HELP! Purchasing a home in Austin West or South West? (Spring: for sale, new home)

[thestar75]

Hello All,

We are looking at purchasing a property in Austin in an area that would be a solid investment. We are Muslims and I do cover my hair. We are very social and love to meet new people; however, we don't want to be in area where we feel very uncomfortable/unwanted.

I have mainly looked at areas West of Austin, Westlake is great, but out of our price bracket for the type of home we want, thus places like Steiner Ranch seem great: great schools, properties and views, although it's quite a commute to central Austin.

But the area Bridges of Bear Creek seems really lovely and the homes are really well priced (less than $500 000 for 3500sq ft). However, no one on this board really recommends "South" Austin or in this case it's SW Austin...just would like to know why?

We are looking to spend no more than $600 000.

We are looking for a good area that will appreciate, excellent schools, great views and lots of house, that is safe and not near any shady areas.

Any recommendations would be so much appreciated.

Thanks so much.

[jobert]

I wouldn't rule out NW Austin. Considering your price range and desire not to be close to questionable neighborhoods, NW Austin (or Westlake for that matter) could fit the bill. Southwest Austin is nice, but you would have to drive out to Belterra if you want a uniform quality to the neighborhoods. The Bear Creek development is at the end of Brodie, which is one of the worst traffic nightmares in Austin - that alone would turn me off to the development - not mention that this neighborhood is a short distance from Hays, which may be the most intolerant city in or around Austin. If being close to Islamic organizations, mosques, or other Muslims, then I would suggest NW Austin, as north central Austin has the predominant Muslim community in Austin. Have you considered central Austin - (Pemberton, Clarksville, West Austin)? Those areas have some real class, but the homes would be smaller.

Good luck house hunting!

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by thestar75

Hello All,

We are looking at purchasing a property in Austin in an area that would be a solid investment. We are Muslims and I do cover my hair. We are very social and love to meet new people; however, we don't want to be in area where we feel very uncomfortable/unwanted.

I have mainly looked at areas West of Austin, Westlake is great, but out of our price bracket for the type of home we want, thus places like Steiner Ranch seem great: great schools, properties and views, although it's quite a commute to central Austin.

But the area Bridges of Bear Creek seems really lovely and the homes are really well priced (less than $500 000 for 3500sq ft). However, no one on this board really recommends "South" Austin or in this case it's SW Austin...just would like to know why?

We are looking to spend no more than $600 000.

We are looking for a good area that will appreciate, excellent schools, great views and lots of house, that is safe and not near any shady areas.

Any recommendations would be so much appreciated.

Thanks so much.

A lot of people highly recommend SW austin. There just arent that many new communities there. For appreciation south and southwest probably will beat nw/west in the near future because the price per sq ft is lower and it is about the same distance as some of the expensive nw/west areas (like steiner)

The only issue is that 71 is a bear to commute on because of the Y at oak hill.

Austin-steve loves SW austin. For 600K you can get a 3500 sq ft house on the greenbelt with a pool in the great hills area that feeds into laurel mountain/canyon vista/westwood. There arent any/many forsale right now, but when they do go onsale they are in that range.

[yam]

Definitely check out the Lost Creek neighborhood at Lost Creek Blvd and 360. Great schools and just a short drive to downtown. Views and condition vary but are generally pretty nice. Several properties are available at the size/price range you mentioned.

I've sent you a direct message too

[la60336]

I second the Great Hills Area recommendation. As I was reading your post, it was the first neighborhood that came to mind. Keep in mind that some homes in Great Hills feed into AISD and some feed into RRISD (Laurel Mountain/Canyon Vista/Westwood).

[FalconheadWest]

Have you thought a little further West of Westlake like Bee Cave area? Senna Hills, Lake Pointe, Alta Vista, Falconhead and Falconhead West are all feeding to great schools. Senna Hills goes to Eanes ISD and the others all go to Lake Travis, very highly rated. Price range would not be an issue in these areas.

[pjoseph2]

Originally Posted by Austin97

For 600K you can get a 3500 sq ft house on the greenbelt with a pool in the great hills area that feeds into laurel mountain/canyon vista/westwood. There arent any/many forsale right now, but when they do go onsale they are in that range.

We get listings from our Realtor for these schools (and the neighboring two elementary schools), and there are 67 available houses as of today.

Only 3 of them are above $600 K. Most are 15 to 20 years old, but in good condition. And yes, we have good Muslim friends in the neighborhood.

Although i'd prefer laid back vibe in South and SW. NW Austin is all business.

[Sharon Murray]

Hello!
If you are looking in that area, I suggest you visit Brodie Springs, which is closer in than the Bridges at Bear Creek, with very similar prices (homes there are all priced from the mid $400's to mid $500's, on very private home sites. Bear Creek is nice, but FM 1626 is narrow and dangerous, and the traffic down there can get very heavy.
I think there are about 5 new homes for sale in Brodie Springs that you could see and get an idea if you like it.
Good luck!

[thestar75]

Thanks for all of the replies! Definitely helps to hear some real people's perspectives.