Moving to Austin from Houston - Quick Decision regarding neighborhood (Pearland: condo, townhomes)

[movingtoaustin2010]

I am a 35 year old African-American single mom moving to Austin. I just accepted a role within Southwest Austin located on the Southwest Parkway. I have 3 children (one going to 6th grade and two others in primary school). I am looking for a great neighborhood for me and my kiddos! I hear the commute can be pretty challenging but coming from Houston I'm not sure what that means since the traffic is horrific. I currently live in the the Pearland area if anyone is from Houston and knows the area I would be interested in a like neighborhood OR I would consider a newer three story townhome like you'd find in the city in Houston. Price range is no more than 200-220K to buy. The school is very important and their ability and patience to work with kids with special needs. I have two GT students and one who makes straight A's but has an expressive language disorder and dyslexia. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I thought about Pflugerville but that seems pretty far. Any other recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks so much!

[jobert]

The catch with Austin is that the commute anywhere in this town can be trying on one's nerves. I would recommend living as close to work as possible, and townhomes could be available in SW, but I would ask a realtor. I recently saw a sign for new homes from the 180's by Meritage near Southwest Parkway/The "Y", so it's definately achievable, even in a nice area of town such as SW Austin. Schools in this area tend to be good as well.

[atxcio]

I don't think you'll find the traffic bad at all here compared to Houston. You'll be annoyed by the lack of highways (and HOV lanes), but the rush hour is short and the distances involved are much less. I'd suggest staying south of the river if that's where your job will be, the commute will be very reasonable.

[trayanh]

Yes, Meritage just started some constructions in the area little bit south of Ridge At Latana. It is a gated community, owned by a California company before, and then it seems they went bankrupt during the economic downturn.

Originally Posted by jobert

The catch with Austin is that the commute anywhere in this town can be trying on one's nerves. I would recommend living as close to work as possible, and townhomes could be available in SW, but I would ask a realtor. I recently saw a sign for new homes from the 180's by Meritage near Southwest Parkway/The "Y", so it's definately achievable, even in a nice area of town such as SW Austin. Schools in this area tend to be good as well.

[hoffdano]

I don't know what homes in Apache Shores are going for. But if you can find something there - your kids would be in Lake Travis schools and your commute to SW Parkway would be reasonable.

Add: you might also look at West Cypress Hills out SH71. This is a new area, and the builders say "starting in the low 200s." Again Lake Travis schools, and SW Parkway is a straight shot down SH71.

[jobert]

Originally Posted by trayanh

Yes, Meritage just started some constructions in the area little bit south of Ridge At Latana. It is a gated community, owned by a California company before, and then it seems they went bankrupt during the economic downturn.

I still can't believe that people can buy a brand-spankin' new house off of Southwest Parkway for 180K.. that price is unheard of, and is still below resale in that area. Does anyone know why prices have dropped so much?

[trayanh]

Aviara: Austin, TX, New homes by Meritage Homes: Austin, TX

I drove there last month. It looks like the original plan for that california company is to built some condo there, and they do have a few. the whole area is small, they got a small pool, and every block is kinda narrow, but still cannot imagine how many homes they can build there. Meritage probably just puts some lower end homes there, like what DR Horton are doing in Parmer Village.

Originally Posted by jobert

I still can't believe that people can buy a brand-spankin' new house off of Southwest Parkway for 180K.. that price is unheard of, and is still below resale in that area. Does anyone know why prices have dropped so much?

[CarnivalGal]

I would check out Oak Hill and Dripping Springs. Both are right off of 71 (near SW Parkway) and have good schools. You should also be able to find a decent house for that price.

[AustinLourdes]

Hi! There are so many great choices in Austin with amazing schools. [mod]see comment[/mod]

[llkltk]

Originally Posted by jobert

I still can't believe that people can buy a brand-spankin' new house off of Southwest Parkway for 180K.. that price is unheard of, and is still below resale in that area. Does anyone know why prices have dropped so much?

Don't believe it. They aren't off of SW Parkway exactly. They are closer to Oak Hill and the Y. That is why the price is so low. I checked out the floorplans online at Meritage's site. They are patio type homes I would say. The floorplans are very similar to one another. I know that most new construction is this way, but these floorplans are almost mirror images of each other. Also, they have "california kitchens" which are smaller kitchens. Some have 1 car garages. The price point is accurate for the Oak Hill area. Lantana residents would be up in arms if these were built next door to them. They are a good distance away. Anything that went in off of SW Parkway would easily be 300K+.