Thinking of moving to Austin (Dallas, Allen: real estate, to rent, condos)

[robgut3]

Hello there. I am a 32 yr old male and have an opportunity to move to Austin. I currently live in Mansfield, TX which is about 20/30 minutes south of Dallas. My home/condo budget is around 200k. What are some places I can live where I can experience nightlife and live comfortably?

Thanks.

[EzPeterson]

What part of town are you going to be working in?

[steve78757]

Here you go - Listing Search Form - Search for Real Estate Properties | Austin Board of REALTORS

[JT-3]

Depends on your work location? The Riverside area is growing, the Riverside Grove condos are worth checking out. Nice location IMO.

[robgut3]

I actually work from home, so I can live anywhere. Any other suggestions other than Riverside area?

[mark311]

Rent for a year before buying a place (especially a condo as you'll most likely be stuck in it for 5 years unless you take a loss).

You didn't give us enough information. What do you like to do? Do you need walkability or public transportation? Do you have pets (ie. need a yard?). How large of a place do you want and what's your monthly budget for housing? Is a very low crime area needed or is a little crime fine to keep the price down?

[robgut3]

I like to visit clubs, live music areas, and go to restraunts in close proximity. I do have a dog. I would like a place that is around 1400 or more square feet as I work from home and need the extra space. A little crime is fine if the price is right. My monthly budget for housing is around 1700.

[mark311]

It sounds like you would be happiest if you were as close to downtown as possible. If you lowered your square footage to around 1100-ish square feet, it would open up a lot more options. It would be tough finding a place close to downtown under $200K to buy, but you should be able to find something that meets all your wants in a rental. There might even be some bargains in South or East Austin in your price range to buy (78745?). Maybe somebody else can chime in that is more familiar with those areas than I am.

[happy-robot]

No bargains south of '04. Prices in the south part of town have gone up and the farther south you go the farther from the nightlife and more into families with kids. You'll really need to up your budget or lower your square footage. Can you do a fixer? That might open up some small houses in Allendale--you'll be driving to nightlife but still fairly central.

[JT-3]

I think Allandale would be a stretch, especially in this market. I moved here 2 years ago and went through his situation. I work from home and found a property to rent at Riverside. I've since moved, but the location seemed to offer the most bang for the buck.