East Round Rock vs. West Round Rock (Austin, Georgetown: homes, neighborhoods)

[DennyCrane]

I'm planning to move to Austin and have already made up my mind that I want to live in Round Rock. When I was there, I saw a significant difference between East Round Rock (east of I-35) and West Round Rock (west of I-35). I was wondering if someone could spell out the differences between the two. I already saw the difference in home prices, but I was also curious what the differences are in terms of demographics, crime, quality of schools, commutes, etc.

[pbnj07]

See these threads....

http://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...ound-rock.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...ound-rock.html

[TexasHorseLady]

There's good and bad, rich and not-so-rich, neighborhoods on both sides of IH35 in Round Rock. Commute should be pretty close to the same, except that you've got 130 in East Round Rock (toll road) that can speed up the commute to the eastern parts of Austin further south, while you've got the toll road at 45 that swings around to Mopac or across to 620 making for easier access to those parts of the Austin area. Plus, of course, IH35 going right down the middle, and Parmer Lane cutting through all the way up to Georgetown, now, on the west side.

As for schools, check out the various school rating sites, especially the ones where parents can give feedback on schools. The rating and the quality of the school may or may not be allied, depending on the why of the rating and how a particular school's atmosphere and teaching style fits with your particular kid.

Don't be fooled by those with a "that OTHER side of the highway is the wrong side of the tracks and MY side is the right side" attitude, of which there are always some. I've shown lovely homes in lovely neighborhoods on both sides, and not so great homes in not so great neighborhoods on both sides. The differences aren't as simple as East Round Rock and West Round Rock, though it would be nice if it were that easy!

And, welcome to Round Rock!

[mark311]

I agree. You really have to look at Round Rock on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis and not on an East/West basis. The commute times will depend on where you're commuting to and whether or not you need (or want) to use the toll roads to get there.

[jwb123]

I saw a significant difference between East Round Rock (east of I-35) and West Round Rock (west of I-35).

Please share these 'significant' differences! Living here, I totally don't see it. Educate me

Also share where you were, in both areas, if possible. Thanks!!

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by pbnj07

See these threads....

http://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...ound-rock.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...ound-rock.html

Thanks. I did a search, but those threads didn't come up. I must've typed it wrong.

[love roses]

Just click on the links themselves, they will take you straight there. I live in Hutto, next door to Round Rock and sort of near Jenbar. I agree with everyone here. West RR is not better than East RR. Actually, I hadn't ever heard it mentioned as such a few years ago. Much of the difference to me may be in some of the topography, but not much. The only "significant" difference I see when I'm out there is that East side is more developed.

[newrrmom]

Just to simplify and not debate
The E. side homes may have issues with foundations, more then the W. side. I would make sure that is inspected well, when you go to purchase a home.
Just a tip to help people save.....

[love roses]

Yes, beware of Lennar, and I believe Centex. None of the other homebuilders have experienced these problems over here, at least that I know of. I'm in a Legacy and we've had no problems. We have Capital Pacific, Cobblestone, and DR Horton in my neighborhood also and they haven't had any problems either. It's not every neighborhood and every homebuilder out here having that issue; only the 2 I stated.

[springbean]

We live in Teravista, East of I-35 and have been here for 2 years. We haven't noticed any discernable difference between the East and West sides other than the west side is slightly more hilly and has more trees. We live in an area of Round Rock that is experiencing rapid growth, in the past two years we have seen 2 major hospitals, drug stores, Ikea, the Premium Outlet Mall, TGIF Fridays, Chili's, Steak n Shake and JCPenny open. In the coming year a 100,000 sq foot medical complex, an outdoor shopping area with a pond, 2 shopping area, and a gas station will be opening. I-35 and 1431 is quickly becoming the epicenter of all the action in Round Rock.