78741 between Oltorf and Woodward east of 81 (Austin, Spring: real estate, homes, condos)

[Pdx]

Hello, happy to have found this helpful forum.

We're semi-retired, looking to move to Austin, as winter Texans, and we are looking at some 2bd/1-2ba condos
with garage in the 78741 area off Timberwood Dr, Timber Ridge Rd.. Could anyone tell us anything about that neighborhood?

We're looking to be within a bike ride to SoCo. Wanting a safe, walkable neighborhood.
Just the two of us, to stay about 6 months a year, store some belongings while we travel, and lock it up or rent it the other 6 months.

[austin-steve]

Hi Pdx,

The area you are asking about is just east of IH35, very close to downtown. The Timber Ridge condos are a nice, older community and you'll find a mix of students (close to the UT shuttle), singles, young couples and probably some empty nesters as well.

That area hasn't yet become one of the "hot" areas in Austin (it's MLS area 9), but I personally think it will soon because it's such a great location, convenient to everything.

Further east of Timber Ridge are some old 60's neighborhoods with ranch style homes, and some duplexes. Further southeast are some rougher areas with 4-plexes. North of Oltorf is a nice residential pocket off both side of Parker Lane with a good demographic mix.

For the purpose you are describing, I think you've found a very good candidate area to be looking for reasonably priced seasonaly digs. You would find very good walking across IH35 into Travis Heights (Stacy Park) or around St. Edwards University.

The main downside I would think would that you're right in some high traffic areas that close to IH35, but those are very affordable condos.

[Pdx]

Thanks, Austin-Steve.
The neighborhood did look older but kept-up...and further southeast we noticed it seemed rougher.
We'll check out North of Oltorf on both sides of Parker Lane. And thanks for sharing your opinion re: MLS#9.
We'll look to rent (this Spring or Fall)*, while scouting the neighborhoods, with the plan to buy a condo as an investment
as well as our southern homebase. Any other areas we ought to check-out, that's not "Hot" yet?
How did the real estate market do here last Fall?
*(We're wondering if we should
step up our search now, or if waiting 'til September is OK.)

Biking doesn't look too safe, actually.
Any opinions re: the Austin CityBus system?