Where should we live if working downtown? (Austin, Round Rock: for sale, rental)

[Laxmom4]

We are Texans who moved away over 20 years ago now moving back in December.
I will be working downtown and hubbie will be working from home.
Plan to rent initially but hope to stay under $3000/month.
Need 4 BR at least 2500 sf but don't need huge home or huge yard.
Kids are grown but at least one may live with us for college or grad school in Austin.
Dripping Springs appeals to us because we don't want live in a neighborhood that is packed with homes and lots of young families but a good mixture of all ages but don't know what the commute would be.
Would prefer not over 30 minute commute time.
We like Allandale, Barton Creek, Circle C (at least we did 20 years ago) but don't know what all the areas are like having been away so many years. Not interested in areas north unless it's NW area.
We are relaxed and not interested in living in an area where people are snooty.
We like golf but not sure about golf communities.
So based on all of this, please share your thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks!

[CptnRn]

You can make it from Dripping Springs to Downtown Austin off peak in 30 minutes, but during rush hour it would be closer to an hour. Traffic backs up badly at the Y in Oakhill and construction that has started there will take a couple years to complete. So finding a place that avoids that drive thru the Y is a good idea. Circle C, Legend Oaks, areas that can easily access S. MoPac are better bets. Also East Oakhill.

Be forewarned, with all the people moving here it is getting harder and harder to find rental houses.

[centralaustinite]

You can rent a house in Travis Heights, Bouldin, Zilker, Barton Hills for that. I'd look to close in neighborhoods just south or just north of downtown.

[Laxmom4]

Thanks!

[TexasHorseLady]

I'd recommend Barton Hills. A mix of ages, five minutes to downtown off peak, really close (walking distance from some parts of it) amenities, biggest problem would be finding four bedrooms.

[Laxmom4]

Centralaustinite, any ideas for us finding homes to rent in Bouldin Creek or Travis Heights that aren't on Realtor.com? Those areas would be our first choice if we could find one at least 2000sf.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by Laxmom4

Centralaustinite, any ideas for us finding homes to rent in Bouldin Creek or Travis Heights that aren't on Realtor.com? Those areas would be our first choice if we could find one at least 2000sf.

It is EXTREMELY unlikely that you will find a SFR N of William Cannon, over 2000 sq. ft., for less than $4000/mo. Not trying to damper the enthusiasm for any of the recs - just trying to introduce reality.

[Laxmom4]

Yes, that is what I am finding as I search online. I will be starting my job before my husband comes out so will be staying with my sister and family in Round Rock. So I will have the chance to see what the commute is like from there to downtown. I will drive other areas like Circle C when I leave work so I will have an idea what it's like to there during the commute home.

We are very happy to be back near family and our roots.

[centralaustinite]

All the houses around me rent for less than $4000! Sheesh, we think people are greedy for asking over $3200! And these are 3-4 bedroom homes between 1900-2300 sq feet.

BUT very few of them ever appear in MLS. They rent quickly and often by world of mouth on neighborhood listserves.

You need a realtor, best of all, one that specialized in central Austin (or Circle C if there is where you end up) one who is truly plugged into the neighborhood and knows what houses for sale are also possibly available for rent and who knows what might be coming up. This is also likely true of finding a house to rent in Circle C. Things can move pretty fast and there is no way that you can do it on your own, via the internet, from a distance.