Commuting from Dripping Spring to SA? (San Antonio, Austin: condo, construction, school districts)

[blackm3]

We are moving back to TX this fall. My inlaws are in Austin so we would prefer to live in Austin but my job is actually in N. San Antonio...at UTHSSA. I drove from D. Spring taking 290 to SA and it doesn't seem that bad. About 45-1hour of driving time so it's doable. Anyone here does the same thing?

Checked out the school districts and Dripping Spring has a good reputation. Any inputs would be appreciated...

[neddy]

What time of day are you doing that commute? I lived in by the UTHSCSA and depending on the time you go you are going to hit massive traffic on 281 then 1604 then 10. They are also about to start construction on 281 and the 1604 area you are talking about driving, everything from toll roads to a new interchange.

[McJ]

I live near Dripping Springs, and about once a month I need to go to my main
office in SA. I take 290 to 281 and like you said it takes about an hour, add a little more time for congestion, and the traffic in SA. Not bad, a lot of people have hour commutes but do you really want to do it every day? I wouldn't.

Also 281 is a fairly small road, if there is any construction, traffic or other issues you might have to go around to I35. Is that something that you want to deal with as well?

Do able "yes", ideal...probably not.

[blackm3]

Originally Posted by McJ

I live near Dripping Springs, and about once a month I need to go to my main
office in SA. I take 290 to 281 and like you said it takes about an hour, add a little more time for congestion, and the traffic in SA. Not bad, a lot of people have hour commutes but do you really want to do it every day? I wouldn't.

Also 281 is a fairly small road, if there is any construction, traffic or other issues you might have to go around to I35. Is that something that you want to deal with as well?

Do able "yes", ideal...probably not.

I work swing shift so it varies during the month. I have to do a 1.5-2 hours commute in Seattle so it's not really a big deal to me anymore. I'll probably end up getting a 1 bdroom apt in SA to stay at 1-2 times during the week so the drive won't be too much. If you live in Seattle, commuting in traffic is about 45-min to 1hr depending on where you live. I'd rather drive 50 miles then get stuck bumper to bumper..at least I can listen to the music or daydream.

[adtobias]

getting a small condo in medical center is the best idea. you can find one for pretty cheap

[Derek ATX]

The area is seeing some of the highest appreciation around Austin, and Austin is one of the strongest markets in the nation now if not THE strongest. Schools are great as you heard. Commute might be a little rough but hey, at least you'll be going the opposite direction as everyone else.

[neddy]

Won't be going the opposite way once in the SA area!

[Derek ATX]

Originally Posted by neddy

Won't be going the opposite way once in the SA area!

That's true, and either way it's going to be bad getting out of SA in the afternoon rush.

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

I see this is an older thread and I'm reading similar ones concerning the drive out of Dripping Springs. Two questions: has the road construction everyone keeps talking about finished? And, in your opinion what direction is easiest to go from South Austin traffic wise, i.e. N,W,S, E? We're looking at Dripping Springs now and trying to see the pros and cons.

[neddy]

The roads just got the funding in Feb. so it should start sometime soon I guess. 140 million to start it off...