relocating from North Jersey (Houston, Dallas: appointed, real estate, renting)

[jdvaus]

Originally Posted by npd515

The job is in the North/North West part of Austin. I will actually look to rent a house 1st, just to make sure we are in the area we want to be in. If buying it would be in the 250-350 price range.

Then, research Cedar Park / Leander / and west side of Round Rock, and their respective school districts (ISDs). Those seem like the right focus areas for you.

[hound 109]

Originally Posted by npd515

The job is in the North/North West part of Austin. I will actually look to rent a house 1st, just to make sure we are in the area we want to be in. If buying it would be in the 250-350 price range.

North/North West could mean alot of things. & it's a REAL congested area. Give us cross streets.

(given your criteria....Lots of stuff available at 350K....not as much at 250K)

Factor in 2.3 - 2.6% (per year) for Property Taxes. (350K would be 8-9K per year).

Renting for 6-12 months is a good idea for 2-3 different reasons.

[Dog_Gone]

Originally Posted by npd515

taxes are the reason we need to leave the NE. Texas taxes are high a well but the home prices are much much lower in Texas. I paid 700k for my house in Jersey 10urs ago. The same house in Texas is 250-300k!
I am aware of the cultural change but people are people, we will manage. More importantly I have 4 kids who are heavy into sports and school. We currently live in a very low crime area, great schools but just too expansive for college and the cost of living is outrageous. Did I mention the horrible winters?
I will be visiting in 2 weeks. What towns should I be looking at? Don't want to be in the sticks (we have sticks in jersey as well). Looking for a family kind of town.

I would not buy a home that is in that price pocket if it was recently built here in Texas. 200k homes built in Texas are stood up using some really cheap materials.

[clarksvillemom]

If you want the real Austin, live in Austin.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by clarksvillemom

If you want the real Austin, live in Austin.

I'm interested in where one could find a $250-350K 4+BR house, tracks to good schools K-12, that would allow one to enjoy "the real Austin"?

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by scm53

I'm interested in where one could find a $250-350K 4+BR house, tracks to good schools K-12, that would allow one to enjoy "the real Austin"?

SW Austin

Edited to add: also Allandale Estates, north of Anderson, south of 183, big lots, good schools, just starting to get hot.

[ScoPro]

I really don't understand why folks making similar inquiries rarely begin by saying where their place of employment is located.

It's like posting on the NYC or LA forums saying:
"I have a job offer in NYC/LA. I have 4 children ages 9-17. Where is the best place to live in the NYC/LA area, Long Island/Long Beach etc.. Kids are very active in sports. School is most important. Don't want a far commute. Any specific towns and or developments?"

Bu

[clarksvillemom]

250k is kind of unrealistic for a 4 br house in many parts of Austin. Go up to 400 and you might even find something in Great Hills, which isn't bad

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by Dog_Gone

I would not buy a home that is in that price pocket if it was recently built here in Texas. 200k homes built in Texas are stood up using some really cheap materials.

As if a lot of the Austin tract builders of the '40s, '50s, 60s, & 70s didn't cut corners?

[scm53]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

SW Austin

Edited to add: also Allandale Estates, north of Anderson, south of 183, big lots, good schools, just starting to get hot.

Sorry - Burnet MS/Lanier HS don't fit my definition of "good schools"