Round Rock info for potential soon to be new resident :) (Houston: appointed, apartment)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 1.5 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Round Rock info for potential soon to be new resident :)
Ok, so Ive been browsing the threads for the past few days for info on Round Rock and have gotten a little here and there but of course just like every other person that moves, Ive still got questions
Cliff Notes version of my situation is...
~Moving from where I was born, raised and have lived my whole life (just outside Tampa, FL) to Round Rock.. is there going to be a culture shock?
~I am a licensed massage therapist here and will be getting my TX license after I relocate out there but will be looking for a healthcare related support position to begin with. Can anybody give me any ideas of hospitals or medical insurance companies that are within decent commuting distance to this area?
~Will there be enough things to keep my 8 year old son entertained? such as parades, community activities, community centers, festivals, parks, etc
~Where are the best schools in the round rock area? Are there actually any bad schools in the area?
~Are the summers there worse then in FL? I figured since we have the humidity and heat that it would be worse here, but I want to feel prepared
~Is it necessary to be bilingual to find a decent job? Here in FL, its becoming a mandatory requirement because of the efflux of Cubans, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans... they will hire somebody who speaks Spanish with broken English over somebody who speaks English but no Spanish?!!
~Is Round rock truly walkable/bikeable? I would like to have the option of riding our bikes to the grocery store/library/parks on a beautiful day in comparison to taking the car
~Ive seen postings talking of NW/SW/NE/SE Round Rock... are there boundaries that define the areas that anybody could give me? Looking at a map I could make my own...but then it wouldnt be accurate to what the locals consider these areas
If you have any ideas on what areas may be best for my son and I.. PLEASE let me know. My friend moved into the Colonial Grand @ Ashton Oaks, so weve been looking in that area...but the price seems a little steep for me, so any other suggested areas?? Im not into partying/clubs/bars...I am into family friendly activities, thrift store shopping and outdoor activities (swimming, parks, trails, etc)
If youre wondering how in the world I chose Round Rock out of every city in the US to relocate to...
I chose Round Rock because a friend of mine just recently moved there and has talked about how great it is...but she is Socal suburban and I am more hippie non materialistic holistic minded.... would this be an ideal place for me as well?
Thanks to anybody and everybody who offers input Sorry it is so long, I guess my excitement got me carried away!!
Ok, so Ive been browsing the threads for the past few days for info on Round Rock and have gotten a little here and there but of course just like every other person that moves, Ive still got questions
Cliff Notes version of my situation is...
~Moving from where I was born, raised and have lived my whole life (just outside Tampa, FL) to Round Rock.. is there going to be a culture shock?
~I am a licensed massage therapist here and will be getting my TX license after I relocate out there but will be looking for a healthcare related support position to begin with. Can anybody give me any ideas of hospitals or medical insurance companies that are within decent commuting distance to this area?
~Will there be enough things to keep my 8 year old son entertained? such as parades, community activities, community centers, festivals, parks, etc
~Where are the best schools in the round rock area? Are there actually any bad schools in the area?
~Are the summers there worse then in FL? I figured since we have the humidity and heat that it would be worse here, but I want to feel prepared
~Is it necessary to be bilingual to find a decent job? Here in FL, its becoming a mandatory requirement because of the efflux of Cubans, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans... they will hire somebody who speaks Spanish with broken English over somebody who speaks English but no Spanish?!!
~Is Round rock truly walkable/bikeable? I would like to have the option of riding our bikes to the grocery store/library/parks on a beautiful day in comparison to taking the car
~Ive seen postings talking of NW/SW/NE/SE Round Rock... are there boundaries that define the areas that anybody could give me? Looking at a map I could make my own...but then it wouldnt be accurate to what the locals consider these areas
If you have any ideas on what areas may be best for my son and I.. PLEASE let me know. My friend moved into the Colonial Grand @ Ashton Oaks, so weve been looking in that area...but the price seems a little steep for me, so any other suggested areas?? Im not into partying/clubs/bars...I am into family friendly activities, thrift store shopping and outdoor activities (swimming, parks, trails, etc)
If youre wondering how in the world I chose Round Rock out of every city in the US to relocate to...
I chose Round Rock because a friend of mine just recently moved there and has talked about how great it is...but she is Socal suburban and I am more hippie non materialistic holistic minded.... would this be an ideal place for me as well?
