Any advice on the following neighborhoods: Allendale, Brentwood or Crestview?

[ArmyNetworkerN25]

Originally Posted by orngkat

Are you buying or renting?

Looking at renting first, once I get a better feel for Austin. This will probably take 6 months to a year.

If I like it, may settle down in Austin.

Was wondering are these neighborhoods typically made up of houses or apartments?

[TexasHorseLady]

Houses, for the most part.

[Melissa78703]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Houses, for the most part.

Yup. You'll be able to find some older apartment complexes and duplexes, but not many. The neighborhoods you mentioned are very traditionally family-oriented, comprised mostly of modest homes.

[orngkat]

There are some fairly new apartment buildings in these neighborhoods - one open a few years on Burnet Rd near North Loop and another under construction on Burnet Rd closer to Keonig. These are 4-6 story buildings located at bus stops with interior parking garages. I haven't a clue what they will rent for but it might be a good landing start.

[JT-3]

It's likely going to be difficult finding a home to rent in those neighborhoods. Homes go real quick, often word of mouth.

[thesonofgray]

Good luck! You named 3 very high demand areas for housing. Buying a house is nearly impossible unless you can react on a dime and are willing to pay slightly above the ridiculous mark. Nothing under $250k that doesn't require significant renovation, and most single family homes will be $300k-$400k. There always seem to be some cheap condo conversions near Burnet/Anderson available.

Renting is a so-so prospect. Rental houses are just as difficult to snatch as buying one. Multi-unit housing is either small and old or new and expensive. The new multi-use apartment blocks on Burnet run about $1.5k for a modest size 1-bedroom. I'm sure the small and old apartments are sub-$1k but I haven't looked into it.

I know these neighborhoods fairly well since I had been house shopping in 78757/78731 the first half of this year (and was finally successful!). They're great areas to live in but just be prepared to pay a good amount for housing.

I would suggest looking at apartments in 78759 as well. The Arboretum area is also a nice place to live, somewhat walkable if you're close to the Jollyville/Great Hills Trail area, and has more moderately priced, larger apartment communities. 183 down to Highland is typically a very easy drive, but I'm not sure about the availability of public transportation.

[Melissa78703]

Originally Posted by thesonofgray

I would suggest looking at apartments in 78759 as well. The Arboretum area is also a nice place to live, somewhat walkable if you're close to the Jollyville/Great Hills Trail area, and has more moderately priced, larger apartment communities. 183 down to Highland is typically a very easy drive, but I'm not sure about the availability of public transportation.

I use public transportation. It's really tricky to find buses that run exactly to the neighborhood you want once you get past Anderson and Lamar. Trust me, I have tried to do this. Unless the OP doesn't mind hoofing it across the highway, and I would not recommend that.