housing and a warmer climate. I'm wondering where would be the best places to live for a multi racial family of 5.We aren't big into politics or bothered by race or nationality. We just want a safe affordable place to raise the kids. What would be better,city or suburbs? What suburb or where in the city? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks! I should add that our price range for a house would be 180k-200k. Also schools are very important.

With that price range, you'll likely be out in the suburbs. So you don't have any idea what area of town you'll be working in or based out of? They don't have you assigned to any particular area? Austin is very sprawled out. If you're living in Leander and having to take assignments in south Austin, that would be quite a drive.

[Moonlady]

Check out Pflugerville. You can get a decent house for the money and it's close to highways to give you easy access for traveling. It's a little closer to Austin than Round Rock and almost anywhere you live with be less than 10 minutes to get to the highway. It's going to be tough to find that price range closer in AND with good schools.

[Tim_Barton]

Originally Posted by goldmouth

I'm a maintence tech for TWC. So I'd be working all over the city. I wouldn't be working in an office.

I say Hutto is a great place to start looking.

[goldmouth]

Are the schools better in the city itself or the suburbs? That is our biggest priority.

[hound 109]

Originally Posted by goldmouth

Are the schools better in the city itself or the suburbs? That is our biggest priority.

The general answer would be in the suburbs....but you only need one. Might want to tell us what your definition of "good" schools is.

Also, since you brought up multi-racial....might want to share that info (since there's LOTS of different ways to interpret this)....if diversity is something you're interested in. (if not, never mind)

Here's a post with a map that i posted last week that might help:

Here's a very old user friendly map (click on austin) which will identify & geographically locate schools (note - new schools won't be on it).

Texas School Performance Maps

The data is 3 years old, but gives you a good idea for "areas" that might be a fit. After you locate 5-6 good schools, cross reference them on great schools for up to date info. Once you locate schools, then you can narrow down neighborhoods.

[h886]

Originally Posted by goldmouth

Are the schools better in the city itself or the suburbs? That is our biggest priority.

With your price range, you'll probably need to stick to the suburbs. The disadvantage is the distance from town, but you can get a good school and a house in your price range. There are areas in the city and closer in that have excellent schools as well, but if you're only looking to spend 180-200K on a house you'll be priced out of those areas.

[love roses]

I'd 2nd the Pflugerville suggestion. It'll put you closer to Austin and your commute anywhere in the city probably wouldn't be too bad. The schools are good too, I hear.