Good neighborhoods for easy commute to Ikea area? (Austin, Waco: real estate, apartments)

[amyboone]

Originally Posted by texastea

The high schools in the areas mentioned are generally Stony Point and Round Rock (Round Rock ISD) and Vista Ridge and maybe Rouse (Leander ISD). Even though your kids aren't near that age, I'd really investigate which schools would be best for them.

Round Rock has some fantastic elementaries in that area, but their best high schools are McNeil and Westwood.

What this person is saying is that Stony Point is the worst high school in this area - lol

But Teravista is a great community and probably has all the amenities you are looking for. And the elementary school is in the actual neighborhood. Plus she could probably walk to work if she had to.

[10scoachrick]

If you want to be within the city limits of Austin, Avery Ranch would fit; however, it is a bit of a drive compared to Mayfield, Sendero Springs, and especially TeraVista. Ranch at Brushy Creek is a couple of clicks closer but there would be little chance of that bicycle commute mentioned by others.
I'm sure that TeraVista is nice but that entrance off the I-35 access road makes it look like you live right on the highway...most of the others mentioned are off main roads but aren't surrounded by malls, car dealerships and fast food...just a thought as you drive around.

Also, there have been discussions regarding the blasting at the Stone Works on 1431 and the 'impact' on Mayfield and surrounding areas...another thing to consider if you have the time on line. Best of luck and welcome(if you make the move!).

[Taterhead]

Originally Posted by centraltex_sara

Agree with the 5 communities mark311 mentioned. You might also consider Behrens Ranch, Stone Canyon, and Teravista (closest option).

I second that, we live in Behrens ranch, 2 months now. The Ikea is very close. We love this neighborhood, also the main drag to get into our neighborhood isn't a rat race like others are.

I went to visit a girlfriend who lives in Avery Ranch, what a mess over there. The main entrace is VERY busy and so is the main street off the entrace "Parmer". We set at the light after leaving her hone a long time waiting to get out onto Parmer. At our location, the light must be timed or something because it seems we never wait to get out of the neighborhood onto 3406.

Debbie

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by Taterhead

I second that, we live in Behrens ranch, 2 months now. The Ikea is very close. We love this neighborhood, also the main drag to get into our neighborhood isn't a rat race like others are.

I went to visit a girlfriend who lives in Avery Ranch, what a mess over there. The main entrace is VERY busy and so is the main street off the entrace "Parmer". We set at the light after leaving her hone a long time waiting to get out onto Parmer. At our location, the light must be timed or something because it seems we never wait to get out of the neighborhood onto 3406.

Debbie

Yeah, not the best intersection in the world but most of the trouble getting through lights is the distracted drivers multi-tasking instead of paying attention. The Parmer intersection is actually not the 'entrance' to AR...AR Blvd extends a mile or so to the west and a couple of miles to the east so Parmer at AR Blvd is in the 'middle' of Avery Ranch(it's over 3000 homes at this point so it takes up a bit of the countryside!).

From what I understand, AR Blvd was built as a private road, paid for by the AR residents and was not designed to be the 'main cut-through' that it has become. Still, I prefer the relatively free-flowing Parmer Ln with a mile of 'boulevard' to reach our house rather than being right on I-35 or other major highways.

[love roses]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

If you want to be within the city limits of Austin, Avery Ranch would fit; however, it is a bit of a drive compared to Mayfield, Sendero Springs, and especially TeraVista. Ranch at Brushy Creek is a couple of clicks closer but there would be little chance of that bicycle commute mentioned by others.
I'm sure that TeraVista is nice but that entrance off the I-35 access road makes it look like you live right on the highway...most of the others mentioned are off main roads but aren't surrounded by malls, car dealerships and fast food...just a thought as you drive around.

Also, there have been discussions regarding the blasting at the Stone Works on 1431 and the 'impact' on Mayfield and surrounding areas...another thing to consider if you have the time on line. Best of luck and welcome(if you make the move!).

Teravista doesn't have an entrance right off of I 35. Actually it has more than one entrance off of 1431 and one off of the County Rd. that parallels it.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by love roses

Teravista doesn't have an entrance right off of I 35. Actually it has more than one entrance off of 1431 and one off of the County Rd. that parallels it.

A thousand pardons...I've passed the sign on IH35 access road near the outlet(on the way up to Roger Beasley auto dealerships) and figured that was an entrance(and not overly attractive, at that) but perhaps it's just a 'billboard' for the neighborhood. I...am...ashamed. Carry on..

[texasdiver]

Originally Posted by amyboone

What this person is saying is that Stony Point is the worst high school in this area - lol

But Teravista is a great community and probably has all the amenities you are looking for. And the elementary school is in the actual neighborhood. Plus she could probably walk to work if she had to.

On what basis are Round Rock and Stony Point considered the worst high schools in the area? Test scores? I've looked up the demographics and those two have a higher percentage of low income students than McNeil and Westwood which are located further southwest. But it hardly seems like any part of Round Rock is particularly blighted.

Personally I'd prefer my kids to go to a somewhat more diverse HS provided that it is still a safe supportive place with good academics and facilities.

[Taterhead]

Originally Posted by texasdiver

On what basis are Round Rock and Stony Point .

We have only lived in RR 2 months, but when we were looking for a house our realtor said teasingly "Stony Point HS is known as "Stoners Point" .

Debbie....

[TexasHorseLady]

That sounds perilously close to steering, to me.

[Taterhead]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

That sounds perilously close to steering, to me.

Heard the same from family members that live here too.