"Hip" Neighborhoods between RR and UT for 30 something parents? (Austin: apartments, rental)

[Kmd413]

My husband was recently offered a relocation opportunity which means we are considering moving to Austin from San Diego! I have never been, but hear wonderful things. I know Austin is not San Diego, but I also hear if you're moving somewhere, there are some similaries which might make the transition easier.

Anyway...my husband would be working in RR. We have two small children, so for the time being I'll likely be home with them. However, I do work in higher education and would like to be close to educational institutions like UT. We plan to rent and in a perfect world would like the following:

1. Short commute to RR and or UT Austin area. I understand traffic can be pretty rough, so this is important.
2. "Walkability." It would be great to walk to coffee shops, grab a beer, hit up a park, etc.
3. Sense of community with other parents of young children. Currently we live in a "hipster" community, while we love the vibe, we'd also love something with a little more connection to family. i'd love to get involved in clubs, activties, etc. since I won't know anyone in the area.
4. Schools- since our kids are still young and we'd be renting this isn't a huge priority, but something to think about.

Long story short- we want short commutes, a safe, family-friendly neighborhood that's preferrably walkable and not totally in the "burbs" just yet (we'd love to explore the city on weekends without having to drive super far).

Does this exisit in Austin?

TIA for your help!

[hound 109]

Where is the job in RR?

What is your rental budget & how many BR/BA?

Other than that, great post letting us know what you're looking for. Good luck!

[Kmd413]

Originally Posted by hound 109

Where is the job in RR?

What is your rental budget & how many BR/BA?

Other than that, great post letting us know what you're looking for. Good luck!

Ideally we'd like to stay in the $1500 or less range for a 3 bed/2 bath. I'm assuming we wouldn't want to be paying tons for AC in the summer, so nothing too big!

My husband would be working at a "large computer company" in RR if that helps.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by Kmd413

Ideally we'd like to stay in the $1500 or less range for a 3 bed/2 bath. I'm assuming we wouldn't want to be paying tons for AC in the summer, so nothing too big!

My husband would be working at a "large computer company" in RR if that helps.

Round Rock sounds swell.

[mark311]

Originally Posted by Kmd413

Ideally we'd like to stay in the $1500 or less range for a 3 bed/2 bath.

Are you looking at apartments in that price range? A $1500 budget won't get you too many options at all for a 3br/2ba single family home with the things you want in Austin.

[centralaustinite]

Quail Creek, Scofield Farms, Well Branch, those will be the places where you can get 3/2 in your price range. In between RR and Austin, technically N Central Austin. Not very walkable or hip but doable at your price range. Short commute!

[ImOnFiya]

If you are considering walkability and getting to know the city and its social charms, living in central and east Austin might be just for you. Mueller, Cherrywood, Wilshire Woods, Ridgetop, North Loop, Brentwood, and Crestview would be most comfortable for people your age. Not far from UT and alots of independent businesses, coffeeshops, and restaurants. Please let us know what you decide!

[Austinite101]

Originally Posted by ImOnFiya

If you are considering walkability and getting to know the city and its social charms, living in central and east Austin might be just for you. Mueller, Cherrywood, Wilshire Woods, Ridgetop, North Loop, Brentwood, and Crestview would be most comfortable for people your age. Not far from UT and alots of independent businesses, coffeeshops, and restaurants. Please let us know what you decide!

I second this.

[wildflower_FL]

Check out Wells Branch. It is very convenient to Dell and the train station. I like that I can walk to parks, restaurants, the library, The Roost.
The Wells Branch Neighborhood Association is pretty active, so if you look them up, you can get a sense of what the community is like.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by ImOnFiya

If you are considering walkability and getting to know the city and its social charms, living in central and east Austin might be just for you. Mueller, Cherrywood, Wilshire Woods, Ridgetop, North Loop, Brentwood, and Crestview would be most comfortable for people your age. Not far from UT and alots of independent businesses, coffeeshops, and restaurants. Please let us know what you decide!

Nothing I can find on the MLS in any of those areas for less than $2250/month, almost all considerably more, either on the market now or leased within the last three months. Far above the $1500 or less that the OP said was their budget.