what does it REALLY cost to live in a 3,500SF House in lakeway, Texas (Austin: how much, buy)

[Ronang26]

I live in San Diego (Mountains of San Diego) and we have a house that is 3,700 SF. I am seriously considering moving to Lakeway, Texas (Lake Travis) in Austin. We are currently paying $700 per month for electricity, $250 for Propane and $800 per month for WATER... (we have 3 acres) I am curious if anyone can please tell me what they are paying for these same services in the lake Travis area or Austin Area? I know it will definaltely be less....California is RIDICULOUS!

[AustinTexan]

The number of Californians moving to Texas....is RIDICULOUS!! Can't you find some other state to pick on?

[mego65]

Don't mind AustinTexan, that's just the way he is. I don't know how much any of that stuff is, but I agree probably better than CA.

[mm57553]

I live in a 3100 square foot house in Steiner Ranch (near Lakeway / Lake Travis). The worst electric bill we ever had was about $378, but during the summer it usually hovers more around $200-$225. It's next to nothing during the winter when the a/c isn't running. Our gas bill (natural gas) is about $20 during the summer months and $100 - $124 during the winter. Our water bill peaks at about $150 in the summer, and we have a sprinkler system and 1/3 of an acre.

[achtungpv]

Utilities can vary widely depending on personal consumption, location, provider, lot size, and house design.

Don't forget that, assuming the house is appraised at $500,000, the tax bill will most likely fall between $10,000 - $15,000 annually with an increase each year.

[loves2read]

propane is more expensive than natural gas which comes through lines laid in city environment

if you buy rural property it is certainly possible you would have to use propane

electricity is less expensive in the Austin area--especially around the lake--because the electric provider has hydro power from LCRA/dams
once you leave that provider you may have significant rate increase...

[hoffdano]

I don't believe Lakeway has natural gas. So if you need gas you'll use propane. I don't live in Lakeway (but did from 1986-1998) anymore but I do live in the Lake Travis area. I don't think you'll spend $700 on electricity unless you waste a lot of it. Your water bill could vary tremendously on your lawn's needs. Your property tax rates will be close to below subject to the benefit of the homestead exemption:

TRAVIS COUNTY
0.4122
LAKE TRAVIS ISD
1.3159
TRAVIS CO HEALTHCARE DIST
0.0679
CITY OF LAKEWAY
0.1827
LAKEWAY MUD
0.1922
TRAVIS CO ESD NO 6
0.1

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by AustinTexan

The number of Californians moving to Texas....is RIDICULOUS!! Can't you find some other state to pick on?

Can't YOU find some other topic to obsess on?

[ATXIronHorse]

Originally Posted by Ronang26

I live in San Diego (Mountains of San Diego) and we have a house that is 3,700 SF. I am seriously considering moving to Lakeway, Texas (Lake Travis) in Austin. We are currently paying $700 per month for electricity, $250 for Propane and $800 per month for WATER... (we have 3 acres) I am curious if anyone can please tell me what they are paying for these same services in the lake Travis area or Austin Area? I know it will definaltely be less....California is RIDICULOUS!

You'd probably have a huge financial hit if you sell now. Probably best to just stay put out there in California.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by Ronang26

I live in San Diego (Mountains of San Diego) and we have a house that is 3,700 SF. I am seriously considering moving to Lakeway, Texas (Lake Travis) in Austin. We are currently paying $700 per month for electricity, $250 for Propane and $800 per month for WATER... (we have 3 acres) I am curious if anyone can please tell me what they are paying for these same services in the lake Travis area or Austin Area? I know it will definaltely be less....California is RIDICULOUS!

3 acres is a lot to water, I suspect you would prob need that much $ to keep 3 acres watered here as well. Electricity is 200 this past month for 2800 sq ft, but typically runs 100 or less in the winter.

Gas runs around $20.