Question for Residents of Austin.... (Round Rock, Georgetown: apartment, rental, neighborhoods)

[johnnyz]

I'm considering accepting a job in the City of Leander but i'd like to live in South Austin, preferably in the Slaughter LN. area West of I-35 near the JR. High (I forget the name)....my question(s) are: How long / far is the commute from this area to Leander using MoPac and do you think i'd be able to afford a nice two bedroom apartment in this area with an income of $45,000?? Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[texastrigirl]

We lived in Circle C (roughly Slaughter/Mopac) and my husband had to commute up to the Arboretum area for 6 months (which is maybe 1/2 of the way to Leander) in rush hour traffic. It could take him 50 minutes to an hour most days. And you have much much farther to go. That is not a commute I would consider unless I absolutely had to. If you could work off hours, it might take you 45 minutes in no traffic. Your money and time will be better served finding somewhere up north to live.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by johnnyz

I'm considering accepting a job in the City of Leander but i'd like to live in South Austin, preferably in the Slaughter LN. area West of I-35 near the JR. High (I forget the name)....my question(s) are: How long / far is the commute from this area to Leander using MoPac and do you think i'd be able to afford a nice two bedroom apartment in this area with an income of $45,000?? Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

It would be a 37 mile commute each way.
See the Google Map.

This would not be an advisable commute, but yes, with $45K income you qualify for a $950 to $1250/mo. rental, which will get you a decent 2 bedroom. You'd get a lot more for your rental dollar in Leander though, and you'd save the time and cost of commuting.

I love South Austin but I wouldn't live here and drive to Leander each day. What makes you so determined to live south?

Steve

[johnnyz]

Thanks for the feedback. I actually visit Austin at least 2 or 3 times per year, but have never been to Leander, therefore I had no idea it was that far from South Austin. I visited the City of Leander website and it states that Leander is only 5 miles North of Austin, but I didn't realize that traffic got that heavy on MoPac....Are there any nice / good neighborhoods you'd recommend further North? I've got a family, therefore I'm always concerned about safety....Or how about Round Rock? Any thoughts about that city?....Thanks.

[johnnyz]

Steve, I'm just really familiar with the area and i've got a childhood friend that lives there as well. Also, my wife has never lived in a large city and South Austin is great as pretty much everything you may need is in the area from shopping to restraunts, etc. I just think it would make her transition easier without her having to venture into downtown and downtown traffic for everything. However, knowing now how long the commute is, i'll be looking further north.

[neddy]

Well I live in Leander and have friends down in South Austin and on a good day no traffic (like Thanksgiving or holiday a solid 45 min drive on the freeways,using toll roads just to get to Circle C area. In traffic...take snacks. My mom went over there to an Xmas party the other night party was at 7 and she left a 5 and barely got there in time. Traffic...There are plenty of nice neighborhoods in north austin, cedar park,Georgetown and round rock you will see something you like I am sure. Welcome to the area.

[mark311]

Originally Posted by johnnyz

Or how about Round Rock? Any thoughts about that city?....Thanks.

Round Rock would be a fit, but there's no reason to go over to Round Rock when you should be able to find something closer in Cedar Park. Even the areas right around Lakeline mall would be fine and would have all the conveniences that you need. Both areas would be a short drive to Leander.

[love roses]

I agree. Just live in Cedar Park, Leander or Georgetown. You may be pleasantly surprised at the amount of restaurants and shopping available in these areas and you almost never need to go downtown unless you really want to.

[TexasHorseLady]

I'm pretty sure you could find something just as pretty with just as many conveniences a LOT closer to Leander than South Austin. Perhaps in between, even.

[johnnyz]

Thanks to everyone for their input! I'll definitely be checking out the areas suggested... Also, if anyone can suggest some good apartment communities in North Austin, Cedar Park, Pflugerville or Round Rock please let me know....Again, Thanks!