What's the best public school district in/around Austin? (Round Rock: environment, relocating)

[hts]

We're looking to relocate from N. Virginia (DC suburb) this summer. Right now, we're looking at Portland (if we can get past the 9 months of dreary rain) and Austin.

I don't have a preference right now, as we're still in the fact-finding stage, but my wife seems to be leaning toward Austin ("better weather, no state income tax").

I've done some preliminary research and it appears that both the Eanes and Leander school districts are pretty good. Round Rock also looks decent. Our top three priorities are schools, schools, schools, as we have 6 & 7 year old sons that require an academically-challenging environment (we're not interested in private schools).

I've been to great schools, just for kids, read the recent Texas Monthly article, etc., but would appreciate some local anecdotal insights from those of you that live in/around Austin. Is there one district that is generally recognized as the best all-around school system in Austin? Is there one that levies additional taxes and is therefore funded at a significantly higher level (in terms of $ per student) than the others?

Can you also please recommend some master planned communities with amenities (country club, golf, etc.) that we might consider? I've read about Steiner Ranch on here and it looks fine. Any others to consider? We're probably looking to spend between $750k-$1m on our next home.

[2austin]

Eanes is considered the top school district overall. Realestate in that area is typically the most expensive. But with your budget you should have no problem getting a decent house in that school district.

Leander, RR and Lake Travis are also good school districts to consider.

[2austin]

Oh and btw from what I have learned Senna Hills is most likely the only sub division in Eanes ISD where you can still build your own house under a million. Senna Hills is about 5-6 miles west of 360 loop on Bee Caves Rd. The closer you get to the 360 loop and Mopac, the houses in Eanes ISD become more expensive per sqft and older.

Our kids attend elementary school in Eanes ISD and I am extremely pleased with the school.

[gigi927]

In Eanes you might look at Senna Hills, Barton Creek West, Austin Country Club and the Davenport Ranch area. In Leander, look at River Place, Westminster Glen, Steiner, Twin Creeks and Crystal Falls. All are master planned communities with amenities, golf, etc. I don't know RR well enough to suggest specific communities but I'm sure someone will chime in. Some have newer construction and others are older.

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by hts

Is there one district that is generally recognized as the best all-around school system in Austin?

In Austin that "one" is Eanes. However, there are other school districts that may have schools that are just as good: LTISD, Leander, RRISD. Eanes has the rep as the top one, though, and it is small and exclusive so they can more easily make sure all of their schools are up to a certain standard. Other ISDs have more challenges.

Can you also please recommend some master planned communities with amenities (country club, golf, etc.) that we might consider? I've read about Steiner Ranch on here and it looks fine. Any others to consider? We're probably looking to spend between $750k-$1m on our next home.

You can afford Eanes for that price. Gigi's list of neighborhoods: Senna Hills, Barton Creek West, Davenport, and I'd add Rob Roy are all great areas. Lots of great golf out there -- Barton Creek, Austin Country Club, etc. Look at a map, you'll see.

$750-1M is too much to spend in Steiner, IMO. You'd be on the higher end of the price point there, and that's usually not the best investment unless you are purely interested in the house itself (not the schools, property value, etc). Steiner is very nice, but if you choose that area you should be looking at $500K as the sweet spot.

Also, I'm sure you've already researched this, and everyone always mentions it, but don't forget property taxes. They are about $25K-$30K per year on a 1M house.

[gigi927]

Oops, I meant to say that most have access to golf - but places like Senna Hills are not in actual golf course communities.

[hts]

Actually, I wasn't aware of the astronomically high property tax rates until I did some more research this afternoon. Your numbers look to be fairly accurate. It looks like (for example in Steiner Ranch), the total burder is north of 3% (or $30k/yr annually on a property appraised at $1m). Even in a state with no income tax, that's a heavy burden to bear. This is a significant enough issue that it's got us thinking twice about relocating to Austin after all.

[HappyTexan]

Yes, taxes are high. Lots of families, lots of kids means lots of schools.

[Jaipur]

Eanes, Leander, Lake Travis.

[atlanta hope]

Originally Posted by hts

Actually, I wasn't aware of the astronomically high property tax rates until I did some more research this afternoon. Your numbers look to be fairly accurate. It looks like (for example in Steiner Ranch), the total burder is north of 3% (or $30k/yr annually on a property appraised at $1m). Even in a state with no income tax, that's a heavy burden to bear. This is a significant enough issue that it's got us thinking twice about relocating to Austin after all.

You shouldn't let the property taxes scare you off! It is unfortunate for those of us moving there, that we have to lower our price range to accommodate the taxes. I think it's worth it for the better quality of life we'll have personally. Of course ask me after we've been there a year or two...