Thanks to anybody and everybody who offers input Sorry it is so long, I guess my excitement got me carried away!!
I can't answer all of your questions, but i can help out with a few.
The summers here are different from FL. Yes, there is a higher humidity generally in FL than here, but the heat and sun seem to be more direct here. Short story to explain my reasoning: I am very sunburn prone, pale scandinavian skin. I went to Disney World one year, was out all day without sunscreen in FL (in the middle of August), no sun burn. I stay out in the sun here for 2 hours in August, and I am regretting it the following day.
No it is not necessary to be bilingual to be hired here. It is a plus of course, but to put it in perspective, the company I work for has 35 employees, only 5 are bilingual.
I don't really consider Round Rock too biker friendly, there are some areas around downtown that might be okay, but generally that would be something you find in Austin.
From the description you give of yourself and what you are looking for, it sounds to me that you would be happier in Austin proper, closer to central Austin area. You will access to many of the things you are interested in, and your friend in Round Rock would not be that far away.
If you have any ideas on what areas may be best for my son and I.. PLEASE let me know. My friend moved into the Colonial Grand @ Ashton Oaks, so weve been looking in that area...but the price seems a little steep for me, so any other suggested areas?? Im not into partying/clubs/bars...I am into family friendly activities, thrift store shopping and outdoor activities (swimming, parks, trails, etc)
If youre wondering how in the world I chose Round Rock out of every city in the US to relocate to...
I chose Round Rock because a friend of mine just recently moved there and has talked about how great it is...but she is Socal suburban and I am more hippie non materialistic holistic minded.... would this be an ideal place for me as well?
Are you looking for an apartment or a house? The Colonial Grand @ Ashton Oaks seems pretty reasonable for all the amenities that it offers (starts at $800 per month for a 2 br/2ba). It looks like it includes a washer/dryer with each unit and also includes cable TV. What kind of price range are you looking for?
It sounds like you need to visit your friend in Round Rock to check it out. It's generally a great place to raise a family, but it's not really walkable at all. You won't find much partying/clubs in Round Rock as it's a family oriented suburb. There is a lot to do for families on a regular basis.
I'll take a stab at a few I live in far NW Austin which geographically is more like SW Round Rock than Austin
I can't compare cultures never having lived in FL but I can tell you that I've lived in several states and countries and TX by far has the most friendly, laid back people I've encountered as a whole. Also children are valued and treasured, the area is very supportive of families.
Round Rock is divided into "west" and "east" by I35. There are beautiful neighborhoods and parks on both sides. Far "SW Round Rock" homes are mostly part of the city of Austin but go to RR schools. I've never heard of any Round Rock school described as "bad". The RR school district is very well respected and my children's experience has been a great one Keep in mind that school scores will be a reflection in part of the socioeconomic diversity of the student body. The area attracts far more teachers than need to be hired so many are the best of the best The other district that is spoken of very highly as a whole is the Leander ISD which draws from Cedar Park and Leander, the towns along the west border of Round Rock.
There are tons of things for 8yo's to do. With the great weather (there is always a breeze blowing) my boys and I get out to the public parks a lot for hiking and geocaching (geocaching.com) There are festivals going on all year round, water parks, etc. We don't have a traditional zoo (more of a rescue center) but there are zoos within 1 1/2 to 3 hrs in different directions. We are getting a Schlitterbahn in Cedar Park soon and there are already great smaller water parks in place.
If Round Rock is walkable/bikeable it would have to be on a very neighborhood scale. Some neighborhoods have parks, rec centers, schools, and grocery stores within walking/biking distance. But it's a very large city and you couldn't get much past your neighborhood comfortably. There is a very beautiful and long biking/walking trail that goes through Cedar Park and Round Rock, just south of Brushy Creek Rd and Hairy Man Rd but it's recreational, not really to get anywhere in particular. There are views of the creek, exposed rock walls, waterfalls and a lake You can also rent kayaks at the little lake.
My favorite area after all our driving around looking when we first moved here is NW Austin/West Round Rock/Cedar Park. But if you're looking for hippie you'll have to live in Central Austin. The problem with that is that the housing is VERY expensive but if it's you and your son you might not mind a smaller space. Round Rock and Cedar Park feel very suburban and you'll have to drive 20-25 mins downtown to get hippie
From the description you give of yourself and what you are looking for, it sounds to me that you would be happier in Austin proper, closer to central Austin area. You will access to many of the things you are interested in, and your friend in Round Rock would not be that far away.
