homes in Austin

[Trainwreck20]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I've personally been waiting to see if Birmingham would end up catching the growth virus after all the 'premier' mid-sized cities either grew too large or became too expensive (or both) .. .. but yes you are right, B'Ham actually has some nice areas surrounding it.

I did a stint out there for work, back when the city was going bankrupt. Lots of crooked politics going on there and quite a bit of crime, or at least there was at the time. The area is beautiful, though.

[Need4Camaro]

Main issue for me with Chicago is the weather. I couldn't handle their winters for very long.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by codemc

What would you do if you couldn't afford your ideal home in Austin? Would you buy a smaller home in Austin or move to the outskirts?

Or would it make more sense to move to Ft Worth/Dallas/San Antonio/Houston to get a larger home?

(Budget is @ $450)

First world problems, I know.

There is no "right" answer, as it depends a lot on your commuting needs, lifestyle, and a lot of things you haven't stated. Also, a "good decision" today may not age well as our needs all change over time.


But it is worth computing the entire Cost of Ownership for your various options. In the old days, the real estate saying "driving until you can afford it" actually worked very well for many. Not so much anymore as the actual cost of commuting (when properly computing all of the elements) often washes out the "cheaper" purchase price of a home for 2-income commuting couples.



And if you really want the "vibe" of living "in" Austin, it's better, as mentioned upthread, to my the smallest house you can affordin an area you want and learn to live with less space.

[riaelise]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

There is no "right" answer, as it depends a lot on your commuting needs, lifestyle, and a lot of things you haven't stated. Also, a "good decision" today may not age well as our needs all change over time.


But it is worth computing the entire Cost of Ownership for your various options. In the old days, the real estate saying "driving until you can afford it" actually worked very well for many. Not so much anymore as the actual cost of commuting (when properly computing all of the elements) often washes out the "cheaper" purchase price of a home for 2-income commuting couples.



And if you really want the "vibe" of living "in" Austin, it's better, as mentioned upthread, to my the smallest house you can affordin an area you want and learn to live with less space.

It really does depend WHERE you live in Austin, though, to get that "vibe" (whatever that is any more).

Simply having an Austin zipcode doesn't make for having the "vibe". Who can really tell the difference between parts of Austin adjacent to Cedar Park and Cedar Park? SW Austin and Dripping?

And with remote work, that saying doesn't really apply anymore. I know very few in my neighborhood commute into Austin or commute at all. I'm the only one on my block, and that is three days out of the week, not 5. I've cut my car wear and tear bill and transit costs too.

[TX Rover]

Originally Posted by cheeva

Birmingham's murder rate outpaces Chicago, Washington DC, Detroit

https://abc3340.com/news/local/birmi...-washington-dc

but hey, at least it's not Jackson, MS. Highest per capita murder rate in the US.

https://www.wlbt.com/2022/01/01/anal...ks-highest-us/


seriously though, I've heard nearby Chatanooga was underrated.

Almost all violent crime is committed by people known to the victim. I use actual real life experience.

[cheeva]

Originally Posted by TX Rover

Almost all violent crime is committed by people known to the victim. I use actual real life experience.

All the more reason not to get acquainted with you.

[TX Rover]

Originally Posted by cheeva

All the more reason not to get acquainted with you.

SMH. Go back to your outdated stats and rants.

[rangergrit]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

The taxes will accrue over time (with 8% simple interest) but they will be paid out of the estate (if you die) or the sales price (if you sell).

I think the interest rate is 5%, not 8%.

[Trainwreck20]

Originally Posted by rangergrit

I think the interest rate is 5%, not 8%.

I believe you are correct. I think it was 8% some long time ago, but I did notice Harris county was 5%. I did not check whether that was a state-mandated interest rate or could vary somewhat by county.