Help with narrowing down which Austin neighbourhoods may be a good fit for me (West: houses, neighborhoods)

[riaelise]

Since you're a young singleton, I'm not sure that the northern suburban cities work. The predominate demographic are families, usually with children. However, there are people who live alone in my neighborhood. Commuting is no longer a drag for me once express bus service was implemented using the managed / toll lanes on Mopac. Easy peasy, and I work downtown. My commute is still long to Austin people, but stress free. I'm sleeping or working most of the ride, and spend only 12 minutes behind the wheel (to get to the park and ride). Something to consider.

[Aquitaine]

Rent first if at all possible. The hassle of moving twice in 2 or 3 years is much less than the hassle of selling once you learn the town and decide where you want to be.

We didn't and we should have, but we moved in 2012 so at least had appreciation on the SW Austin house we owned for 3 years. I wouldn't count on quite as much of that today and if you're single then the burden of moving is probably less as well since you haven't accumulated a huge amount of stuff!

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by Heyitsmeyo

If the OP is working downtown, and chooses north instead of south, they will have to live much further out to get the same quality of housing for their budget. I see this dilemma happening a lot, and it has to do with the multiple employment centers in north Austin (Domain, UT, Samsung, Dell, Research Blvd, etc.) that are driving up prices. I work downtown, and about 2/3 of the people I work with live south of the river. Those who want a nice spacious house in a nice neighborhood for 350K have to travel all the way to Williamson county (15 miles north) to find what you can find 8 miles south.

Some things are a trade off, and a single person probably doesn’t need a lawn, great schools, etc. I wouldn’t trade my old single life in Central Austin for all the crabgrass in Williamson AND Hays Counties!

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by Heyitsmeyo

If the OP is working downtown, and chooses north instead of south, they will have to live much further out to get the same quality of housing for their budget. I see this dilemma happening a lot, and it has to do with the multiple employment centers in north Austin (Domain, UT, Samsung, Dell, Research Blvd, etc.) that are driving up prices. I work downtown, and about 2/3 of the people I work with live south of the river. Those who want a nice spacious house in a nice neighborhood for 350K have to travel all the way to Williamson county (15 miles north) to find what you can find 8 miles south.

Agree with this. The south suburbs are going to be better than far north suburbs and the prices will be equivalent. However north austin (quail creek) which is gentrifying and the areas by parmer arent bad at all for commutes and will have comparable pricing. Also the areas by oak knoll west of 183 are also in the price range with the square footage the OP requested.

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by pop251808

Some things are a trade off, and a single person probably doesn’t need a lawn, great schools, etc. I wouldn’t trade my old single life in Central Austin for all the crabgrass in Williamson AND Hays Counties!

OP specifically stated he wants a house of at least 1500 square feet and a nice backyard. Best to actually pay attention to what they've stated they're seeking instead of what you think you'd be seeking.

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by A-Tex

OP specifically stated he wants a house of at least 1500 square feet and a nice backyard. Best to actually pay attention to what they've stated they're seeking instead of what you think you'd be seeking.

Sometimes advice to a newcomer might include some basic information that lets them know that they MIGHT be off on the wrong foot.
Example: most of Austin didn't have houses of 1500 square feet or so for much of the city's history. Looking for something that sounds good on HGTV or "back home" might mean you miss out on much of the best of Austin. Everyone can do what they want, of course.

[ScoPro]

Lots of activity in the Lakeline/Cedar Park area that might appeal to the OP.
The "best of Austin" doesn't necessarily mean the same thing to everybody.

As stated by most posters here for years, renting for awhile until the newcomer gets his/her bearings & acclimates is probably the best option prior to buying a house.

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by pop251808

Sometimes advice to a newcomer might include some basic information that lets them know that they MIGHT be off on the wrong foot.
Example: most of Austin didn't have houses of 1500 square feet or so for much of the city's history. Looking for something that sounds good on HGTV or "back home" might mean you miss out on much of the best of Austin. Everyone can do what they want, of course.

The OP stated specifically what they wanted. You're not being remotely helpful forcing your opinions of what you'd want on them. Especially since their budget essentially eliminates central austin. Go back under your bridge. You're not being helpful.

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by A-Tex

The OP stated specifically what they wanted. You're not being remotely helpful forcing your opinions of what you'd want on them. Especially since their budget essentially eliminates central austin. Go back under your bridge. You're not being helpful.

Hey, it matters not a whit to me, I already have a place to live. But I sure wish people on this thread would quit representing the far suburbs in neighboring counties as "Austin."

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by pop251808

Hey, it matters not a whit to me, I already have a place to live. But I sure wish people on this thread would quit representing the far suburbs in neighboring counties as "Austin."

Hey, I live in Brushy Creek - an unincorporated community - up here in Wilco on the west side of Round Rock. Avery Ranch to the north of me and Davis Spring to the west of me were annexed by the City of Austin years ago.
Even though I am not in the City of Austin's limits, or even its ETJ, my neighborhood's mailing address is an Austin post office (much to my chagrin).
I think Wilco south of Brushy Creek Road is mostly in the CoA limits. That may include a part of the Lakeline area.

So yes, some of the far suburbs in this neighboring county are in fact the City of Austin.

This has been a public service announcement, so no charge for the information.