Downtown Austin questions (Cedar Park, Center, Howe: apartment, rentals, HOA fees)

[canuckexpat]

My parents(who live in Toronto, Canada) and my husband and I(currently renting and hating it in CT) are looking to potentially buy a condo somewhere in a warm climate(with no humidity pls). We have looked at Scottsdale, AZ and we would like to also consider Austin, Tx. I know some people that live in drier climates complain of 35% humidity. That is nothing compared to the humidity in the northeast and the southeast. My husband was on a business trip last week in Austin and he really liked what he saw. He said it was like Scottsdale but much greener and not as hot(and we have been to PHX in august)

I have few questions to ask:

1. Is downtown Austin liveable? My mother does not drive and she wants to be where all the action is(walking distances to stores, restaurants, parks, entertainment, farmers markets etc). They would be spending mostly the winter months there and we would also use the condo on occaisions.

2. We would be looking for a condo either townhouse style or apartment style in a smaller condo building with a pool. Are there are such properties in downtown Austin and do you have any websites to suggest pls? It would have to be a condo that allows for children so none of those 55 plus communities.

3. How are property taxes in Austin? What would it be expected to pay approximately for a 3 bdrm, 2 bath condo in downtown Austin for property taxes? Is there a different tax rate for people who live part of the year in TX vs the permanent residents?

We would obviously make a trip to Austin to check out properties but I just thought I get some answers out of the way before that.

Thanks

[austin-steve]

1. Is downtown Austin liveable? My mother does not drive and she wants to be where all the action is(walking distances to stores, restaurants, parks, entertainment, farmers markets etc). They would be spending mostly the winter months there and we would also use the condo on occaisions.

Yes, except I don't know of any farmers markets downtown.

2. We would be looking for a condo either townhouse style or apartment style in a smaller condo building with a pool. Are there are such properties in downtown Austin and do you have any websites to suggest pls? It would have to be a condo that allows for children so none of those 55 plus communities.

Go search AustinHomeSearch.com for the 78701 zipcode and you'll see what's available. Would need to know your price range to say more.

3. How are property taxes in Austin? What would it be expected to pay approximately for a 3 bdrm, 2 bath condo in downtown Austin for property taxes? Is there a different tax rate for people who live part of the year in TX vs the permanent residents?

Expect to pay about 2.2% of the market value annually, plus HOA fees. Permenant residents receive a slight discount, and a cap on annual increases of 10%.

Steve

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

Yes, except I don't know of any farmers markets downtown.

There is a big one downtown (perhaps the biggest now in Austin, it's relatively new) at 4th and Guadalupe, just across the street from Republic Square. It usually has all the same vendors as the Sunset Valley farmers market, plus some! Maybe the OP can check it out on a visit to Austin. It's Saturdays from 8AM - 12noon.

Austin Farmers Market

Also, as far as condos... with all the new buildings downtown opening up, there are some real bargains in the older buildings. Check the site that Austin-Steve recommends, and put in a very low price... like $150K.. and you'll see the older downtown buildings.

[canuckexpat]

Wow this was fast. Thanks for your replies. I will check the info. Steve I may contact you directly for more info.

Thanks

[marylee54]

Just do be aware of the outrageous electric costs here, especially in austin, its not deregulated so there's no choice.

when its hot here, its HOT! Its typical for temperatures to be above 100+ many weeks on end during the summer, and realistically you need the ac from about April thru October. Its not a luxury, anymore than heat is a luxury up north.

Plan around $200-$300/month for a condo, I've always found smaller spaces, like apts & condos use leectricity inefficiently.

But that wouldn't keep me from living here, Austin is great, just be aware of the heat and AC costs! Offset by heating costs up north!

[atxcio]

Another quick suggestion -- when you come and visit, look at VRBO® is Vacation Rentals By Owner for downtown condos... then you could get the full living-downtown experience. Beyond the farmer's market, there is also the flagship Whole Foods located downtown (main HQ for the entire chain). It's a great store for all sorts of fresh, specialty and unique foods. Also has cooking classes.

In addition to the homeowner's exemption for property taxes, there is also an over-65 exemption: Texas Property Taxes: Taxpayers' Rights, Remedies, Responsibilities... although even with that, property taxes can be very high here compared to other cities, especially those with a state income tax.

[TexasHorseLady]

There is, indeed, a farmer's market downtown, on Saturdays from 9 to 1 at Republic Park at 4th and
Guadalupe right downtown.

If you're looking for a smaller condo building (define "smaller", though), I'd look somewhat to the west of downtown proper and a bit north of 6th Street. I know there are some in that area that are older, smaller buildings, though not many will have a pool. You'll be able to walk to such amenities as Whole Foods Market and BookPeople and other shopping and some restaurants from that area.

[iceshots]

Greetings from a fellow Canuck. Also moved down here from Ontario.

Phoenix is drier and hotter than Austin, but Austin humidity is nothing like Toronto. I am more comfortable here in 95 degree weather than I am in Toronto at 80.

This summer has been really hot. It has been in the triple digits for the past three weeks, with no break in sight. However, I would rather have this than the no summer Toronto is having so far.

If your parents would mainly be coming down here in the winter months, then they have nothing to worry about.

One thing with winter here. It does not get very cold. We will have a few days that get down to near freezing and a couple where we will get freezing rain, ice pellets and frost. The tricky thing is that the weather can change very quickly. I have gone to work wearing a light jacket, or no jacket in the morning at 78 degrees at 8am. I have then left work at 5pm and it was 40 degrees. The winter weather can change on a dime. It can catch you unawares if you go somewhere for the day.

I live pout in the sticks so I will let the others provide the details about downtown.

Good Luck.

[canuckexpat]

Oh good Canucks are everywhere eh! My husband wants to ask iceshots if you have had hockey withdrawal yet. Does Austin have minor hockey pro team?

[latikeriii]

Originally Posted by canuckexpat

Oh good Canucks are everywhere eh! My husband wants to ask iceshots if you have had hockey withdrawal yet. Does Austin have minor hockey pro team?

Yes, the Austin Ice Bats.
Austin Ice Bats

and Texas Stars
Cedar Park Center - The Texas Stars Hockey Team

Good Luck, the fan base has decreased recently for the Ice Bats. However, with the completion of the new hockey stadium up in Cedar Park(suburb) and the new team, attendance and interest will increase again(for hockey in general).