school districts (Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park: house, neighborhoods, to buy)

[new in town]

Hello,

We are moving to austin from fairfield county, ct. Planning to buy a house, not to exceed 450, at least 2500 sq feet. Have 2 small kids and choosing good school ditrict is very important for us. Our friends, who live in great hills area, trying to convince us to buy house nearby and try to get our kids into magnet schools for middle and high school. I am not sure if Eanes school district would be better and if we could afford it. Also, shorter commute to the city is a big factor for us. We've only been to Austin one. Greatly appreciate if someone can comment on the public school situation. Thanks.

[love roses]

Eanes is the best district around. Lake Travis would be number 2 on that list, I believe. All the other school districts are good. Elgin is probably lowest on the totem pole, and some in AISD.

[mimimomx3]

Don't forget to look at private schools also so you know all your options. Too many people I know have bought $$ homes in Eanes only to find out that they don't like the school district for whatever reason and chose to go private...there goes the fortune in property taxes they have to pay. I'm not saying that private is better than Eanes, necessarily, just know all your options. Good luck.

[Trainwreck20]

Most likely, the house that you want will not be in your price range in Eanes. Great Hills is AISD, but has a pretty good network of schools. A co-worker of mine sent their children to private school for years, but finally decided to go public and are very pleased with Anderson HS.

[new in town]

Thank you for the response. What is the lowest realistic price in Eanes school district for a good house (family of 4)? Did anybody have personal positive/negative experience with Austin magnet schools - ( getting into the schools, safety of the neighborhoods they are in, satisfaction with the school environment, etc,etc) . What is the difference in property taxes between Eanes and Austin school districts? How would you compare Eanes neighborhood and Great Hills geographically- proximity to downtown (we both will work there), shopping, driving to children's activitis, pars, etc.

[2austin]

Eanes is the most desirable ISD in Austin. Yes, some can argue that certain elementary or middle schools in other ISDs are as good as Eanes. But for those parents with kids that will go through all school levels, I think Eanes is the best bet. All their schools are exemplary.

You "might" be able to get into Eanes ISD under 500k if you are looking for 2500sqft and can live with a smaller lots, no view and older construction. Moderator cut: advertising

Most good school neighborhoods have average taxes of 2.7%. I have seen some with taxes as low as 2.2%, such as Falconhead in Lake Travis ISD.

[atxcio]

Ask your realtor to look in the following Westlake / Eanes neighborhoods, there are usually a few listings around $450K. It will likely be older construction, but a decent size lot and possibly around 2500 sq ft:

- Lost Creek
- Woods of Westlake
- Beecave Woods
- Woodhaven

Austin ISD's current tax rate is $1.163 per $100. Eanes is $1.2025 per $100. So for a $450K house, the difference is $5411.25 for Eanes vs $5233.50 for AISD. It will actually be a few hundred less with your homestead exemption.
The other property taxes you will pay vary on the neighborhood; whether it's City of Austin, Westlake Hills, or in a MUD.

[Plazamazda]

I would look into Leander ISD in Cedar Park. A lot more bang for your buck and many of the schools are exemplary. I personally think Eanes is equal to Leander(Cedar Park), Round Rock, or Lake Travis ISD's.

[DarleneMontgomery]

Hi!
On Eanes...I just pulled up your criteria in MLS and 7 homes fit what you're looking for: 2500+sf, less than 450K. 1 is new, 1 built in 2002, 1 in 1999 and the others were built in the 70s/80s. Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD have excellent schools as well. Westwood High School (Round Rock, just north of Great Hills area) was ranked among the top High Schools in the nation, even above Westlake High. You can get more for your money in Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock too.

[DarleneMontgomery]

This may be helpful to you. A list of public and private schools and their ratings. (Copy/Paste from- http to .pdf )
http://www.austintitle.com/eflyers/r...20Enrolled.pdf