Moving to Austin...Opinions on East Austin lofts??

[readymade]

I live on the east side between Oltorf & Parker, and it's fine. Personally, I wouldn't go out walking at night no matter WHERE I lived (people get assaulted in rich neighborhoods, too)... so that's not really an issue for me.

The location is great. My only problem is the litany of sirens at night. Almost every night. Someone on another thread said it was police on 35. I don't know what it is, but it's kinda freaky. That said, I have never felt unsafe here.

[CptnRn]

I believe both Fire and EMS are required to sound their alarms when responding to an emergency call.

AFD responded to about 70,000 calls for help in 2005; approximately 65-70 percent were emergency medical calls. AFD is the critical first responder in the City's emergency medical services system, which includes Austin EMS and local hospitals. All Austin firefighters are trained to the minimum certification of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and every fire engine is equipped with an automated defibrillator to provide quick assistance to patients suffering cardiac arrest.

70,000 calls a year, that is 191 per day City wide and does not include the EMS calls. There are several Fire and EMS Stations around your area that are probably contributing to the sirens you are hearing.

[marie171]

I live at the 5th street commons, and I really like the place. I live in one of the 2 bedroom units that faces the courtyard, and it's very quiet. I've heard from a couple of people who live in the units facing the street that it is pretty noisy there... As you probably know already, this is a great neighborhood- close to Whole Foods, walking distance to a lot of great places. I personally prefer this area to the downtown core. It's much cleaner, and quieter, but close enough to downtown to be practical. So far, I've been really impressed with the management (I hope that lasts!). They've gone out of their way to be helpful and make sure we like the place.

Originally Posted by Austin2009

Thanks so much for this because we talked with the leasing agent for a long time when we were there looking and he went on and on about how much work they had put into soundproofing and how quiet it would be there if we chose that place to reside. But then, what else would he say? Hmmm....this is something we have been concerned about but then I wonder if there is such a thing as a quiet downtown loft or condo? My husband does not work from home but I do have a home office since I am a realtor. We are trying to stay at the higher end of leases so that we are more likely to end up in a building with mostly professional people but it sounds like even then quiet might not be on the menu. I'll check into it more...Thanks again!