I just came back from Austin, and... (Houston, Round Rock: how much, house)

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by springbean

We moved here from Highlands Ranch 2 years ago, I loved HR, everything was so family focused and convenient. Not many trees though, except those planted by the builders. I grew up in Evergreen, now that's what I call trees (and privacy), but of course you pay for that kind of life, and it ain't cheap.

You lived in a very very nice area from what I read. Cherry Creek School district, right?

The only negative concern I see about living in Denver with young kids are the schools (Elementary/Middle/High School) are not rated that high around the Denver area, minus Cherry Creek SD. Something that keeps my eyes peeled and worry about what kind of education my kids will have if we ever plan to move there

[springbean]

Originally Posted by Mike78613

You lived in a very very nice area from what I read. Cherry Creek School district, right?

The only negative concern I see about living in Denver with young kids are the schools (Elementary/Middle/High School) are not rated that high around the Denver area, minus Cherry Creek SD. Something that keeps my eyes peeled and worry about what kind of education my kids will have if we ever plan to move there

HR was Douglas County and Evergreen was JeffCo. Both districts are decent, but not nearly as good RRISD.

[love roses]

The only negative concern I see about living in Denver with young kids are the schools (Elementary/Middle/High School) are not rated that high around the Denver area, minus Cherry Creek SD. Something that keeps my eyes peeled and worry about what kind of education my kids will have if we ever plan to move there

We lived in Park Hill before we moved back to Texas. That was one of the things that worried me at the time because I thought we were going to be there for a long time. The schools we were zoned for weren't good, but we lived close enough to Cherry Creek that I would have transferred her over. The only good high school in my area is the High School for the Performing Arts. East High School was the most beautiful looking building I've ever seen, but I think that one of the things that made it bad was it's reputation for violence.

[hound 109]

Originally Posted by springbean

HR was Douglas County and Evergreen was JeffCo. Both districts are decent, but not nearly as good RRISD.

"RRISD" has some superlative schools & some very average schools. (as does LISD, AISD & most others)

Folks who are considering a move to Austin should dial down to the schools that the child would be attending.....as opposed to the "district" a home is located in.

[springbean]

Originally Posted by hound 109

"RRISD" has some superlative schools & some very average schools. (as does LISD, AISD & most others)

Folks who are considering a move to Austin should dial down to the schools that the child would be attending.....as opposed to the "district" a home is located in.

I think we're talking "averages" here. Yes RRISD has its not so great schools, all districts do, just like the districts in CO have wonderful schools within an "average" ranked district. On "average" RRISD is better than Denver metro area schools.

[Mike78613]

Schools: I go here: GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Community for Parents

Anything in Aurora / Denver, avg is about 2-4 out of 10

My son's school in Cedar Park is rated at 8 of 10

Big difference if you ask me.

[springbean]

RRISD gets an 8/10, pretty decent I would say.

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by springbean

RRISD gets an 8/10, pretty decent I would say.

Exactly, now do the schools all in Aurora or Denver......... you'll see what I mean. But by reading parent reviews on the low rated school, the parent seem to praise it very highly even if its a status / rate # 2. Pretty weird rating system if ya ask me.

[hound 109]

Originally Posted by springbean

I think we're talking "averages" here. Yes RRISD has its not so great schools, all districts do, just like the districts in CO have wonderful schools within an "average" ranked district. On "average" RRISD is better than Denver metro area schools.

I know we agree....but the fact that many who post & read here are making HUGE decisions based on ISD "averages" as opposed to checking out the actual ES/MS & HS.....is a mistake (which is the point I'm making).

I've read dozens of posts where folks will say they will (or won't) look in an area because of the district....imo....this is goofy logic.

Some parts of of Leander, RR & Austin ISDs are superlative....& some parts are not so good. I know this & residents of Austin know this....but so many who post ISO questions DON'T know this....& they should do the research BEFORE going out & looking at houses (imo).

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by cory81

...here are my thoughts.
The only negative I came away with was the lack of newer suburban living options. It seemed Circle C Ranch was the only decent "smart growth" suburb I could find. What beautiful trees that neighborhood has! And it is very big, too. But being from DC and now living in Denver, the quality of the suburbs overall was lackluster (Cedar Park and Round Rock appeared to be sprawling, older communities, am I wrong in this?)

What are some other "liveable" planned communities in Austin?

By the way, I LOVE the passion for the Horns. Everywhere you look is a Bevo symbol. Awesome.

You might want to look at the mueller redevelopment project as well as the other areas that are mentioned. It is modeled after stapleton in Denver