N, S, E, W...whats the difference?? (Austin, Round Rock: renting, new home)

[melbon7462]

As I was looking at homes on line it wanted to know which area in Austin I perfer. North, south, east, or west! Being that I am not in Austin can someone clarify this! We would like to live near the bigger city where we could work, but would love a calmer neighborhood to live with good schools. I have also heard that there is a big college area in Austin. I would probably perfer not to live near that area! More family friendly for me Anyways I would really appreciate the advice! THANKS

[atlanta hope]

It would help to know where you were working and what kind of commute you could handle. Price range is helpful too.

Are you looking for a new home or an older home?

[melbon7462]

I will be a RN graduate soon and My hubby works in IT. Price Range would be 250,000 ish would perfer a newer home! Would like a commute of no more then 30min...

[Trainwreck20]

RN where? There are Hospitals in about every quadrant, although the largest medical area is north of downtown. Does your hubby have a work location yet? The largest area is probably a little NW, but again, there are IT jobs everywhere.

250k pretty much kicks you out of owning downtown. And, of course, if you do not know where you are going to be, renting for a while is not a bad idea.

[gigi927]

Sounds like you should find a different online search tool that doesn't box you in to actually knowing what part of town you want to be in since you don't know. Try another tool that allows you to search across quadrants. Or, search each quadrant individually so you can see what you get where, or check out the neighborhood map I really like on the Statesman that helps give you a feel for the various areas:

Neighborhoods in Austin, Communities in Austin TX, Austin Subdivisions, Hyde Park, Barton Hills, Shady Hollow & Cat Mountain Statesman Homes

[jco]

I've only been here three weeks, but it sounds like Bratton Hills or Wells Branch in north Austin or Round Rock is what you're looking for. The two neighborhoods I mentioned go to Round Rock schools. I've also heard that a lot of the tech jobs are north, and I know there are hospitals that way! You can get a very nice house for your price (or less... don't forget property taxes in there!).