Moving to Austin (West, Murchison, Anderson: apartments, rental, low crime)

[Stephanieduplooy]

I was just looking for a little advise on moving to Austin- I have never been there nor do I know anyone there. I have heard its a great city. I have been living in Belize for a 3 years, all my family lives up north-but I need the sunshine, so why not try something new.....Basically I am a single mother, 1 daughter and a large dog. I am wondering if house rental can be fairly cheap in a decent neighborhood with parks. If not then an apartment with a dog park really close by. Also wondering about public transportation-any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks-Stephanie

[hoffdano]

You can probably get lots of answers to your questions here.

But a few for you:

- will your daughter go to public schools? school quality varies in the Austin area based on the Independent School District (there are several around Austin)
- where will you need to commute to? what kind of work do you plan to do?
- any idea what kind of budget for rent?
- what else is important to you?

In general I would say Austin is a great potential home for you, your daughter, and your dog.

We have warm weather, low crime, a relatively low cost of living, and lots of stuff to do indoors and out. Public transportation is a weakness - lots of buses but that is pretty much it.

[Stephanieduplooy]

thanks -
She would go to public schools-she is 9 and will be going into 4th grade. I am basically looking for a place where there will be lots of stuff for us to do-activity wise.
I will be working from home-travel agency and reservations for a hotel in Belize, but would like to find a job at a coffee shop or something like that-one or 2 days a week-just for a social outlet-since I will not know anyone there.
I am hoping to find a place under $900-a house with a yard would be ideal-but I don't think this would be a possibility at that price-so I guess in an area with a nice place to walk my dog. Thanks-Stephanie

[CptnRn]

The average 2 bedroom apartment price is around $958 in Austin. Finding one that accepts pets though could be difficult, especially a large dog. I suggest you start a new thread specifically asking for advice regarding apartments that allow pets.

If it weren't for the dog you could easily choose from any number of great apartments around town. My profile includes URL's and information on finding apartments in Austin.

[atxcio]

I'd suggest a duplex in Northwest Hills. Sounds perfect for you. 2-bedrooms are available for under $900, they have small yards, you can walk to many things (including parks), and the schools are excellent (AISD -- Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle, Anderson High). It's a very safe area, but there are some students due to the UT Shuttle stops in the area... mostly graduate students, as it isn't the party you would find atmosphere closer to campus.

Other alternatives would be Cat Mountain (2-br duplexes probably a little higher, look up street "Smokey Valley"), Arboretum area (near 360 & Mountainclimb, look up the street "Smooth Oak"), and Allandale. I recommend duplexes because they are often available in some nice high-end single family neighborhoods around town, where the best schools are. Many will accept large dogs that aren't on the "dangerous breed" list. Craigslist or an apartment locator would be a good start.

[Stephanieduplooy]

Thanks-are these places you mention close to shops and how far from the down town-

[centralaustinite]

NW Hills would be a great choice if you can find a place at that price. Great schools. About 15 minutes to downtown and close to shopping at Far West (grocery, library, post office, etc) and at the Arboretum (bigger stores).

[txgolfer130]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

nw hills would be a great choice if you can find a place at that price. Great schools. About 15 minutes to downtown and close to shopping at far west (grocery, library, post office, etc) and at the arboretum (bigger stores).

+1