Moving to Texas with kids (Houston, San Antonio: foreclosed, amusement parks, houses)

[Ksea]

We are looking to buy a home in Texas. We were visiting Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Temple, Houston) two summers ago and loved it. We found people to be very friendly, there were lots of activities for kids and cost of living was affordable.

We are now looking for a small to mid-size, family-friendly town. Our 10- and 6-year old daughthers are a priority, so we would like some place safe, with access to parks, swimming pools, tennis and visiting children's theaters. We would like to be within a couple of hours drive to a major airport and amusement parks.

Are there any nice small communities between Austin and San Antonio? Any other suggestions for a nice place to rise a family where you can let your kids ride their bike in front of the house, meet you neighbors and have a good meal out?

Thanks

[txgolfer130]

There are tons. Going from Austin to S.A. there is Kyle/Buda (just don't drink the water from the tap), San Marcos, New Braunfels, North Cliff, Live Oak. Both the last two might as well be S.A. now, just FYI. There is also, Bastrop E of Austin, Round Rock N of Austin, Lakeway W of Austin, and Manor and Hutto NE of Austin. Great little towns that are no more than 30-45 minutes in traffic to the bigger city surrounding them.

[CATXTransplant]

what is your price range? I have several suggestions based on that.

[Ksea]

We are looking to spend about 100,000 for a three bedroom house.

[TexasBlonde]

I'd recommend looking into either New Braunfels or Live Oak. Both are great, family friendly areas, and you should be able to find something within your budget.

[Ksea]

Thanks. What about Round Rock and Nolanville? They got really good review for kid-friendly towns.

[Ksea]

Originally Posted by CATXTransplant

what is your price range? I have several suggestions based on that.

I saw that there are many foreclosed homes within $ 100,000 pricerange. Hope to find something.

[love roses]

Round Rock is great for kids.

[Ksea]

Hi, our realtor has sent some houses in Hutto and Jarrell that are in our price-range (120k). Are these two towns nice? Family-friendly? Good schools? Activities for kids? Any info greatly appreciated. Have a nice day.

[TexasHorseLady]

I live outside of Jarrell. It's a tiny but growing farm community (1500 with new business and subdivisions growing the town), just outside of Georgetown (where you might also want to look, by the way - it fits your specs nicely). As far as activities for kids, it sort of depends on what your kids like to do - but Georgetown activities are right to hand. My daughter attended Jarrell schools for a couple of years but needed some of the offerings that Georgetown schools had, so we transferred her to Georgetown. Jarrell is sort of like getting to live in the country but at the same time have access to the amenities that a town like Georgetown offers, and with a little more of a drive, those of Austin, as well. (We have no problem going into Austin, even South Austin, for dinner or other entertainment if we're in the mood.)

My husband's business is in North Austin, about 183/Burnet area, and it's a 45 minute drive for him to get to work. The airport is an hour from Jarrell via either IH35 or 130 (though 130 is a more pleasant drive and drops you off right next to the airport, it is a toll road and IH35 isn't).

Hutto is nice, too, but I'll let those who live there speak more specifically to that.