What area in Austin? (Round Rock, Cedar Park: apartment complexes, renters, houses)

[gotwag]

I was wondering what areas in Austin are best to live in. I have a 14 year old daughter going into 9th grade so an area that is safe and has a good school nearby would be nice. We also have 2 dogs. Any suggestions?

[TexasHorseLady]

A lot depends on where you are going to be working due to travel time considerations, and also what other interests you have that you might want to pursue. Are you more into outdoor activities or going to restaurants? Do you want to be close to downtown or would you prefer being a little further out? Do you want to be in Austin proper or would one of the suburbs be preferable (or okay)?

What price range are we talking about, and are we talking about renting or buying, and if renting, apartment or duplex or house?

[gotwag]

Well, I am going to be going to school for my nursing degree. I am a outdoor person for sure and It is not important to be downtown. Suburbs, great! I am renting first. Hopefully a house but a duplex would work to. Since I am a single mother going to school I am hoping for to find something under $1000... if I can.

[TexasHorseLady]

In that price range, that allow pets, what's popping up on the MLS is mostly duplexes, with few houses. If you're going to UT to study nursing, then you'll want to be reasonably close, but schools are an issue, as well, you say. There are a few houses in the Leander school district, out in Cedar Park, and that school district is spoken well of, though I'd recommend you research the schools yourself. There's some houses in Hutto, and some duplexes in the Lake South area (Lake Travis ISD). That would put you out near the lake which would feed your outdoor interests. Duplexes in Round Rock - another good district, I've heard, though my youngest is 24 so I can't speak from recent experience.

[centralaustinite]

Humm . . . you might try the Highland neighborhood, just north of Hyde Park Very close to UT. And the high school is McCallum a diverse and academically solid school. Rents should be cheaper there than in Hyde Park proper.

See if there is a coordinator at the nursing school who helps their students find rentals. Solid dependable renters are always in demand and you might just find a below-market rent in someplace like Enfield, Zilker, or Barton Hills (all go to Austin High).

A surprising number of apartment complexes take pets. Don't rule that out.

Good luck!

s

[gotwag]

Thanks!!! I will look into it. Any one else have other suggestions?

[texastea]

You could also look for a rental in the Westwood High School attendance zone (Round Rock ISD but Austin city limits) That wouldn't be too far to drive and the school is really good.