Working in 78721 Zip Code...Where is the closest upscale area to live? (Austin: HOA, house)

[OhHaiGuise]

I am having a lot of trouble trying to find out which areas would suit my family. I have been offered a position in the 78721 Zip Code and have been looking at commuting to Steiner Ranch. At 45 minutes (most likely longer during rush hour), I would like to consider other options. My first priority are excellent schools and then a "newly" built, almost (yuppish) area for my family. Looking to spend around 400-550k. We are flying in for a look this month and I need to get a better feel for places that may interest us. I appreciate any help you can offer.

*I would like to stay at a commute of 45 min or less.

[verybadgnome]

Why not look at the Mueller redevelopment? It has basic to luxury, is new, has lots of retail mixed in, and is 5 minutes from 78721. Probably not excellent schools (they may get their own elementary school though) but since you can get in for less than 400-550k the difference could be used to send your kids to private school.

Going from Steiner to the east side would suck as if there is a problem with RM 2222 you are SOL. There will not be a lot of road improvements on that side of town because of the topography and also because it is over the aquifer.

[CATXTransplant]

How about Circle C area. You can get some new built homes there and it's a nice community which is AISD. You could also live up in Canyon Creek with good access via 183. The 130 Toll also provides options, but the schools aren't that great in Pflugerville, but you cuold certainly live in East Round Rock and access work via the tolls (45 to 130)

[OhHaiGuise]

I looked into Mueller, and that is too close to the down town for me. I would prefer to live much further away than 3 miles. As for Circle C, I had read the schools weren't very good. I rather not send my children to a private school, but I guess I could look into it. I am basically looking for the most expensive areas around either Austin or Round Rock. So far I have gathered that the West side of Austin is more what I am looking for and East of Round Rock. Am I correct in thinking that those are where the most upscale areas are?

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by OhHaiGuise

I looked into Mueller, and that is too close to the down town for me. I would prefer to live much further away than 3 miles. As for Circle C, I had read the schools weren't very good. I rather not send my children to a private school, but I guess I could look into it. I am basically looking for the most expensive areas around either Austin or Round Rock. So far I have gathered that the West side of Austin is more what I am looking for and East of Round Rock. Am I correct in thinking that those are where the most upscale areas are?

Where did you hear the schools in Circle C aren't very good. While I am a bit underwhelmed by my son's elementary (what can I say, I am REALLY picky and he was in an accelerated program before we moved here and there is nothing in Austin that compares at the elementary level), all of the schools in Circle C are rated exemplary.

[centralaustinite]

LOL,

The most expensive areas around Austin and Round Rock go for a lot more than 450-550K!!

That would be Tarrytown, Pemberton Heights, Highland Hills, NW Hills, Jester, River Place, Barton Hills, Davenport Ranch, Westlake, Rollingwood. You could maybe skate into an older house that needs updating at in NW Hills or Highland Hills at your price point, maybe Jester and even a few places in Eanes but definitely an older house that is not updated.

Your price range will get you a high end home only further out -- Steiner Ranch or maybe Forest Oaks in Round Rock. Still these are solid upper-middle class areas not fancy-pants stuff.

And the schools in Circle C are quite good. You need to do more research and decide what "good school" means for you and your family.

You want a big new master-planned community with bells and whistles. Those are not the priciest areas of Austin by any means. A good realtor should be able to help you.

good luck!

[Jennibc]

He could find something in River Place for that. Our price range was a bit more modest but our realtor found things there in the mid 300s (not much but they are there)

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

He could find something in River Place for that. Our price range was a bit more modest but our realtor found things there in the mid 300s (not much but they are there)

Oh yes, I've even seen a few (emphasis on few) come up in Davenport Ranch!

[OhHaiGuise]

I thought a couple of these looked great except that I can't stand wood fences. Which of the communities has a HOA that restricts fences to wrought iron? I really like the way a few of the communities kept a lot of the already existing trees. We are downsizing and really would like a one story home on a .35 or larger lot.

[texastea]

It might be right at the top of your commute, but check into Grand Mesa in Crystal Falls. You could get an acre or 2, no wooden fences and great views.