Need your thoughts on Leander (Austin, Georgetown: new home, neighborhoods, preschools)

[Minier]

I would really love to hear your opinions on Leander, TX. Any and all perspectives welcomed.

We are a family of four, husband works from home (virtual company), have one child that will be entering kindergarten in a year and another that will need preschool. Most of my work will be from work once the children are in school, but I do hope to find part-time work in the area of psychology/ neuropsychology (either teaching, hospital setting or private practice, not sure yet).

We are looking for many things in our new home/location and know we won't get them all, but here are some: safe, fun neighborhood for children, proximity to adult outings (i.e., Austin), opportunities for outdoor activities specifically biking, kayaking and parks. We want space, but not isolation. We'd rather not be in a "sleeper community" and prefer a place that has things going on (some music, outdoor cafe's, the local "Cheers" type bar, etc). I'm really into extracurriculars, not just for the kids (ballet, gymnastics, music) but also for the grown-ups (knitting, cooking classes, pottery, guitar) and want a community where there's plenty for kids, but the grown-ups' extracurriculars are not forgotten. We want a true sense of community and neighborliness.

Hope that gives you a sense of who we are .... Leander is being considered because we have a lead on an awesome house - however, we don't know much about the actual town and it's relationship/ accessibility to Austin.

Thanks a mil for sharing anything you know (or have heard).

[love roses]

Leander would have some of what you're looking for, except that it IS a "sleeper community" or should I say, Bedroom community that would actually be closer to Georgetown than to Austin. But even so, Leander and Georgetown aren't so far outside of Austin that you can't go into the city easily when you feel like it. It's maybe 30-40 minutes from Central Austin.

[neddy]

I live in Leander and can make it to central Austin on a Saturday in about 20-25 mins. Schools are good out this way. Lots of building going on still out this way. No real pub type of bars but we are next to Cedar Park that has a few. Can get to a couple in 6 mins or less. The library has some classes and storytimes going on. But then so does Georgetown also and that is right down the road also. The are building a new 850 acre park that is supposed to have trails etc almost right behind my house so that is cool. Also the Texas X park is under way and that is in Leander also for sports. 1890 ranch(outdoor mall) is opening in phases right across the "border" so to speak since its in Cedar Park and it has some food joints,box stores and a nice movie place. Preschools are opening up in the area. So far my boys and Mr. seem to like it. If you want to DM me with any questions be happy to help.

[Minier]

neddy - wasn't sure how to send you a PM, but I would love to hear more about the area. What are the people like? (I know everyone's different and it depends on who you hang out with, but in general, what's the "town culture" like?).

Are there particular developments that are better than others, and any to avoid? What's the price range of houses in the area? (the house we're considering it's in the 300's)? Is everything by car or are there residential areas that are "walkable" to some of the local activities?

Thank you for taking the time to answer - I'll probably have more questions, but those are from the top of my head.

[austin-steve]

For the needs/wants you've described, Leander would be a good fit. It has become less of a bedroom community and more of a self contained city as population growth has caused retail and services to follow.

What is your price range and which neighborhood is your candidate home located?

Steve

[TexasHorseLady]

Leander used to be its own small town, way before it was a "bedroom community" of Austin (something that's happened fairly recently - I can remember driving out to Liberty Hill through Leander and it was WAY out in the country - as was Cedar Park, come to that). It's sad the way the identities of these little towns get lost as growth occurs and those new to the area don't realize the history that's there.

[TwinMomJA]

There's nothing to do in Leander. You sound like you just described Steiner Ranch to a "T"

[springbean]

Originally Posted by TwinMomJA

There's nothing to do in Leander. You sound like you just described Steiner Ranch to a "T"

I second that (the Leander part) We have our house on the market (we live in RR) and have been looking everywhere N. of Austin, including Leander. I really wanted to like Leander, it's much cheaper than some other surrounding cities (RR, Cedar Park, GT) and has a few great neighborhoods (we were looking a lot in Crystal Falls) but it was to sleepy for us, and we're not nearly as involved with extracurriculars as you are.

[chickenfry]

the only thing the light rail opening in the spring will be good for is the folk that live in leander. you will be able to hop on and get downtown without having to drive/park. that way you could take advantage of lots of downtown activities be they athletic or civic/cultural.
there are no neighborhood bars (bars in strip centers don't count), nor walkable areas with cafes etc. it is the burbs. nothing unusual/quirky.

[love roses]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Leander used to be its own small town, way before it was a "bedroom community" of Austin (something that's happened fairly recently - I can remember driving out to Liberty Hill through Leander and it was WAY out in the country - as was Cedar Park, come to that). It's sad the way the identities of these little towns get lost as growth occurs and those new to the area don't realize the history that's there.

I totally agree with that. I guess we need to keep educating folks about this, that these are just little towns that used to be way out in the country and are being swallowed up by Austin growth.