Challenge - Potential Relocation, Suggest an Area (San Antonio, Austin: apartment complexes, rental homes)

[misfits00]

Hi all,
My first time posting, but a frequent reader of the forums. Currently living in Pittsburgh, my wife is temporarily relocating near Austin to be with her ailing father. Depending on what happens, we may be considering a permanent relocation to the area.

I would be working in San Antonio, on Soledad Street in downtown if I transfer within my company. I am in the area for a week, and would like some suggestions on general areas to check out to get the "lay of the land" if we decide to move permanently, though this decision would not be made for at least a few months. None of us know much about the area. Of course, I am probably pretty specific in what I am looking for, as I am a born & raised Pittsburgher and not too fond of change. I am not looking for specific complexes or the like, just a general idea of areas to investigate.

Here's what I am looking for:
- Suburban area, with more mature trees, green space
- Privacy - prefer an area with rental homes, not new-construction apartment complexes, land & privacy between residents
- Location: Easy commute to work (currently 20 minutes against rush hour traffic),
- Amenities: would love a place similar to our own now, which is back against a 200-acre city park with running/ biking trails connecting the property to the park
- Quality of life: would like somewhere close to shopping (malls, grocery, etc)
- Price: while I don't know how much I will be making, how much utilities, etc. cost compared to Pittsburgh, but would be looking for somewhere that rentals are less than $1000 for a 2-3BR

I don't know anything about this area as well, so I am not sure what trade-offs I am looking at. Any ideas/ suggestions would be welcome. Thank you all in advance for the help and let me know if there is anything I can clarify.

[Pancho-Villa]

First of all..do you speak Spanish??? Kidding...I know that one rattles everyone's cages here.

[misfits00]

Anyone? We'll be in town monday and tuesday could really use some thoughts nothing serious. Th only a we've come up with is New Brunfels.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by misfits00

Anyone? We'll be in town monday and tuesday could really use some thoughts nothing serious. Th only a we've come up with is New Brunfels.

New Braunfels to downtown is going to take a lot longer than 20 minutes unless you're working graveyard, and even then....

I'm not a big fan of suburbs so can't help you there. In general, the newer stuff outside the 1604 loop is less likely to have mature trees (most get clear cut then new houses are built). I know of some neighborhoods inside 410 or just outside (like Castle Hills, Shavano Park) that have slightly older homes and mature trees, but can't comment on price and rental availability. I'll let others describe their suburban favourites.

[LovingSA]

Schertz has some areas that have mature trees in a suburban setting. Some lots are larger than others. Last year, when we were looking to rent, there were a few nice houses for rent, but in the 1300/month range for 3-4 bedrooms. Rentals seem to go quickly. Our realtor helped us to find possible rentals, but we ended up buying. She knew the area, what we were looking for, and what we could expect to find.

I sent you a DM.

[ashbeeigh]

The Shavano Park or Castle Hills area would be good. Both are close to Hardberger Park as well as Leon Creek Greenway. Schools are very good and established in the area. Look into Northside and Northeast ISD. Both commutes are about 20/25 minutes with Castle Hills being a bit shorter. Castle Hills is close to North Star mall and all those attractions while Shavano Park is near the Rim and the Shops at La Cantera. My parents rent a 2500 square foot 4/2 relatively close to Shavano Park and pay $1400/mnth. Your budget is well within rentals in both those areas.