Family of 5 moving to San Antonio in 2014 from Rockford,IL (Howe: sales, mortgage) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

tasham76 · 10-28-2012, 08:34 AM

Ok we are moving in 2014 after my son finishes Middle school here.The high schools here scare me! I am currently homeschooling our 14 year old high schooler and preschooler. I am looking for direction in an eclectic neighborhood that is affordable(our income is 30,000.00 a year) Schools are flexible because like I said I homeschool. My main thing is getting a house with 3 beds and 2 baths with a good sized yard at an affordable price close to public transportation and kid friendly.
Thank you very much in advance for any help.

majormadmax · 10-28-2012, 09:02 AM

Could you please specifically define "affordable?" While housing is cheaper in SA, for the amenities you are looking for it will probably mean a mortgage of at least $800 a month and even that might be a stretch.

Also, public transportation exists here but it is not as widespread as in some big cities mainly due to the huge expanse of the city. Being near bus stops will narrow your choices, but it isn't impossible.

As for "a good sized yard," that also depends on what you mean. If you're looking for something close to a half acre or so then it greatly depend on how much you are willing to spend. Unfortunately, newer homes with big yards such as that are not cheap or common here; but we have a decent-sized yard with nice trees.

So let us know more specifically what you are looking for and can afford, and the collective knowledge of this forum will probably be able to steer you to more specific areas!

Cheers! M2

pobre · 10-28-2012, 09:02 AM

You will need to define affordable...

If your income is $30,000/year, it's probably going to be a tough search. Not impossible, but tough.

tasham76 · 10-28-2012, 10:09 AM

Housing at $100,000.00 or less and a "good sized yard " would be a yard big enough for a playground playset and a garden. We are VERY handy people that can fix up a spot so it doesn't have to be a luxurious spot! Also, close to grocery stores, etc.

tasham76 · 10-28-2012, 10:10 AM

Also, the yard could be smaller if there are good parks in the area for my little one to play at.

Me007gold · 10-28-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tasham76

Housing at $100,000.00 or less and a "good sized yard " would be a yard big enough for a playground playset and a garden. We are VERY handy people that can fix up a spot so it doesn't have to be a luxurious spot! Also, close to grocery stores, etc.

at 100k you are looking at around a 2/1, possibly a very small 3/1. I just started looking again, and at 125k I am finding some decent 3/2's in the nw part of town(around babcock road area)

majormadmax · 10-28-2012, 11:01 AM

Sounds like you might need to focus on used sales in KB Home communities, which there are a lot to choose from but keep in mind these houses are not know for being built to the highest of standards.

However, they should meet your needs and desires...

Cheers! M2

Hedgehog_Mom · 10-28-2012, 11:15 AM

I was looking in that price range and all I could find in areas I felt were borderline all right were homes that needed major repairs...foundation repairs or the AC unit needed to be replaced. Unless you have a lot saved up, between moving, your downpayment and closing costs, it could be difficult to make major repairs right away.

I ended up spending 130K and I got a new 3/2 with a very small yard in a borderline decent part of town. My foundation cracked in half a few months after the builder's 1 year warranty ended. I'm homeschooling my daughter now because the elementary school here is so horrible.

tasham76 · 10-28-2012, 11:43 AM

I am also open to mobile homes within communities.

We will be selling our house here so will be able to put about $10,000.00 down and we will be selling a lot of what we have in order to take just the essentials.

skeet09 · 10-28-2012, 12:08 PM

We spent $108k for our home in July 2010 and this was around the end of the homebuyer tax credit. Our mortgage is around $875. It would be a stretch on a $30k income with children and make the mortgage. Maybe there will be advancement opportunities to make a higher income once moving here and getting the family established? I live near Sea World and the bus route isn't too great but we have the Heritage Duck Pond/Park nearby.