Housing and commutes in surrounding Austin areas (Spring, Lakeway: HOA, houses)

[lifesatrip13]

We are considering a move to the Austin area. We are looking for a place with a little bit of land (1 + acre) and out in hill country if possible. We don't want anything to do with HOA's and don't want a place where we are told what to do on our own property. We don't have any kids in school so the district is not a problem. Commute time to downtown Austin area is important. Any suggestions as to towns or areas that would fit the bill.

[centralaustinite]

Anything that is "Hill Country" will be a commute to downtown. You can get land much cheaper to the east of Austin (Elgin, McDade, Bastrop) but it isn't the Hill Country.

Your budget will be key. Is it unlimited? And you are commuting daily to downtown? A long commute is ok? What is your limit?

[lifesatrip13]

looking at 300,000-380,000 homes. I have seen quite a few online that look interesting in places like dripping springs, buda, lakeway, spicewood that fit our price range, but the commute (everyday) is really in question from some of those places. It seems that it takes a lot longer then what I am getting from google maps, is that true?

[TexasHorseLady]

Where are you commuting to? That will make a difference.

[lifesatrip13]

Intel

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by lifesatrip13

looking at 300,000-380,000 homes. I have seen quite a few online that look interesting in places like dripping springs, buda, lakeway, spicewood that fit our price range, but the commute (everyday) is really in question from some of those places. It seems that it takes a lot longer then what I am getting from google maps, is that true?

All of those places will have horrible commutes. As a matter of fact, you won't find what you are seeking. There are no close in hill country 1 acre lot houses for anything close to 400k. Something wil give.

[Hill Country]

I would suggest Dripping and Lakeway. I used to work for intel, and had colleagues living in those two places.

[Hill Country]

Commute time around 30 minutes from there.

[centralaustinite]

Yes, what Komeht said! Are you actually finding homes on an ACRE of land with NO HOA for 300-380K?

You can get the land and a house in your price range w/o and HOA within 45 minutes of downtown IF you give up the Hill Country and embrace the prairie to the east of Austin (look around Elgin).

Otherwise, you can give up the acre, and accept an HOA, and live to the west (Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Spicewood) but you will still have a commute of 45 minutes+

Intel has offices downtown? They did plan a design center at one point a decade ago downtown but I have no idea where they now -- I thought they were somewhere up north?

You could also buy an older home on a .25 acre lot in a non-HOA area much closer to town.

[lifesatrip13]

Intel is about 4 miles from downtown (you are right). It looks to be near Austin Surgical Hospital.

I really don't want HOA. Do you think its possible to get 1/2 acre? I also dont mind a little older home as I am not into the whole cookie cutter thing.