Thank you for your input!! I will have to check out Central Austin, are there certain boundaries that define "Central Austin". I was worried that Round Rock might be too cookie cutter suburbia for me since it is up and coming and mostly new communities. Are there any areas of Austin that are not so desirable that I should be avoiding like the plague??
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark311
Are you looking for an apartment or a house? The Colonial Grand @ Ashton Oaks seems pretty reasonable for all the amenities that it offers (starts at $800 per month for a 2 br/2ba). It looks like it includes a washer/dryer with each unit and also includes cable TV. What kind of price range are you looking for?
It sounds like you need to visit your friend in Round Rock to check it out. It's generally a great place to raise a family, but it's not really walkable at all. You won't find much partying/clubs in Round Rock as it's a family oriented suburb. There is a lot to do for families on a regular basis.
Thank you for your input also!! If I could get an apt there for 800 a month, I would be satisfied...but they "start at" $800 but typically dont have any available at that price once they tack on some other fees (for views/location/etc). I checked their availability and all 2 bedrooms are between 905-1000, which I might as well stay in Florida for that price I am actually looking to spend $800/month max, hoping for less because you know the less we pay in rent...the more fun things we can do
I originally planned on visiting, but we are now moving sight unseen....packing up and will be moving beginning of August so that my son can start at the beginning of the school year.
Are there any other apt complexes you can recommend in that general area?
I'll take a stab at a few I live in far NW Austin which geographically is more like SW Round Rock than Austin
I can't compare cultures never having lived in FL but I can tell you that I've lived in several states and countries and TX by far has the most friendly, laid back people I've encountered as a whole. Also children are valued and treasured, the area is very supportive of families.
Round Rock is divided into "west" and "east" by I35. There are beautiful neighborhoods and parks on both sides. Far "SW Round Rock" homes are mostly part of the city of Austin but go to RR schools. I've never heard of any Round Rock school described as "bad". The RR school district is very well respected and my children's experience has been a great one Keep in mind that school scores will be a reflection in part of the socioeconomic diversity of the student body. The area attracts far more teachers than need to be hired so many are the best of the best The other district that is spoken of very highly as a whole is the Leander ISD which draws from Cedar Park and Leander, the towns along the west border of Round Rock.
There are tons of things for 8yo's to do. With the great weather (there is always a breeze blowing) my boys and I get out to the public parks a lot for hiking and geocaching (geocaching.com) There are festivals going on all year round, water parks, etc. We don't have a traditional zoo (more of a rescue center) but there are zoos within 1 1/2 to 3 hrs in different directions. We are getting a Schlitterbahn in Cedar Park soon and there are already great smaller water parks in place.
If Round Rock is walkable/bikeable it would have to be on a very neighborhood scale. Some neighborhoods have parks, rec centers, schools, and grocery stores within walking/biking distance. But it's a very large city and you couldn't get much past your neighborhood comfortably. There is a very beautiful and long biking/walking trail that goes through Cedar Park and Round Rock, just south of Brushy Creek Rd and Hairy Man Rd but it's recreational, not really to get anywhere in particular. There are views of the creek, exposed rock walls, waterfalls and a lake You can also rent kayaks at the little lake.
My favorite area after all our driving around looking when we first moved here is NW Austin/West Round Rock/Cedar Park. But if you're looking for hippie you'll have to live in Central Austin. The problem with that is that the housing is VERY expensive but if it's you and your son you might not mind a smaller space. Round Rock and Cedar Park feel very suburban and you'll have to drive 20-25 mins downtown to get hippie
Good luck!
Thankyou for your stab at it!! It is sounding like the Austin area in general has everything Im looking for...just narrowing it down will be the tough part. Ive heard of the geocaching thing in DC, I didnt know they had it there...thats awesome, it sounds like a fun little adventure. I definitely appreciate your input and will put all of it together with my notes Ive got going on I honestly think any school system is better then Floridas, so Im sure I wont be disappointed by any in a respected district.
