Divorced Flight Attendant Considering Austin (Dallas, Clarksville: apartments, rentals, condos)

[Moacyr]

Help.
Okay, not that my parameters are too narrow, or anything , but I have a few wants:

I don't have to be near the airport as I go to work once a week. The commute isn't a problem. What is important is Life. Food. Bookstores (independents are best). Restaurants. Museums. Small film houses. My road bike problem (any cyclists out there??). . . . Suburbs might be an option, if there are any worth looking at (??), but I don't have kids, and schools aren't of any concern.

Presently, I live in Durango, CO and will be leaving because of the commute. I have lived in Dallas, Miami, UK, CA, etc., and am looking for somewhere new. I would love to hear any suggestions you sages are willing to make.
Best regards, and thanks.

[Phisch]

Speaking as a non-sage (can't say I fall in the category), you could try Circle C area or nearby. The main reason would be because of the veloway we have out here. I've not been, but if the parked cars are any indication, it's pretty popular. Lots of places in Austin do have bike paths, though. So long as you don't mind a drive, you can easily find a place that's biker-friendly.

[gigi927]

I'd ask what your housing budget is first, and whether you plan to rent or buy. Circle C is great esp. with the veloway, but if you want to walk to independent bookstores, restaurants and filmhouses it may not be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a really tight budget some of the areas where that stuff is within walking distance may (or may not) be out of your reach.

[Moacyr]

Thanks for the info.
Budget? Budget . . . budget. Dunno.
I plan to rent first, learn about the neighborhoods. Buying first in a new (unknown) area is almost always a mistake, in my experience. I was lucky in Durango, but, still I think I should've rented first.

When looking, I avoid new areas. I like the character of an older neighborhood. If anything leaps to mind, I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks again.

[GunnarSvg]

Originally Posted by Moacyr

Thanks for the info.
Budget? Budget . . . budget. Dunno.
I plan to rent first, learn about the neighborhoods. Buying first in a new (unknown) area is almost always a mistake, in my experience. I was lucky in Durango, but, still I think I should've rented first.

When looking, I avoid new areas. I like the character of an older neighborhood. If anything leaps to mind, I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks again.

Check out the Hyde Park area (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyde_Park,_Austin,_Texas or http://austin.smallplanetguide.com/r...n_neighborhood ).

[Moacyr]

Anyone have any opinions on Lakewood?

[elduderino38]

I think you would like the Zilker Park area in South Austin or Clarksville just on the North side of the river.

Circle would be great if you were a soccer Mom.

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by Moacyr

Anyone have any opinions on Lakewood?

Lakewood off 360? Very nice, scenic neighborhood with great road biking access right from your door (although be very careful on 360 - it's not as safe as it was, unless you ride very early or mid-day when everyone is at work) ... also excellent mountain biking in the area. However, no retail or restaurants within walking distance. You could get in your car and drive 5 minutes to the Arboretum, though.

You might check out NW Hills, Allandale, Bryker woods, Barton Hills.. those are cyclist friendly and walkable, and you can get to some more serious road biking routes without too much trouble. Hyde Park, too, although you'll get a bit more campus atmosphere. You may or may not want that...

Heck, just call up http://bicyclesportshop.com/ and ask them where they'd recommend living! They'll probably be happy to give you some ideas. Or check out http://www.austinflyers.com and see where they do their rides...

[Rae']

For access to the South/West bike loops I would be somewhere north of 1826, south of the river, close to either side of MoPac (Loop 1)...maybe off Brodie Lane. Depends if you want to ride from your apt or just close to drive to. I've seen many apartments, duplexes, townhomes, and condos in this area, also convenient to 71 to get to the airport.
and fyi...a lot of the cars that park at the veloway are riding on surrounding roads, not necessarily the veloway, it's a common meeting place and warm-up ride.
There are some nice areas West, like off 360 and Southwest Parkway, but these areas are accessible from the above area, as well.
Just curious...do you race or tri?