Southwest Austin recommendations appreciated (Lost Creek, Howe: custom home, neighborhood, construction)

[Eric3000]

Hi. I am new to the forum. I am beginning a home search and getting a bit frustrated. Some help would be greatly appreciated.

First, I need to live Southwest because my boys go to Regents school, which is in the Travis Country subdivision. We need to be within 15-20 minutes of that location. However, I work downtown. So we also need to be within 20-25 minutes of downtown. That narrows down our options quite a bit. I currently live in the Travis Country subdivision. We want to upgrade and would prefer to be a bit closer to Westlake.

Here are my criteria:

1. 3500-4000 sq. feet
2. $600-650K (that comes out to about $167 per sq. foot give or take)
3. Prefer a house on the newer side, but it does not have to be brand new.
4. Would like a bit larger lot. I don't want a lot of land, I just don't want to be waiving to my neighbor through our kitchen windows every morning (e.g. Circle C).
5. Finally, of course, I would like a house with some character (i.e., some buildouts inside, a nice floor plan, and a nice backyard).

We have identified Lost Creek, Woods of Westlake, Regents Hills, Senna Hills, Barton Creek West, and Treemont as possible options, but we are having a very difficult time finding what we want for the money.

Your opinions and suggestions regarding these areas, other areas, or any other matter would be greatly appreciated.

[Eric3000]

I'm bumping this thread once. Sorry if that is frowned upon here. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[austin-steve]

It's further away from Westlake, but I know of a new neighborhood of custom homes in Oak Hill, somewhat off the radar, that you might want to check out. Those will be running $170+ sqft on 1+ acres in a new subdivision of about 70 lots. Minimum home size is 2700 sqft, 100% masonry, and the homes going in are going to be very nice.

It's in the back of Granada Hills called Granada Oaks. I 'm building a home there myself and have sold several of the lots to custom builders and home owners. I'm actually meeting with a builder there later today to discuss 4 of the specs to be built. There isn't anything like this so close in (15 minutes to Mopac/6th).

Drive out Hwy 290 West past the Y in Oak Hill and turn left on El Rey and just drive straight through into Granada Oaks. There is no central point of contact since all of the homes are being built by different builders, but you can drive through and see lots of signs and some already under construction.

Let me know if you need more info.

Steve