Relocating to Austin area (Spring, Fredericksburg: rent, houses, neighborhood)

[Cmorse]

Looking to relocate the family from California to somewhere within 1hr drive from Austin. Looking for a smaller community, don't like city living. Need something with a fairly large lot so we are not on top of the neighbors. Any suggestions on good areas. Schools are also a big concern. Kids 10 & 7.
Thanks

[CptnRn]

Marble Falls
Dripping Springs
Wimberley
Bastrop

[hoffdano]

Bastrop schools are not particularly good.

I think Dripping Springs is a very solid choice. Other areas to consider - Spicewood, Marble Falls, Briarcliff.

Depending on your budget acreage (2-5 acres) are available for building in Travis Settlement.

[jamesia]

Acreage is expensive around here. Well, maybe not by CA standards. If I could move anywhere around Austin, I'd pick Marble Falls or Fredericksburg. You should certainly look west of Austin first, as that's the Hill Country.

[airboat5]

the whole country is headed here so you better hurry.

[texastrigirl]

Dripping Springs area would be my choice. A good friend of mine moved from Circle C out into the Onion Creek Road area to 5 acres. It's beautiful and peaceful with really good schools and SW Austin shopping reasonably close.

[Cmorse]

Dripping Spring I love the name. How far of a commute would it be to the Austin area?

[texastrigirl]

It's about 25-30 miles from downtown Austin I think. You can do highway most of the way in but it would be rougher in rush hour (obviously). My friend's husband commutes downtown but since he owns his own company, he works hours in the office amenable to a quicker commute. If you like SW Austin, you should also check out Circle C Ranch just to get a point of comparison. You can search it on this link and hear all about...the good, the bad and the ugly.

Just as Austin's motto is "Keep Austin Weird", Dripping Springs has a motto of "Keep Drippin' Normal". Pretty funny. They have an awesome 4th of July show out there. Great small town feel outside of the city.

[ConnerFamily]

I always tell people to move to an area that is close to the places they drive the most because the commute can be a killer. We live out in Steiner Ranch and the neighborhood is nothing short of amazing. Good luck in your search. Feel free to contact me directly for specifics.

[Cmorse]

An hour commute is not too bad. I currently live 15 miles from work and it takes me an hour to get there most days. I am in the electrical field so I usually miss most of the rush hour traffic. Where is a good place to look at houses. Probably gonna rent for a year then look for something to buy. Anyone have any suggestions. I appreciate everyones help. You don't get that here is California.