Round Rock, Manor, Leander, or Pflugerville (Austin, Cedar Park: HOA, houses, purchase)

[Zaylannie]

My family of 3 is moving to Austin later this year and have been trying to research some areas. I have been looking online at houses in Round Rock, Manor, Leander, and Pflugerville. We have 2 cats and a small dog. I have read on some of these forums about HOA restrictions on pets and am looking to purchase a house in a nice subdivision. Does anyone have any suggestions and more information about the HOAs?

[dclboro]

We are moving into Plantation Homes subdivision of Vista Ridge. It seems to be a great community. Being teachers my, husband and I both love the school district as well. We have a dog and we don't have any restrictions with her. It was a great experience working with this company.

[TexasHorseLady]

Many HOA's have their restrictions online these days and that might help you zero in on ones that you'd be comfortable in. Also, more information about your interests, where you're likely to be working and thus commuting to, are schools an issue, what price range are you thinking of, that kind of thing, would help us to point you in a good direction to get started on your search for an Austin-area home.

[jeffari-al-texani]

My HOA in Round Rock would not allow me to install a klaxon at our house...I mean it was specifically outlawed...

heck, I'd never even thought of installing one until they told me I couldn't...now it's my goal in life...a klaxon in my house...

[texastea]

I'll post some pro's and con's for Leander and maybe others will for their town...

Pros:
Its small, so its easy to get involved, rub shoulders with city leaders, have a voice.
You get more for your money...same builders, same homes cost less here.
Architectual codes, building codes and zoning mean that the appearance of the area is improving as it grows.
Downtown redevelopment is underway.
Commuter train starts running this fall, but right now we have express bus routes from a nice Park & Ride
Transit Oriented Development is planned
Good police dept and fire dept
Austin Community College has decided to look for property here for a future campus
We're not near I35.
Hill country views
4th of July celebration is top notch
Concerts and movies in the park
ALL the public schools are good--I would send my child to any of them.
2 private schools
Economically diverse - million dollar homes and homes still under 100,000.

Cons:
Water is expensive
Still lots of eyesores
Taxes are at the higher end
Most shopping is in Cedar Park or Round Rock (although the outlets in RR and Lakeline Mall are both 10 minutes from my house)
Growth seems to have slowed a little

[neddy]

I have a Leander address but not the high water bill! (At last!) I moved into the Summerlyn subdivison and it uses Chisholm Trail Water and my bill last month with brand new grass so watering all the time was 30 bucks. Love that after having the high city bills. Taxes are at the higher end but with Cedar Park almost built all the way out it makes me wonder where they are going to get the money they make right now with permits...