Dallas vs. Austin (San Antonio, Plano, Carrollton: new house, construction, best schools)

[NLAM]

Hi everyone,

Wifey and I are considering relocating from LA suburbs to either Dallas or Austin suburbs... I first looked at Dallas area and thought have narrowed it down to Plano, Richardson, Allen & Carrollton. But may now consider Frisco and Lewisville.

But the more i look and read, I'm starting to see that Austin area may be a better choice. So I've reasearched and narrowed that down to Cedar Park & Round Rock, but may also consider Georgetown and Pflugerville.

I work in manufacturing in supply chain, production planning and inventory control, wife works in social services... we have 3 children ages, 3.5yrs, 13months and 2weeks old. Our priorities are 1- safe & diverse community, 2- excellent school districts (our 3.5yr has a slight speech delay, so a district with a strong I.E.P program is most desired), 3- newer community with lots of entertainment/ restaurant/ shopping options

Would greatly appreciate anyone's suggestions & comments.

thanks so much!!!

Sorry, wanted to also say that we prefer to stay in the high 190Ks (apparently Dallas area fits this mold), but could go higher to the low 200Ks (Austin area seems to fit this mold). We would be looking at communities with new construction housing.

thanks again!

[cyclefrk]

For my money, Austin is the only place to live in Texas. I have lived in the area for 30 years and have visited most of the state and still think Austin is the only place to be. I have lived in Austin, Round Rock, and currenly Georgetown. Round Rock and Georgetown have some of the best schools in the area. However, I am not sure about the I.E.P progams. Both cities are slightly more conservative than Austin but not too bad, (I am far from conservative and I can deal with it). Both cities are fairly diverse. As I said, I live in Georgetown with my wife and son (3yrs old), wife and I are white while our son is black and we have not had any problems at all.
Housing prices are in your specified range.

Cedar Park and Pflugerville are livable as well, but I would stick to Georgetown or Round Rock (my preference)

.

Then entire area is growing very quickly and new houses are being built continuously as well as shopping centers. There is currently a IKEA going in between Round Rock and Georgetown.

Hope this helps.

[schorfheide]

We have been here for 7 years...
Location is good as the expansion of roads are concerned. Schools are pretty good. Our daughter graduated Berkner (one of the tops in Texas, I think) and cost of living is very resonable. Easily can get 3-4 br home for the 190k you spoke of, heck, I'll sell you mine...
Dallas has more restaurants than any city per capita (so I've heard) and you'll never get around to all of them. Addison is famous for a couple miles of some 200+ restaurants on one road...Google "taste of Addison".
Traffic is similar to Austin during rush hour. I personally take the train to work to avoid this and for saving on the crazy gas prices. It's pretty popular.
Traveling is probably easier here since there's 2 airports to use, DFW & Love Field...
I, however, have heard many a people say wonderful things of Austin. I also have heard the jobs are less prevelant. Dallas has pretty much anything you would need, just not too many hills or country. Many good lakes around if you like sailing.
Scott

[BlueEyesAhead]

I've been wondering: Can a body water ski on those lakes?

Or is it like Lake Cachuma in CA where you can motorboat and fish but no bodies are allowed to touch the water. Not even swimming.

:O)

[stargazer]

I never went boating here to know except once 10 years ago. That is a good question. We have a ton of lakes up here. I am near Lake Lavone. I think you can though, I vegely remember someone water skiing on Lake Ray Hubbard. When we wanted to get away in the old days and go water skiing, we would go meet family and friends at Lake Sam Rayburn. That is an awesome lake that has islands out there. We often would ride over to the islands and spend half a day there.
North Dallas is a great place to raise a family. Look at greatschool.net to see what district you would prefer. It led us here to Mckinney and we are very pleased with the schools, the shopping, housing and community in general.

[thx1138]

Austin would match LA culturally more so than D/FW would. Also be aware of this when considering schools in TX:

http://www.healthofchildren.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5

[gaylabaker]

I'm also considering Georgetown (specifically, the Del Webb/Pulte active adult community). How did you determine that it is worth a look? Where may I find additional info?

Anyone have thoughts/opinions on how the Austin or San Antonio areas compare? Pulte is also building in San Antonio soon, so that is also a possibility. I have been in San Antonio only once, as a tourist, so all I'm familiar with is the Alamo, River Walk, etc.

Thanks for any advice!

[gaylabaker]

Also, how is sailing in Texas? I have heard the wind surfing is good on Padre Island, but I've heard nothing about sailing other than in the Gulf. So, is there lake sailing?

[BlueEyesAhead]

Howdy!

So what would you say are the eXaCt differences between Austin and Dallas area...we're heading to Texas and leaning toward Dallas area, but lately I've been hearing Austin has a lot to offer.
Can you break down the comparison?

Best,
Blue Skies Ahead

[BobTex]

Austin very liberal for a conservative state....kinda the Berkley of Texas....a lot of the kooks hole up there but there are some good blues there!

As far as the lakes are concerned in Texas......they are open only to high powered bassboats and fisherman.....no pleasure craft, jetskis, or water skiers allowed......sorry......heh heh !!!!!!