Lakeway vs Circle C? Have lots of questions!

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by LakeTravisAlum

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It's changed dramatically since the 90s and is no longer a retirement community. I think it's funny when people always complain about Lakeway and how far away it is from everything. Anyone that is coming from a much larger metro area can laugh at the complaints that Lakeway is too far removed from Austin. It's really not. I make the drive from the Lakeway area to downtown everyday. It's not a problem for me. I think that as Austin continues to grow, Lakeway will not be so "way the hell out there" anymore.

I think the main issue is that there is only 2 ways in and out. If a wreck or something happens on 620, or even the western stretch of Bee Cave (or 2222 on the north side), there isn't a convenient alternate route. Almost every other part of Austin has multiple major arterial routes to pick from if one is blocked.

Of course this can be said for those living behind a low water crossing, such as Goldenwood, so as long as people understand and accept it, and if it's rare enough, it's probably not a deal breaker for everyone.

Steve

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

I think the main issue is that there is only 2 ways in and out. If a wreck or something happens on 620, or even the western stretch of Bee Cave (or 2222 on the north side), there isn't a convenient alternate route. Almost every other part of Austin has multiple major arterial routes to pick from if one is blocked.

Of course this can be said for those living behind a low water crossing, such as Goldenwood, so as long as people understand and accept it, and if it's rare enough, it's probably not a deal breaker for everyone.

Steve

Even this information is outdated. Lakeway can be accessed from Lakeway Blvd ("main entrance"), Lohman's Crossing, Highland Blvd (to Bee Creek Rd then SH71), and Serene Hills Dr. (at SH71).

Traffic-stopping accidents happen a few times a year on every major road in Austin, including Mopac and 360. So I really don't see how 620 or Bee Caves Rd. are any more significant to daily life.

For Steve78757 - your post is almost completely irrelevant today. The only accurate statement is that Lakeway still enforces speed limits strictly.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

Even this information is outdated. Lakeway can be accessed from Lakeway Blvd ("main entrance"), Lohman's Crossing, Highland Blvd (to Bee Creek Rd then SH71), and Serene Hills Dr. (at SH71).

Traffic-stopping accidents happen a few times a year on every major road in Austin, including Mopac and 360. So I really don't see how 620 or Bee Caves Rd. are any more significant to daily life.

For Steve78757 - your post is almost completely irrelevant today. The only accurate statement is that Lakeway still enforces speed limits strictly.

Well, I said there is no "convenient" workaround. All of those you mentioned don't get you out of Lakeway easily if you're stuck on 620.

Maybe it's just me. I don't like feeling "trapped" with poor options.

Mopac had a wreck heading north yesterday morning around 9:30AM, backed up all the way to 290. I simply got off Mopac and went around, Ben White then north on S 1st into downtown. That same wreck at Lohman's/620 would have offered no good options.

But like I said, maybe I give this issue too much weight.

Steve

[G Grasshopper]

Yes, there are 3 ways out of Lakeway now, but all of them can feel like long drives if you are far back in Lakeway, and especially having to watch your speed so carefully. Look, I know there are a lot of people who love living in Lakeway. I don't think any of us can argue that it is a bad place to live. It just wasn't the right place for me. Renting there for 9 months turned around my attitude from "this is the place" to "I think not" because I gradually became aware of things that made me uncomfortable. But that is me. Others may find it more and more appealing. My advice is to really get to know a place before buying. Consider each factor that may affect your everyday life, and check for the little things that may give you a little pleasure or a little irritation. When you are living it each day, these make a difference.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

Even this information is outdated. Lakeway can be accessed from Lakeway Blvd ("main entrance"), Lohman's Crossing, Highland Blvd (to Bee Creek Rd then SH71), and Serene Hills Dr. (at SH71).

For Steve78757 - your post is almost completely irrelevant today. The only accurate statement is that Lakeway still enforces speed limits strictly.

You may have parsed "Lakeway" in its most literal sense, when what was meant was "access from the Lake Travis area to downtown Austin". We moved back fully intending to live at Lake Travis. Loved everything about it, not the least of which was the amazing retail explosion of the last few years. Rented at HC Galleria while we decided.

It was the distance to downtown - with three "paths" - 71, 71/SW Pkwy, or 2244 - that was the deal breaker. We don't have to go downtown daily for work. Telecommute or travel - "work" is a trip to ABIA. What we didn't want was the late night trip over dark roads from dinner, a Alamo Drafthouse trip, or a UT BB game. Call it shallow, or irrelevant to where you are in your life. That's OK by me. But for us, there wasn't a point to living in Austin if I was dreading the drive back from Barley Swine, Uchi, Parkside or the SoCo food trucks. I can find a Mimi's Cafe or ChicFilA in any Dallas suburb.

Again, YMMV.

[hoffdano]

I don't live in Lakeway. I did for 12 years. I don't like neighborhoods that controlled. But it is a good place for many people.

The counterpoint to being close to Alamo Drafthouse (etc.) is that if you want to be close to the lake, then living in south Austin makes the lake fare away.

On a daily basis, Lakeway (and nearby areas) are also prettier than Circle C.

But I agree - YMMV based on what each person values.