I just came back from Austin, and... (Round Rock, Spring: houses, job transfer)

[cory81]

...here are my thoughts.

For starters, I want to say that I flew to Austin by myself, stayed for 3 days (Aug 14-17), and was looking for a possible place to relocate. I did a ton of research before visiting, from various sources (including reading posts here). The things that appealed most to me are the mild winters (here in Colorado, it snows 6 of the 12 months per year) and the overall fun-loving attitude (from 6th St., to Lake Travis, to crazy things like the Alamo Drafthouse, it seemed like a totally cool place to be). I also have MBA aspirations and the McCombs school at UT is top-notch and attractive. Also, it should be noted my job transfers easily over here so finding work is not an issue at all.

My thoughts:

Overall, I'm seriously considering a move. The weather, the low cost of living, the educational resources (UT and a great public school system in the southwest burbs for future family life), the outstanding sports culture (hook 'em Horns) and the fun lifestyle (the lake and great bars) are all big sellers for me.

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.

[Coolcat13]

Have you looked at Steiner Ranch?

[cory81]

Actually, no! Thanks man.

[MJinAustin]

There are some communities in Cedar Park and Round Rock that are newer and have maintained many trees and greenspace (similar drive as if you were at Highlands Ranch and went into downtown Denver).

[atxcio]

Yeah, you are pretty much describing Steiner Ranch to a T. There are others, too. Check out Great Hills, Riverplace... I also believe there are newer master planned areas in Cedar Park and RR (don't know the names, though). Good luck!

[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.

Some neighborhoods you may want to consider in RR that are new and treed etc.: Behrens Ranch, Mayfield Ranch, Forest Creek and Sendero Springs. We live in Teravista (in RR) I think we used to be farmland, so there really were no trees where our neighborhood is. Of course the builders planted a ton but they aren't mature yet so they aren't the big, beautiful 100 year old oak trees. I love Teravista though, so it might be worth a look.

[versity]

I live in northwest hills.. and i love it, 5.8 miles to center of town , 3 miles to arboretum, best of both worlds

[mm57553]

I was going to suggest Steiner Ranch too. We live there and love it. Coming from the Northeast, we noticed the lack of hills and trees too. Steiner has a lot of those. It's a great family community, fantastic schools, and it's right by the lake.

[jread]

OK, I almost spit coffee on my screen when I read the comment about Circle C being "smart growth" :lol:

Check out Mueller for a nice, New Urbanist neighborhood that is close to downtown.

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by MJinAustin

There are some communities in Cedar Park and Round Rock that are newer and have maintained many trees and greenspace (similar drive as if you were at Highlands Ranch and went into downtown Denver).

So many new BIG OL Houses popping up in the Cedar Park area! AkA Bella Vista (maybe no more building, but have no yards) and not sure what it's called, maybe deer creek? I know it is very close to Cedar Park HS. They have a very, very nice golf course and very close access to Lake Travis.

(Agreed).

To the "OP".....Now moving from Denver.........would be a great choice if you prefer no snow. It is a great trade off. I loved Denver when I visited in July. Oh and I miss the snow. Wanna house trade?