Looking at a possible move to Austin - from Dallas (Houston: real estate, condos)

[pinipig523]

Looking at a possible move to Austin - I've been there 1 weekend for a business meeting and I thought it was a pretty interesting place to be.

It seems like property is cheaper than in Dallas Fort Worth area... and the views are pretty nice depending on the price range.

Our price range caps at $1M - where would you live in Austin and what are areas or suburbs that I should focus on?

How big is the Austin area and getting from one end to the next - is it pretty doable on a regular basis (i.e. for a job commute)?

Though I've been there once before, I really know nothing about the Austin area - perhaps I need to re-visit again.

Thanks!

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by pinipig523

Looking at a possible move to Austin - I've been there 1 weekend for a business meeting and I thought it was a pretty interesting place to be.

It seems like property is cheaper than in Dallas Fort Worth area... and the views are pretty nice depending on the price range.

Our price range caps at $1M - where would you live in Austin and what are areas or suburbs that I should focus on?

How big is the Austin area and getting from one end to the next - is it pretty doable on a regular basis (i.e. for a job commute)?

Though I've been there once before, I really know nothing about the Austin area - perhaps I need to re-visit again.

Thanks!

You live 3.5 hour drive from here. My honest suggestion is you spend a lot more time here before making a move.

For a million dollars you can live in any neighborhood in Austin and have 5-10 minute commutes (or even better a walk to work). Anyway, the suburbs here are just as awful as the suburbs in Dallas.

[sxrckr]

Originally Posted by Komeht

You live 3.5 hour drive from here. My honest suggestion is you spend a lot more time here before making a move.

For a million dollars you can live in any neighborhood in Austin and have 5-10 minute commutes (or even better a walk to work). Anyway, the suburbs here are just as awful as the suburbs in Dallas.

Some would probably argue Dallas suburbs are better.
But I don't like the housing with the alleys going behind the homes.

Anyway, unless he's planning to look out by the lake, he'll probably be looking in town.

[sheaday]

I really dont understand how someone visits Austin one time and then start making plans to move here without any knowledge of the city?

[FalconheadWest]

Austin property is NOT less expensive than Dallas. I lived in the Dallas area for 25 years and did real estate for 8 1/2 years up there, and have lived in Austin almost 5 years doing real estate the entire time. It's night and day for pricing.

You've given yourself a hefty price point, so you'll be able to get something significant with $1M just like in Dallas. But that $1M will go further in Dallas than in Austin.

As for the size, it's 1/5 the size of Dallas, however, it takes longer to get places because the roads aren't a "grid" like in Dallas. In Austin, you're constantly having to drive around the river and someplace that seems like should only take you 10 minutes to get there will actually take you 20 minutes. There also aren't many streets where you can jump over if traffic is bad. Many places have the one road to get you there.

[maui-intoxicated]

As for the traffic, Google "Austin traffic" at 8am and 5pm sometime. Google will show you a live traffic map, and if you are good you can analyze the traffic and come to a conclusion of how bad it is. Might be a good idea to google Houston quickly for comparison.

It's a nice little trick I use.

[creepy]

Might want to stay in Dallas. Too many rich people here already. It is changing the character of the city.

Best of luck to you tho.

[creepy]

yeah i guess they are bored? cash to burn. gimme some.

[pinipig523]

Thanks all - any input is always good.

I'll probably end up coming by and checking it out... I'm really interested in those homes with great hill country like views from the backyard - not going to get that in Dallas.

Plus, my job has a lot more options in Austin so it's a very viable option for us. Of course, more visiting on my end will do us good.

Which areas should I focus on if my work is in Austin itself (multiple sites including Seton and UMC)... looking for a good suburb for my price range?

I've seen some condos in Austin itself and it was pretty nice. We walked through the FS residences and although it was nice, the monthly assessments were kind of hefty.

[pinipig523]

Originally Posted by creepy

yeah i guess they are bored? cash to burn. gimme some.

Nah - you gotta earn it.