Moving to Austin. Surrounding cities? (Spring, San Marcos: apartments, rentals, homes)

[lollydurand]

We know Austin has almost 0 historic apartments/homes for rent so we are considering living outside of Austin. Are there any cities surrounding Austin that have a more old timey feel that wouldn't be more than a 45 minute commute?

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by lollydurand

We know Austin has almost 0 historic apartments/homes for rent so we are considering living outside of Austin. Are there any cities surrounding Austin that have a more old timey feel that wouldn't be more than a 45 minute commute?

Commute to where? It can take 45-60 minutes just to get across Austin at rush hour, so you need to be more specific. For instance, Lockhart has an old-time small-town feel, with an iconic courthouse square that has been featured in lots of movies, plus several world-class BBQ places... but the commute to an employer in the NW quadrant of the city would be brutal over time.

[lollydurand]

Originally Posted by OpenD

Commute to where? It can take 45-60 minutes just to get across Austin at rush hour, so you need to be more specific. For instance, Lockhart has an old-time small-town feel, with an iconic courthouse square that has been featured in lots of movies, plus several world-class BBQ places... but the commute to an employer in the NW quadrant of the city would be brutal over time.

Sorry! Commute to the UT area. We have researched a bit of Lockhart and it looks gorgeous.

[blakely]

You might also consider Georgetown or Bastrop. Keep in mind Bastrop did suffer tremendous fire damage last fall.

[lollydurand]

Thanks very much, ill research both of these. So far, I've seen ideal rentals in Smithville and Lockhart. Does anyone have feedback on these towns or commute times?

Originally Posted by blakely

You might also consider Georgetown or Bastrop. Keep in mind Bastrop did suffer tremendous fire damage last fall.

[drshdw]

You want to drive at least a hr each way if not more on the basis of buying an older home or are you just looking for a small town feel??

[mark311]

Originally Posted by lollydurand

Thanks very much, ill research both of these. So far, I've seen ideal rentals in Smithville and Lockhart. Does anyone have feedback on these towns or commute times?

Lockhart is feasible for commuting. Smithville is much too far. You just have to remember that these towns that surround Austin like Lockhart are just that, small towns. I know someone that lives in Lockhart and he has to go to San Marcos for most of his shopping or to eat at a restaurant other than the very small selection that they have available there. One of his recent comments was "If they ever open a restaurant like Chili's in Lockhart, it would do amazing business".

It's just hard to recommend those commutes to anyone. The drive to a place like Dripping Springs would at least provide some scenery.

[60sfemi]

Dripping springs is great, almost due West of Austin 25 miles. We love it. Still semi-rural. Not over-growing like areas north of Austin. But still a tough commute to UT in commute traffic. We have an HEB, home depot, several fast food places, a teensy-tiny old town area for different town events. One great higher end resturant, family owned and a couple others that provide country cooking. All the mechanics, dentists vets and other service style services one could want. An art gallery, gift shops etc. 12 miles into Bee Cave/lakeway area, 15 miles into Wimberly, 25-30 minutes into downtown Austin (non commute hours)

[lollydurand]

Originally Posted by mark311

Lockhart is feasible for commuting. Smithville is much too far. You just have to remember that these towns that surround Austin like Lockhart are just that, small towns. I know someone that lives in Lockhart and he has to go to San Marcos for most of his shopping or to eat at a restaurant other than the very small selection that they have available there. One of his recent comments was "If they ever open a restaurant like Chili's in Lockhart, it would do amazing business".

It's just hard to recommend those commutes to anyone. The drive to a place like Dripping Springs would at least provide some scenery.

Well so far, sounds like Lockhart is the best bet! We don't mind small towns because we want our home to match our personalities.

[lollydurand]

Originally Posted by 60sfemi

Dripping springs is great, almost due West of Austin 25 miles. We love it. Still semi-rural. Not over-growing like areas north of Austin. But still a tough commute to UT in commute traffic. We have an HEB, home depot, several fast food places, a teensy-tiny old town area for different town events. One great higher end resturant, family owned and a couple others that provide country cooking. All the mechanics, dentists vets and other service style services one could want. An art gallery, gift shops etc. 12 miles into Bee Cave/lakeway area, 15 miles into Wimberly, 25-30 minutes into downtown Austin (non commute hours)

This sounds pretty decent! Honestly, no matter where we live, we're willing to commute into Austin as we have a lifestyle suited for the city but a heart for a historic home.