Round Rock is NOT very biker/walker friendly. You really do need a vehicle to get around. As far as weather, we had 4 straight months of 100+ temperatures last year. I regret moving here after living in Austin for 10 years. It is VERY suburbia. There really isn't that much to do in a community way for children, unless you are willing to pay for it. If you can afford to live in the nicer area's, then you might as well live in Austin. There are way more trails, parks, things to do there.
I've lived in Round Rock for 7 years now and have 3 kids (11, 8, and 6). Most of the newer master planned neighborhoods will have similar amenities such as pools, parks, hike and bike trails, and schools within the neighborhood. The neighborhood we live in and the one next door that feeds into the same elementary has lots of kids and their are always kids out playing. Our neighborhood has 2 pools, 2 parks, and a hike and bike trail along Brushy Creek. There are also multiple organized sports leagues and we are currently involved with football, soccer, and gymnastics. So yes, there is quite a bit for the kids to do. We do drive into Austin and Cedar Park quite a bit too. Basically, Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander are one big metro. It is hard to tell where one town ends and the other begins.
There are 3 hospitals in Round Rock. The 2 new hospitals (both opened within the last 2 years) are located on University Blvd (1431 on the East side of I35). The 2 hospitals are Scott and White Hospital and Seton Medical Center. The other hospital that is a little bit older is St. Davids Round Rock Medical Center located on 620 West of I35.
I've never lived in Florida only visited. It gets hot in the summer here but it is drier than Florida. I lived in Houston for 4 years and I imagine Florida weather is similar to Houston. Every once in a while the humidity will creep up with the winds blowing moisture our way from the Gulf. Last year was abnormally hot with almost 70 days over 100. The typical summer is 10 days or less under 100.
Like others have said, neighborhoods are walkable but in general, you will need a car to go grocery shopping. Schools located within neighborhoods are walkable.
I was born & raised in SW FL a few counties south of you. Other than fewer seniors, less access to fresh seafood and privacy fences, I haven't noticed much of a culture shock. I have not lived in the Tampa Bay area, so can't comment on specifics other than your access to amenities should be more similar than what I grew up with.
One big difference is that they don't have county school districts here. The school districts are very gerrymandered, so take that into consideration. Just because you have a Round Rock address, doesn't mean it falls within RRISD boundaries. I have an Austin address that is within RRISD.
I find summers much worse than FL, and definitely would choose the extra humidity over the extra 10 degrees.
Different neighborhoods have different levels of how easy to walk & bike. My neighborhood doesn't have a good "walk score," but in a lot of cases it is easier to get to the parks, pools, library on foot/bicycle than by car. I think the website doesn't take into consideration the hike & bike trails. If you don't want to be car dependent, that will have a big impact on where you will want to live since you will need access to Cap Metro lines that run to places you want to go.
Austin has a very outdoors culture and there are a lot of family friendly activities. Parades don't seem to be as common as what I grew up with, but that may be more of a small town thing.
I would recommend picking a school district as a starting point and working from there. Also take into consideration traffic/commuting. Those two areas will probably have the biggest impact on quality of life.
I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone for your input! You all have definitely been helpful and seem to be very friendly and welcoming... if this is a hint as to how people are near Austin, then I know we are going to love it!!
I think Im going to try and stay at the same apts as my friend (Colonial Grand at Ashton Oaks-- S. A.W. Grimes Blvd) but if not there, around that general area so that Im near someone I know I think this is considered East Round Rock? The schools for that area are Callison Elem which feeds into Co Fulkes Middle within the RRISD school district... If anyone is familiar with this area or schools and can give opinions...thatd be great!
Now for a commuting question, would this area be a horrible commute to any of the local hospitals? Im hoping to land a position at a local hospital until I can network with chiropractors to get my massage clientele up out there and also get my license there ...well and then have both jobs of course
We have a car and are usually car dependent because here it is the county of concrete and as soon as you leave your driveway on your bike, you are pretty much guaranteed to almost get smashed at least twice before you make it anywhere. I was just hoping for somewhere bikeable (high hopes I know), but the trails sound beautiful and as long as we can put our bikes in the car and go to a trail, then we will be satisfied!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $53,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 1.5 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Sorry it is so long, I guess my excitement got me carried away!!
I live in far NW Austin which geographically is more like SW Round Rock than Austin 
