Help! Family moving to Austin from Kansas (Georgetown, Lockhart: leasing, houses)

[heatherhawkins]

Hi! I am a young married woman with 3 elementary age children planning on moving to Austin next May. I would appreciate all feedback and comments for this is a big decision!

My husband has no college degree, he only has worked blue collar jobs (factories, rock quarries, oil feild) and I also have no degree.

My question is will we be able to find decent jobs to live comfortably in this city? Is there good elementary schools, and young families around? How does one go about finding rental houses and jobs from a long distance that is legitimate?

We have also thought about Fort worth but due to us liking the outdoors and beauty of hill country we are leaning more toward Austin. I also plan on going back to school when we get there to get my RN-BSN however we still have to survive until that degree is finished, obviosly.

We have never been to Austin, only DFW area so would appreciate any information on here from locals until we are able to visit in December. Thanks

[AustinAaron]

Hey there, Ms. Heather!

Well, what you ask has many answers. First, YES. You can find jobs. There will always exist a need for good blue collar workers. Can't say that we have many factories or oil fields, though. Depending on his abilities, I would try craigslist. Often, you can find reliable work to get you by until you're settled. Then move around the city and locate "the job" he prefers.

2nd, YES. Austin has some excellent schools in all parts of town. Obviously, there are going to be some that are better than others, but it's no challenge finding solid schools in all areas. Finding affordable housing zoned for that school might be a different story.

3rd, YES. Young families all over the city! Everywhere you go young families are out and about.

As for the finding a rental property? Once again, my suggestion would be craigslist. However, even though craigslist can provide availabilities, it can not answer other questions. i.e. - near good schools, young families around, etc... For that, I'd suggest a Realtor knowledgeable in the leasing arena. They can answer your questions based on market knowledge, and then guide you in the right direction. Not sure how it is is Kansas, but in Texas, there are no fees when it comes to having an agent helping to find you a rental property. As a side note, the rental market is not all that hot in December. Not a plethora of choices. However, those that are available are often better deals than if you were to lease just 2 months later, or 2 months prior!

Good choice choosing ATX over DFW. Completely different lifestyle!

[austinite45]

Originally Posted by heatherhawkins

Hi! I am a young married woman with 3 elementary age children planning on moving to Austin next May. I would appreciate all feedback and comments for this is a big decision!

My husband has no college degree, he only has worked blue collar jobs (factories, rock quarries, oil feild) and I also have no degree.

My question is will we be able to find decent jobs to live comfortably in this city? Is there good elementary schools, and young families around? How does one go about finding rental houses and jobs from a long distance that is legitimate?

We have also thought about Fort worth but due to us liking the outdoors and beauty of hill country we are leaning more toward Austin. I also plan on going back to school when we get there to get my RN-BSN however we still have to survive until that degree is finished, obviosly.

We have never been to Austin, only DFW area so would appreciate any information on here from locals until we are able to visit in December. Thanks

Do yourself and your family a big favor, secure a job first, then move.

[Trainwreck20]

Georgetown is a possibility, as is south of Austin, if you are looking for quarry type work. There are several quarries up and down the interstate, although I have no idea is they are hiring. To the southeast (La Grange/Lockhart/Luling) there are more oilfield jobs, probably, but not sure on the ease of getting them.