"Nice" rentals near Tarrytown? (Austin, Clarksville: house, live in, to move)

[NC_newcomer]

Help!

After 30 years, I'm going to move back to Austin to be nearby my parents, who are in their 80s and live in Tarrytown. I will move as soon as I sell my house in the Raleigh, NC area.

I will rent in Austin, at least for the first 6 months. Requirements:

• near Tarrytown (Clarksville? Zilker? Hyde Park? Brykerwoods? No further out than Murchison area to the NW)
• Suitable for a 50-ish professional female, so not a student ghetto
• Pleasant and well maintained (I am willing to pay up to $1200/mo for a 1 or 2 BR place)
• Allows a well-behaved 65-lb dog (small patio would be nice)
• Safe, safe, safe!

I'd like to avoid large complexes if possible.

I will be making my monthly trip to Austin in two weeks, and will scope out options then. Suggestions?

Any feedback on The Gables at Town Lake or by Central Market?

Finally, I'm keeping an eye on Craig's list -- where else should I look for listings? The AAS doesn't seem to have much other than big complexes.

Thanks!