Chicago Family Looking to Move to Austin (Round Rock, Cedar Park: apartments, rentals)

[zillyme]

My daughters and I are looking to move to Austin within the next 2 years from Illinois. Initially we will not be able to afford much, but I really need us to be in a safe, family friendly neighborhood.
What areas should I be looking in for a rental home? I'd be looking for a 3 to 5 bedroom home (my parents may be living with us), open to town houses or duplexes, but we have a dog so probably no apartments. I'd be looking to spend between 500 and 850 a month and would like to be a good school district as my oldest will be starting school next year.
Can anyone recommend areas to look in or areas to avoid? Safe and quiet and the schools are the main factors, if it's a little bit of a drive to conveniences, that's ok.

[llkltk]

You should try Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Kyle, Bastrop or Round Rock. It's going to be hard to find a rental home in Austin proper with that price range. The schools should be average, I wouldn't expect stellar schools within that price range. Austin is not a cheap city. Texas on average is affordable but not inexpensive in Austin. Just an opinion.

[Jennibc]

I actually agree with llkltk here (I know, surprise) Anyhow, when we were looking for rentals for when we first moved here, we ended up having to pay over 1500 for an 1800 square foot 3 bed 2 bath in an area with "exemplary" rated schools in Austin city limits. And even then we are about 11 miles from downtown. Honestly, I don't think even in the areas he's suggesting, will you be able to find a three bedroom for $500.

[HappyTexan]

You might try the older sections of Pflugerville (Brookhollow, Saxony, Parkcrest) neighborhoods.
They are 80's style homes, nice lots and they have rentals.
Walking distance to Brookhollow Elementary, Parkcrest Middle School. Not sure about HS though, either Pflugerville HS or Hendrickson HS.
Walking distance to a beautiful park with swimming pool, trails, creek.

Those neighborhoods are middle class neighborhoods..blue collar type.
I rented there when I first moved to Pflugerville. Several happy years there renting.

[latikeriii]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

You might try the older sections of Pflugerville (Brookhollow, Saxony, Parkcrest) neighborhoods.
They are 80's style homes, nice lots and they have rentals.
Walking distance to Brookhollow Elementary, Parkcrest Middle School. Not sure about HS though, either Pflugerville HS or Hendrickson HS.
Walking distance to a beautiful park with swimming pool, trails, creek.

Those neighborhoods are middle class neighborhoods..blue collar type.
I rented there when I first moved to Pflugerville. Several happy years there renting.

Haha, I remembeer when Parkcrest and Brookhollow were brand new, they were built in the mid 90s. I believe that those neighborhoods feed into Hendrickson now.

[jobert]

I would check out the North Austin Civic Association. That is the most affordable area close to downtown that you can find. There is an HEB at Rundberg/N. Lamar where you can find apartments for under $600, maybe a 2 or 3 bedroom around 850. I would say you'd have to bunk up the kids 3 to a room ( we did that when I was a kid). If you don't mind country living I'd try Hutto, Taylor or Manor

[love roses]

Hutto and Taylor are small town, not country so much anymore. Good option though because you would be about 30 minutes from Austin and rents are cheaper but it's really safe and this year Hutto schools were ranked recognized.