Want 2 Re-Locate, but where? (Austin, Round Rock: rental, high crime, chapel)

[Nin Tai]

Hello,
I've been on a couple of forums with a desire to M.O.V.E. away from my hometown. I am a single AA Mom with a middle & high schooler. We live in a diverse neighborhood, but my children attend suburban schools (predominately white) with "high" rankings. My daughter is interested in modeling/acting and my son plays football and is in gifted classes.

I am tired of living in a city that has high crime (we've had our 1st murder in 2010 already!) narrow-mindedness, and lack of activities for my children. The unemployment rate here is very high and the depression is catching. I'm an optimist who loves life so this is not the place I want to be anymore.

As mentioned above, I don't know EXACTLY where I want to reside, but good schools (with parent/teacher communication, high acedemics), diversity, activities for children, and shopping malls is a must. Our city may lack in jobs, amenities/activities, but we have a lot of grocery stores, shopping centers, and restaurants! It would also be nice to go to a nice comedy/jazz club every now and again. What may be enjoyable and livable for some, may be the opposite for others, so I welcome the pros & cons of the cities & will understand if some advice/opinions are bias.

We are also christians (COGIC) so a good church is a plus as well. I am seeking a 3-bed to rent in the $750-800 range if that helps.

I've been on the Triangle, Indy, & Pittsburgh forums and I got the most advice/opinions from the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. (Thanks!)

I want to hear from the Texans about the Austin/Round Rock area. It will be greatly appreciated!

[hoffdano]

If you are comfortable living in predominantly white neighborhoods you might be happy in the Austin area. Most of the "better" schools and school districts (Eanes ISD, Round Rock, Leander, Lake Travis) are under-represented by AA. It is simply a demographic issue because the school districts are located in areas where not may AAs live. But that does not mean the areas and schools are all white and intolerant. Austin has many Hispanics and Asians.

The people here are friendly, our crime (especially violent crime) is very low, and living costs are low (on a national comparison).

I am a bit worried though that you would have a hard time finding a 3BR rental for $800 in the school districts listed above.

Unless you need Nieman Marcus, we should have all the shopping you need. Austin is loaded with live music (though not much jazz). Some people criticize Austin for TOO many churches.

[AustinTraveler]

Austin has too many churches? I see you haven't lived in the Bible Belt!

To the OP, I think you would enjoy Austin a lot but I'm afraid also that finding a three bedroom rental in that price range would be pretty difficult. Property taxes are very high here so rents tend to be high as well.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

If you are comfortable living in predominantly white neighborhoods you might be happy in the Austin area. Most of the "better" schools and school districts (Eanes ISD, Round Rock, Leander, Lake Travis) are under-represented by AA. It is simply a demographic issue because the school districts are located in areas where not may AAs live. But that does not mean the areas and schools are all white and intolerant. Austin has many Hispanics and Asians.
.

You need to take a closer look at the stats. Laurel mountain is around 44% asian and canyon creek elementary is around 30% asian, spicewood elementary has 28% asians.

They feed into Canyon vista middle school which is over 30% asian.

Then westwood is around 20% asian.

You cant look at the school district as a whole. Also, when people say round rock schools are good, they really mean westwood and a few select middle schools and elementary schools that feed into it.

Round rock overall is 10% asian but they are concentrated in fewer schools. For example round rock high has 4% asians.

Westlake has about 10% asians, lake travis has 2.5% asians, leander high and vista ridge (cedar park/leander) are 2.5%

Finally the round rock ISD schools that are in the best chain are actually located in Austin

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

If you are comfortable living in predominantly white neighborhoods you might be happy in the Austin area. Most of the "better" schools and school districts (Eanes ISD, Round Rock, Leander, Lake Travis) are under-represented by AA. It is simply a demographic issue because the school districts are located in areas where not may AAs live. .

Hi I guess I read AA as asian american, but I think you read it as african american. I guess you are probably right.

[HappyTexan]

Wow..I saw AA and thought Alcoholics Anonymous. So sorry..my bad.

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by Austin97

Hi I guess I read AA as asian american, but I think you read it as african american. I guess you are probably right.

I did mean African American - that is how I interpreted the original post.

Lots of Asians throughout the Austin area and I am not surprised by the data you listed.

If you notice - no one ever asks "I am Asian American - will I be comfortable in Austin?"

[Nin Tai]

[quote=hoffdano;12275696]If you are comfortable living in predominantly white neighborhoods you might be happy in the Austin area. Most of the "better" schools and school districts (Eanes ISD, Round Rock, Leander, Lake Travis) are under-represented by AA. It is simply a demographic issue because the school districts are located in areas where not may AAs live. But that does not mean the areas and schools are all white and intolerant. Austin has many Hispanics and Asians.

Thank you for your honest reply. Where do most AAs live in your area? I am comfortable around any neighborhood, but I want my children to have a diverse environment. They already attend predominantly white schools, but the street we live on is very diverse. I know they are fine here, but I don't know if they'll be fine in another state with limited diversity? What is your demographics in the Austin/Round Rock area?

[quote=hoffdano;12275696]I am a bit worried though that you would have a hard time finding a 3BR rental for $800 in the school districts listed above.

Where can I find a rental for $800, but still have the amenities you mentioned?

Thanks!

[blakesq]

You can find meetings for austin AAs here: Hill Country Intergroup - Hotline (512) 444-0071 good luck!

[quote=Nin Tai;12295675][quote=hoffdano;12275696]If you are comfortable living in predominantly white neighborhoods you might be happy in the Austin area. Most of the "better" schools and school districts (Eanes ISD, Round Rock, Leander, Lake Travis) are under-represented by AA. It is simply a demographic issue because the school districts are located in areas where not may AAs live. But that does not mean the areas and schools are all white and intolerant. Austin has many Hispanics and Asians.

Thank you for your honest reply. Where do most AAs live in your area? I am comfortable around any neighborhood, but I want my children to have a diverse environment. They already attend predominantly white schools, but the street we live on is very diverse. I know they are fine here, but I don't know if they'll be fine in another state with limited diversity? What is your demographics in the Austin/Round Rock area?

Originally Posted by hoffdano

I am a bit worried though that you would have a hard time finding a 3BR rental for $800 in the school districts listed above.

Where can I find a rental for $800, but still have the amenities you mentioned?

Thanks!