Austin's MOST DESIRABLE Neighborhoods (Highland Park, West: homes, elementary school, property taxes)

[mesmer]

Through friends and such, I've heard of houses selling in all sorts of areas (not necessarily central) at or above asking within hours or days of going on the market. That's pretty much the norm right now. It's really dependent on Austin's economy - if it's still great here in 3-5 years, then you'll be able to sell easily. If the economy isn't as good, being more central or near good schools will allow you to sell quicker, but not necessarily for more money than you paid.

Had a friend who sold their house in central austin - had to wait from 2011 to 2012 so they wouldn't be underwater because they bought the last time prices were high and their neighborhood was hot. It worked out fine - prices shot up so much they ended up making money after all. But being in a desirable neighborhood didn't help them as much at first as they thought it would.

[centralaustinite]

Any time the time horizon is short (under five years) the risk is great. My neighborhood is hot right now (and is very central) but from 2008-2010, it was tough going if you had to sell. External factors can matter a lot!

[CptnRn]

The most desirable area in my opinion is Mirador Drive in the Foothills of Barton Creek. Hilltop sites with long views over the greenbelts.

[Westerner92]

I think the answer is yes.

[steve78757]

As far is central is concerned, off the top of my head.

Pemberton Heights
Downtown
Tarrytown
Hyde Park
Clarksville
Westlake
Travis Heights
North University or West Campus (if you really, really like to party)


Brykerwoods
Rosedale
Bouldin Creek
Barton Hills
Allendale
NW Hills


Cherrywood
French Place
Crestview/Brentwood
Close-in Eastside

[amsmith825]

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate all the advice. Centrally located would be ideal and with a budget around $850,000 or so. Schools are important with at least the elementary school being "exemplary" or rated 10 on Great Schools ideal. Lower property taxes are ideal. Also, awe would love to be in a tight knit community if possible. As we will be transplants from out of state, we would love to know and hang out with our neighbors (block parties, BBQ's, kids play groups, etc.). Also, we are looking for something completely updated... maybe 3000-3600 sq feet being ideal... over 4000 is too much for us. No desire to furnish, clean, heat/cool a McMansion.

Am I allowed to ask on here if you guys have any great realtor references? Do you choose different realtors that specialize in different pockets or get a general realtor that knows the whole area? We want someone who knows of pre-listings and is willing to go the extra mile to get us a home in this competitive market. Thanks!

[mesmer]

Originally Posted by amsmith825

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate all the advice. Centrally located would be ideal and with a budget around $850,000 or so. Schools are important with at least the elementary school being "exemplary" or rated 10 on Great Schools ideal. Lower property taxes are ideal. Also, awe would love to be in a tight knit community if possible. As we will be transplants from out of state, we would love to know and hang out with our neighbors (block parties, BBQ's, kids play groups, etc.). Also, we are looking for something completely updated... maybe 3000-3600 sq feet being ideal... over 4000 is too much for us. No desire to furnish, clean, heat/cool a McMansion.

Am I allowed to ask on here if you guys have any great realtor references? Do you choose different realtors that specialize in different pockets or get a general realtor that knows the whole area? We want someone who knows of pre-listings and is willing to go the extra mile to get us a home in this competitive market. Thanks!

Central, updated and large are not things that go hand in hand. Most of your centrally located houses are going to be under 2500 sq ft, so that's going to restrict you more than anything else, except for maybe school requirements.

There are some rare (exactly one for sale right now), large (over 3000 sq ft.), new (less than five years old) houses in the Mueller development, but the schools there are recognized and not exemplary.

Here's a list of exemplary and recognized schools in AISD: http://archive.austinisd.org/schools...12/ELEM_en.pdf

Eanes ISD is considered the best ISD in the area, and there's plenty of large houses that way. I have no idea what resale looks like over there though. Good luck!

[capcat]

Highland Park/ West Balcones would be worth a look.

[centralaustinite]

You could maybe get into Tarrytown at that price level. Super central, good schools (Casis, O'Henry, Austin HS), size and degree of remodel might be tricky.

Otherwise, Highland Park and NW Hills.

Get a good realtor who is experienced with Central Austin.

[amsmith825]

Is there anything that fits the bill (above) that also has views... either of the hills or lake?