600k range: Lakeway or Senna Hills (Austin: buying a house, neighborhoods, buying)

[2austin]

Hello friends.

I can certainly use some advise from you folks. We are moving to Austin from Oregon and thinking about buying a house in 600K range. We are looking at new construction in Ridge at Alta Vista in Lakeway and Senna Hills in Austin (Eanes ISD).

I've been told I have to spend about $70K more money to get into Senna Hills for a similar sized house. Is this extra money worth the investment in terms of schools, area, resale value down the road?

Cheers!!

[gigi927]

both are in good school districts. Lake Travis ISD is highly rated. Of course, Eanes is always makes the top of the ratings so Senna has an advantage in that department. Personally I like Senna Hills better than Ridge at Alta Vista. It's closer in to downtown. It's a more mature neighborhood. This is a personal preference though; I like the larger trees and feeling that the land wasn't totally stripped down to put houses in).

Ridge at Alta Vista is nice but to me it has more of a generic feel to it. It could be that Toll Brothers is the only builder in there.

Good luck with your search!!!

[austin-steve]

I've been told I have to spend about $70K more money to get into Senna Hills for a similar sized house. Is this extra money worth the investment in terms of schools, area, resale value down the road?

Yes, Senna is worth it.

What Gigi said.

Also, don't underestimate the hassle factor of being stuck on the other side of Hwys 620/71. That intersection is a traffic nightmare and won't be getting better any time soon. Senna isn't exactly "conveniently" located, but it's certainly easier to get in and out of than Lakeway.

Steve

[2austin]

Thanks for the comments. They were really helpful!

I agree, Senna Hills has a more open and healthy landscape, has proper walkways and (as most people have told us) best Austin public schools. My wife would be working in downtown so for her commute time to Senna Hills is also a plus.

Also, our realtor told us that Senna Hills is the only place where I can build a new house in Eanes ISD in the 600-700k range. Do you guys agree?


Thanks again.

[gigi927]

Originally Posted by 2austin

Thanks for the comments. They were really helpful!

I agree, Senna Hills has a more open and healthy landscape, has proper walkways and (as most people have told us) best Austin public schools. My wife would be working in downtown so for her commute time to Senna Hills is also a plus.

Also, our realtor told us that Senna Hills is the only place where I can build a new house in Eanes ISD in the 600-700k range. Do you guys agree?


Thanks again.

That sounds about right. New construction period in Eanes ISD is not overly plentiful anymore! And where there is, it's generally much more expensive than the $600K range!

[Betina Foreman]

I have to agree, Senna Hills is much closer to downtown Austin. While you will have some traffic, it will be better than what you face coming from Lakeway.

Senna Hills also has more mature trees in the landscape around those homes. Alta Vista does have a wild bird nature preserve right next to it. This allows some lovely green hill country views, instead of looking at other homes. So both neighborhoods have their specific prons and cons.

Both areas have schools with great ratings, you should check them out and see if that helps you decide on which neighborhood you really want. Here are two websites that may help you choose the right neigborhood: www.SchoolMatters.com and www.GreatSchools.com.

Good luck and let me know if I can help.

Sincerely,
Betina

[hoffdano]

Three year old thread?

[Betina Foreman]

Well other people are still looking at neighborhoods, so it can't hurt to be helpful...

[jread]

How in the hell do people buy $600k homes? Seriously....

[jobert]

Originally Posted by jread

How in the hell do people buy $600k homes? Seriously....

Three year old thread. (back when people thought they had money)