Spanish Oaks vs. Cimarron Hills (Austin, Georgetown: foreclosure, houses, neighborhoods)

[CATXTransplant]

Please give me your honest thoughts on Spanish Oaks vs. Cimarron Hills. Do you think they're comparable in value? Which do you think is the better investment. Pros, Cons? Would you expect two houses, exactly the same (for comoparison sake) to cost the same in both areas?

[GreenPlastic]

I prefer Spanish Oaks. Both neighborhoods are very nice but SO has nicer amenities such as the pond and swim center IMO. Plus, the area around SO is pretty nice, whereas CH is the nicest development in the area, and as someone that might need to sell in the future, I wouldn't want to be at the top end of the range. Belvedere is near SO and they are selling homes at a very good value right now because some of the builders overbuilt.

[txgolfer130]

Spanish Oaks hands down.

[CATXTransplant]

txgolfer - can you give me some specifics on why you think so? What do you think about the values of both in 10 years? Do you think $715K for a patio home in Georgetown is reasonable? What about $600K?

[txgolfer130]

A couple of reasons, but don't get me wrong CH is very, very nice. But here are the points that put SO above it.

1. Location
2. Golf course (The Nicklaus course is great, but SO is just that bit better, but really hard)
3. Neighborhood layout- SO just flows better and will promote more community interaction while still preserving privacy
4. Ammenities (now it's been awhile since I've been to CH, but last time at SO everything was just a step above.
5. Developer
6. Overall upside (CH is on a somewhat flat plat, SO has the hills and views that sell)

In 10 years they're both still gonna be great, but unless a major development comes along SO will still be just a cut above CH. And right now, $715k for a patio home? NO. 600k? Depends on location. Georgetown IS reasonable, but if you have to go into Austin much at all the limited access and distance will start to wear on you. Now a great patio home, w/ a great location for high 5's? Yes, that would for sure be worth it...but you may still be able to fish out the same deal at SO.

Another place you might consider is Steiner Ranch (the gated area near the main clubhouse-can't remember the name right now). Great location, great value, will have GREAT re-sale (as the other 2 will also-but SR will be attractive to those exec's that have families and still want exclusivity).

Just my $.02

[TexasHorseLady]

Just a note - the "limited access" of Georgetown to Austin means that there are only 4 major routes in from Georgetown - SH 130, IH35, Parmer, and 183/183A (wait, I guess that makes 5). I use whichever one is closest, or if there's a problem on one (usually IH35), I bop over to one of the others. Cimarron Hills is right between two of them and not far from a third/fourth.

Living 15 miles north of Georgetown, it takes about 45 minutes to get to Burnet/183 area. Given that it takes us 20 minutes to get to Georgetown (there's that driving to get to IH35), that's not bad.

[LoanOfficerLady]

Spanish Oaks will be more expensive, but it is worth the price difference. From a pure investment point it would appear that Spanish Oaks is in a better location, has nicer homes and better amenities. Cimarron Hills has gone through a couple developers and is in a less desirable area.

[Hook Em Horns 1234]

Cimarron Hills= Middle of Nowhere.

Belvedere- Septic Fields and Hamilton Death Road...

Not too complicated...Belvedere has sold lots for $50,000...Spansih Oaks has sold lots for $1,000,000....Average lot cost at Spanish Oaks is $400,000.

[misterbubble]

"Has Sold" is the key phrase. Spanish Oaks is in big trouble and the development/golf course itself is bankrupt.

[ImOnFiya]

I would definitely go with Cimarron Hills.

Here is the recent article about Spanish Oaks' foreclosure:

Spanish Oaks development posted for foreclosure