where are the cool kids buying houses? (Austin, Miles: rent, townhomes)
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In what neighborhoods are unconventional, childless 30-40 somethings buying houses in the 150-160,000 range.
I know someone's going to say the east side, but it's just not pretty, and really not that cheap for what you get. I'm kind of shocked at the home prices over there.
Should I stick to the south / southwest? What areas?
What type of lifestyle are you after; outdoors, nightlife, arts, etc? I think someone nailed it when they said most houses in your price range are probably further OUT and away from the activites and types of PEOPLE you want to meet and hang with. Not to say you can't find a deal hidden central, but probably won't be "turnkey" renovated. Are you interested in fixing up a place yourself? Waaay south, I picture young families in starter homes. Bottom line, do you want to be near the "action" in and around downtown?
This is kinda fun to play with (2009? data, so prob off on market values, but still get feel for the demographics; dive into the neighborhoods and figure out where all the DINKs and SINKs live:
There are pockets of great places to live, hidden in several central neighborhoods. How far south is work?
Also, have you considered investing and occupying half of a duplex (rent out the other half)? Such a strong rental market now. Wonder what that market is like....
Last edited by mayfair44; 08-10-2012 at 07:30 PM..
I really wish we had more of the townhouse-type places centrally, that are like brownstones. I know there would be a market for it. I see these in other Texas cities. Not everyone wants to live in a highrise or apartment-style condo.
Kinda sorta? At least that's the "inspiration" they're selling...
"Distinctive townhomes inspired by the brownstones of the Northeast with our own Central Texas flair. The cozy front porch offers an inviting entry and the detached garage creates a private rear courtyard just right for that barbeque. Carefree living only minutes from downtown, their great range of sizes fits any urban lifestyle."
The moderator deleted a listing that I ran across, but I went to austinhomesearch and realtyaustin and put in $150-180k (high but just to see) and only focused on Austin and found a couple of promising things. One was near Mueller and one was close to Shady Hollow, I believe (now I cannot remember), but bottom line is that I did fine a few things which means if you get a good realtor and keep your eyes open that you can find something pretty decent.
I have found a few in this price range in South Austin, even north of Wm. Cannon. I guess I prefer close to Mopac, because you can just hop on and be downtown.
As far as lifestyle, I'd like to live in an area where there are trees and foliage, but close enough to downtown to not be 30 min away. I'm not expecting to bike downtown or anything, but a cab ride that isn't astronomical would be nice, after a night out. I might be living alone, so safety is important, as far as problems with home burglaries. I used to rent in Barton Hills and that neighborhood has them all the time now. Seems like it's everywhere. But it feels like South Austin is safer in general than East Austin. Am I wrong?
East Austin is OK until you have kids. Then its not fine and you pay for private school, find a charter, or move. More than anything else, that's what drives the price differential.
I have found a few in this price range in South Austin, even north of Wm. Cannon. I guess I prefer close to Mopac, because you can just hop on and be downtown.
As far as lifestyle, I'd like to live in an area where there are trees and foliage, but close enough to downtown to not be 30 min away. I'm not expecting to bike downtown or anything, but a cab ride that isn't astronomical would be nice, after a night out. I might be living alone, so safety is important, as far as problems with home burglaries. I used to rent in Barton Hills and that neighborhood has them all the time now. Seems like it's everywhere. But it feels like South Austin is safer in general than East Austin. Am I wrong?
So it sounds like you prefer S/SW. You'd like DT/Central to be accessible, but perhaps, not looking to head out every night. I would think a cab from DT to south at least to William Cannon has to be >$20, if that doesn't sound bad. It's nice too if you can mix in other means, like cap metro or car2go- ie take a bus or car2go on the way out. Jump in a cab on the way home. Or, there are late night buses (night owl) that quickly get you back to your hood for cheap, like:
Then again, why bother with DT, when you've got PLENTY of things to do south, although if you've rented off So Lamar, I probably don't need to remind you.
Re burglaries, like you said, seems everywhere, and can happen anywhere. Most would agree that the eastside, OVERALL, can be sketchier in parts. You can find pockets of bad in S/SW too. IMO there are several sweet spots, that are safe, east of 35. Need awareness about securing your stuff and surroundings, no matter where you land unfortunately. That might further dictate if you'd feel safer in a condo/townhome (complex) vs single family too. Can research actual crime stats before you decide (search threads on here for recommended sites).
Nothing wrong with renting and area first short term, to see if it fits long term too. Good luck!
Short answer: the part of Northeast Austin just north of Mueller: Windsor Park, University Hills: mostly 60s ranches, walking/biking distance to Austin cool spots like Nomad, Carousel Lounge, five miles or so to downtown and possible to find a 3/2 in reasonable condition with a bit of mid-century modern cool, some on .25 acre lots for under 170K. Much cleaner looking and bigger houses and lots than the "really cool" parts of East Austin south of MLK and cheaper: a mix of grad students, artists, musicians, young families and old timers. The pocket neighborhoods just east of Cameron road, south of 183 and north of 51st street: it varies from block to block. Check out the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association website: Windsor Park - Content
Yup, we live in Windsor Park and the commute can't be beat. The only thing we don't like about it is the neighborhood school, which isn't an issue for you. We bought our place 7 years ago (3 bedroom, 1250 sq ft) for 162K. Now I think you could probably find something for 170-180K.
concerning south austin and transportation downtown. i live on south congress (south of 71) and take the bus downtown on a regular basis. it's pretty frequent (until midnight) and on time. for returning after a night out don't forget the night owl bus. leaves from 6h and congress and goes down south congress, south first, and south lamar. must be popular because capmetro is increasing the frequency to half-hourly.
concerning south austin and transportation downtown. i live on south congress (south of 71) and take the bus downtown on a regular basis. it's pretty frequent (until midnight) and on time. for returning after a night out don't forget the night owl bus. leaves from 6h and congress and goes down south congress, south first, and south lamar. must be popular because capmetro is increasing the frequency to half-hourly.
Schedule changes 8/19 I think. Good points. I don't commute, but mostly ride DT to go out, and usually have to grab a cab home if it's too late. Nice to see the night owl increased. Less DUI on the streets! But wait, is that a bad thing for APD revenues? Nah, the "stigma" of public transpo will keep plenty driving, parking, drinking, then driving home....
Truth be told a lot of the "cool kids" are turned off by the notion of home ownership these days. We'll have to see if they change their minds as the rents go up.......
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