Northeast Austin suburbs? (Round Rock, Pflugerville, West: real estate, houses, work)

[somersetsoccermom]

Family of 5 seriously considering moving to Austin, TX. Have done some research on the web and read dozens of posts on city-data forum. Looking for a home around 3000 sq ft. for $225k-260k. Have seen lots of inventory in the Pflugerville & Round Rock areas but not sure of real estate value in the area. Why is there a surplus of inventory in the Round Rock/Pflugerville area? What is the difference between a development, and a master planned communty? What are the pros and cons to living in a development/community What "affordable" master planned communities are available in the Austin area?

[love roses]

I'm in Hutto, so all I can tell you about the inventory is that those were smaller towns outside of Austin, and there is a ton of development happening out here. I'm not good with figures, but there are others here who could help you on that front. The difference between a development and master planned community (if there is one) would be amenities...ie, pools, parks, green spaces, golf courses, country clubs, trails (hike and bike). There are some neighborhoods out this direction that don't offer much beyond only houses, or one pretty small neighborhood park.

[Christopher_Watters]

The reason for the increase in inventory for Pflugerville and Round Rock is because it’s an exciting time in those two suburbs of Austin for local residents, builders have been taking advantage of the new toll roads built out that way, they’re making life much easier for Round Rock and Pflugerville Residents. The development of the new toll roads SH-130 and 45 has made life for residents awesome! I know because I live in Round Rock! With the construction of these toll roads I can get to downtown Austin in only 20 minutes. I can also skip over to Mopac from Round Rock or Pflugerville and be in North-West Austin (Lake Travis Etc..) in only 20 minutes. A master planned community usually will go the extra mile compared to a typical development. Many master planned communities have golf courses running through the neighborhood, many common ground areas, community pools and parks, etc. There are number of master planned communities I could point you too that would meet your requirements. One for example would be Forest Creek in Round Rock. I hope this helps answer your questions.

[love roses]

One of the moms in our playgroup lives in Forest Creek and said she really likes it.

[austin-steve]

With the construction of these toll roads I can get to downtown Austin in only 20 minutes.

I was in Hutto one day and I paid $2.00 ($1.50 + $0.50) to get to Hwy 290 East on 130. Twice a day ($4/day) to and from work downtown would be about $80/mo. for a Hutto resident commuting downtown. Sounds like it's making life more expensive as well as "better".

I wouldn't buy in Hutto unless you plan to stay for a long time. You'll have a hard time selling your home later as there will be new home construction happening out there for the next decade at least. If you do buy, purchase an existing home and you'll get a better deal for the same reason. In your price range, for the size place you want, you're looking in the right area though. Just have your eyes wide open with regard to resale value.

Steve