New resident seeking opinion on neighborhood (Austin, Howe: apartments, home, safe neighborhood)

[raderk]

We just relocated to Austin from the Northeast(Boston, New Hampshire areas) two months ago, and I was wondering about the neighborhood we moved into. We live at the AMLI at Scofield Ridge apartments in North Austin. I work out of the apartment, so I haven't had the chance to do much exploring of the city thus far.

Is this a decent neighborhood? And what places are good for a couple with no kids in their 20s to check out?

[Melissa78703]

You live in a decent/safe neighborhood, but it's pretty boring there, and it's not a place I'd live if I were in my 20's. Old Austinites believe that the northern boundary of Austin ends at where Anderson cuts through Mopac and 1-35. I think this is true. After that point, you really don't see the "flavor" of Austin. If I were you, I'd move into the city proper - in that way, you can experience Austin the way it's meant to be experienced (I live in 78703, and I'm in your neck of the woods maybe once a year).

As for places to check out, there are plenty of hot spots in the Warehouse District, downtown. Good local shopping, too.

[Phisch]

What kinds of things do you like to do?

If you're where I think you are (off Parmer Ln. somewhere between Mopac and 35), there are a few nearby things to do. The Arboretum area isnt' that far. There's shopping and lots of dining options also. There's a little shopping at Arbor Walk (360 I think and Mopac).

If you like hiking, take Parmer to past Mopac and turn left on Amherst Dr. then left at the park. There's a small hiking trail behind the park and in the summer there was a gorgeous stream there. Maybe it's a trickle now but it was a nice place to hang out.

I believe there are bike trails in the Scoffield Farm housing tract but I can't remember exactly. However, it's not that much of a jaunt down to Zilker/Town Lake area if it's not rush hour.

[raderk]

We generally enjoy doing just about anything, as long as we are together(As sappy as that sounds) Personally, I just need to get out of the apartment more, as working at home has the large disadvantage of isolation. Some days I feel like Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window.

[AustinGuy]

You are very close to the Domain for high priced shopping and restaurants. The Daily Grill has a good happy hour with appetizers going for $2.

You are also close to some good ethnic restaurants:

-- Bombay Express (near the Walmart at I-35) for cheap and amazing vegetarian indian food.
-- Chinatown center (near Lamar/Braker) - try First Chinese BBQ and Lily's sandwich.

For bars, you can try the new Opal Divines in front of the Fry's at Parmer/Mopac or Little Woodrows further up Parmer a bit.

[GreenPlastic]

You're fairly close to some decent shopping, but I agree with Melissa. Move closer in to get more of the flavor of the city.

[Trainwreck20]

Walnut creek park is an excellent park for mtn biking and various other activities, including hiking. It is on the SW corner of Parmer and Lamar (right before I-35).