Relocating to Austin for a "float" job (Round Rock: renting, home)

[Moni74]

My husband, 7-year-old son and I are relocating to either Austin, TX or Tampa, FL. I've been considering a floating job in Austin where I would be scheduled at various clinics from Georgetown to San Marcos with several clinics in between. Im wondering where is a nice centrally located community. These are the things we are looking for in a neighborhood:

1-good schools (elementary)
2-cultrually/racially diverse, middle class neighborhood
3-family/pet friendly (we are needing to meet people)
4-close to coinvienient shopping (grocery stores, Target, etc)

I'm also wondering about traffic. If we find a nice centrally located neighborhood how would traffic be if I have to travel as far north as Georgetown and south as San Marcos.

Thank you for ANY info.

[Exiled Texan]

That is a big geographic area. You really won't have a home base? I'd suggest Steiner Ranch.

[CptnRn]

Steiner Ranch!?!? That is far from centrally located, going to Georgetown would not be too bad but it is and very inconvenient for traveling south to San Marcos or even Central and South Austin.

Central Austin is pretty expensive, perhaps beyond middle class budgets. Are you buying or renting? What is your budget?

North Central Austin and South Central Austin offer several options but cost and schools would have to be looked at carefully.

Round Rock would probably be a good choice based on the criteria listed (good schools), but its not centrally located. It is a bit far north but the 130 toll road would make the trip to San Marcos and South Austin a relatively easy one. The area also has numerous routes to choose from when traveling to SW or Central Austin.

SW Austin, Oak Hill area fulfills many of the criteria, good schools, but it is a long drive to Georgetown.

[Trainwreck20]

Live somewhere near SH130. Can you deduct\claim travel expenses?

[jobert]

I agree with the posters that recommended somewhere along 130. Blackhawk in Pflugerville could fit the bill.

You should try to avoid the west side of 35 (hell just froze over when I said that) because then you will avoid 90% of the traffic in Austin. The tolls would stink though (about $8 the entire way end to end). I've driven the tollway at 5pm on a friday, and was able to go 80mph the entire way from the southern end to Round Rock. It blew my mind.

There was practically no one on it, and it was through rolling hills with the occasional ranch for about 80% of the trip - a pretty, unhindered drive.