What Part of Texas do you Suggest? (San Antonio, San Angelo: real estate, chapels)

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by destin04

Be careful of high property tax in the Hill Country.

Most of the counties in the Hill Country have lower property taxes than where I'm located in Hill County.

[Kamper]

Every comment has been really helpful and I really appreciate you taking this time to help.

It sounds like we are in the right area. I have been looking up every place mentioned and getting an idea of where it is located in proximity to Austin. I kept running into something called 'Texas Hill Country' and those places still seemed nice. Also wondered if that area was more expensive for some reason?

I am not the one with the green thumb in the family so I was not sure what the difference was in "blackland prairie soil" and "sandy loam" but these terms really helped me find a lot of information on the internet about the Texas soil types. Still not sure but I am leaning towards the blackland prairie soil.

I do have one more question, what about flooding or some of the weather you have been having this last couple years. From the news in Florida it has been really rough for many in Texas but I was not sure if it affected the area around Austin?

[NOTAM]

Hill Country is more expensive because it's simply one of the most desirable areas to live in Texas, and rightfully so...........
i never really understood, when i lived in North Texas, but now that I am in Central Texas, i "get it".......it truly is the best area of Texas to live in, in my opinion......

Originally Posted by Kamper

Every comment has been really helpful and I really appreciate you taking this time to help.

It sounds like we are in the right area. I have been looking up every place mentioned and getting an idea of where it is located in proximity to Austin. I kept running into something called 'Texas Hill Country' and those places still seemed nice. Also wondered if that area was more expensive for some reason?

I am not the one with the green thumb in the family so I was not sure what the difference was in "blackland prairie soil" and "sandy loam" but these terms really helped me find a lot of information on the internet about the Texas soil types. Still not sure but I am leaning towards the blackland prairie soil.

I do have one more question, what about flooding or some of the weather you have been having this last couple years. From the news in Florida it has been really rough for many in Texas but I was not sure if it affected the area around Austin?

[Canine*Castle]

Many parts of Texas get a lot of flooding and the Hill Country is one of them. Just be sure not to buy in a flood-prone area and stay off the roads when the torrential downpours begin. There are so many low-water crossings and many deaths are caused by people behind the wheels of vehicles trying to drive through water that is too high, and they're swept away. Common sense seems to be lacking so often in flooded areas, hence deaths occur.

[TexasHorseLady]

The Hill Country proper is pretty, but unless you find just the right pockets of soil, not the best for what you're looking for. Rocky, for one thing - VERY rocky. (I know because one, among other things, one of the things I do is try to find horse-suitable property for folks, and while a certain amount of rocky is okay, there's a limit - same goes for growing things.)

However, if you get on the skirts of the Hill Country, it's not quite such a problem.

[johnbain]

Fredericksburg, TX....small, quiet...safe....pretty.....move there....

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

The Hill Country proper is pretty, but unless you find just the right pockets of soil, not the best for what you're looking for. Rocky, for one thing - VERY rocky. (I know because one, among other things, one of the things I do is try to find horse-suitable property for folks, and while a certain amount of rocky is okay, there's a limit - same goes for growing things.)

However, if you get on the skirts of the Hill Country, it's not quite such a problem.

You had originally told me to go East if I-35 which I did but I also kept seeing the term "Texas Hill Country" and it had some great looking property (Fredericksburg, TX was one of the areas) but if it is rocky, then I will go back to the original search and stay East of I-35.

Flooding is something I will need to look into more also. Hoping that East of I 35 has some high areas.

[Bowie]

Since you'll be outdoors a lot tending to your garden, I thought this was a point worth making. Do either of you have seasonal allergies? A recent study discussed in the thread below ranked Austin #1 and San Antonio #2 on a list of the worst places to live for allergy sufferers.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-a...n-antonio.html

[TexasHorseLady]

Fredericksburg has some of those pockets. My intent was not to discourage you from the Hill Country (which is beautiful), just to recommend checking the soil carefully when you find places you like.

For example, the Austin Chalk part of our property has soil that is everywhere from half an inch deep over rock to places that are 4 feet deep over rock (it's a slope with a flat top). So whatever piece you get, walk it thoroughly to familiarize yourself with its characteristics BEFORE you buy.

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Fredericksburg has some of those pockets. My intent was not to discourage you from the Hill Country (which is beautiful), just to recommend checking the soil carefully when you find places you like.

For example, the Austin Chalk part of our property has soil that is everywhere from half an inch deep over rock to places that are 4 feet deep over rock (it's a slope with a flat top). So whatever piece you get, walk it thoroughly to familiarize yourself with its characteristics BEFORE you buy.

The information you have supplied has been invaluable in directing us to the right area! I had no idea there was that much rock in the soil so it is just another thing we will need to consider when we check out a potential home and property. Still looks like we are focusing a east of I-35.

One quick question, is there any natural springs on some of the property in the area?