DFW to Australia back to TX (Austin, Lubbock: low crime, house, school district)

[MelNSW]

Looking for information on where the best place to live in the Central Texas area would be for two TX certified teachers (secondary History,ELA,ESL) who would like to return to TX after a stint overseas in Australia.

We are looking for:
1. relatively low crime
2. reasonable cost of living (having lived in DFW area, I understand the property taxes)
3. 15-60 miles from Austin
4. decent house at reasonable price ($100-115K) - looking at realtor site online I'm seeing several candidates
5. outside activities (hiking, bike trails etc) - or at least within reasonable driving distance.

We're still considering a return to DFW area but really wanted to investigate Central Texas area. Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown area looked decent from what we've seen online, but then again we're several thousand miles away and can't check the facts in person.

Also open to comments on Lubbock, Littlefield, Canyon, Amarillo for those who may have lived there in the near past...

Thanks for the help!

[Spookmeister]

Hutto, Taylor, Manor or Bastrop would be my suggestions.

[MelNSW]

Thanks - I'll do some research on those.. That looks like the general area I was thinking about too..

[Rnelson]

Originally Posted by MelNSW

Thanks - I'll do some research on those.. That looks like the general area I was thinking about too..

Dripping springs would be your best choose if your a teacher. Word is that they are hiring new teachers all the time. Its a better school district and better on the eyes "rolling hills" Also wimberly is a great small town close to Austin should have no problems finding something in your price range.

[MelNSW]

Thanks for your suggestions. I do like the idea of smaller towns within driving distance of a larger town. I hadn't looked at Wimberly, but I'll check it out right now...