Mesa, AZ relocating to Austin area (Round Rock, Georgetown: renting, new home, buying)

[Tram]

I have accepted a job offer from a reputable company and requires me to relocate to the Austin area.

My wife & I are second generation natives here in AZ and our kids are third generation (time to break the cycle) People we have been talking to and the Realtor have recommend Round Rock or Georgetown. The cost is a little lower than Austin and has the family atmosphere.

A co-worker told me about this site and I thought what a great place to ask such questions. We have looked at the compare cities and got some basic information comparing Mesa to Round Rock. We're a bit excited to be moving to a bible belt area, where people say yes sir, yes mam and don't look at you like you have a third eye when you hold a door open for someone.

The wife will have the harder time adjusting to the move as she has never left home. I lived on a ship for four years and have been to a handful of countries

We're tied between buying or renting, with the low interest rates and all.

Thoughts, comments or questions?

[EzPeterson]

Big factor in your decision on location will be your commute and ideal housing budget. Sharing that information will help the collective group provide targeted advice.

Just FYI, I don't know if I'd truly quantify Austin as a "bible belt" area - a bit more than Mesa, for sure, but not quite Central Alabama! The door thing for sure is present, and folks will be as friendly as what you put out!

[FalconheadWest]

Where will the job be located? There's a big difference in Round Rock and Georgetown when it comes to distance into "town" for the job. What's the price point you're trying to stay around? Cedar Park might be an option as well depending on the answers to the above questions.

[Tram]

The job is located @ 5300 Guarita Court Austin, TX 78727. I am used to a 26 mile drive and could do that or less. Were looking to spending up to $160k ish... for a 4 bedroom. Oh and the bible belt comment was from the Realtor not me

[FalconheadWest]

To work there and wanting under $160k, I would do East Round Rock or Pflugerville. I wouldn't go up to Georgetown. Here, it's not about the miles distance to and from places. It's about drive-time to places...

[EzPeterson]

Pflugerville and RR are definitely going to give you some options. You might even be able to find something in the Anderson Woods area too, but that would be an older home, likely in need of some real updates. PVille will give you some newer construction, with a quick shot down 45 Toll to Parmer, you could be at work in 20 minutes. I'd second the notion to steer clear of G'Town for your situation, that commute would be a headache - there's a pretty good bottleneck at the intersection of IH-35/620/45Toll that would wear on you a bit, IMO.

[Tram]

Great information, keep it coming
Oh, the wife said we can't move to RR because there is no Costco! rofl

[EzPeterson]

There's a Costco just around the corner from where you'll be working, and another being built at 1431/183 in Cedar Park.

Speaking of Cedar Park, there might be some options around there as well, and it's about the same drive as Pflugerville.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Tram

Great information, keep it coming
Oh, the wife said we can't move to RR because there is no Costco! rofl

There is a Costco not far south of where you will be working, so anywhere in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander would be wise. I don't think there is a Costco anywhere near Georgetown, at least Google maps can't find one.

I'd recommend renting in that area for a year before buying, so you get a chance to know the areas better.

I once lived in the Mesa, Tempe AZ area. I think you will like Texas much more.

[Tram]

I want to thank all of you for your input, I will be leaving Arizona this weekend and am excited to see my new home (renting). I have been hearing nothing but great things about the Austin area and many are jealous of my departure.