Family Neighborhood $500-$700k w/ decent commute to North Austin (Round Rock: big house, neighborhoods)

[Hoffy99]

Hi,

My husband and I are thinking of relocating to Austin from Chicago with our two young boys. He has a job offer in North Austin near Round Rock and I would be looking for a job in marketing once we move down.

What are some neighborhoods we should check out on our house hunting trip that wouldn't be too horrible of a commute (ideally 30 min or less) to Round Rock? We are looking for a 4 bedroom house in a neighborhood with other young kids for 500-$700k. We definitely want a large yard (flat) and ideally a view as well. Proximity to parks and outdoorsy stuff is important, as well as golf for my husband. Good schools is also very important but it seems like Austin fares pretty well in that area.

Coming from Chicago, it would be great to find a neighborhood that is somewhat walkable to a coffee shop, restaurants, farmers market, etc. but we know that may be one thing we will have to give up.

Thanks in advance!

[clarksvillemom]

Great Hills, Far West, Balcones, Highland Park. All north or northwest of 45th and Mopac, which is key for a commute to RR.

[mesmer]

The places that have golf courses are not the same places that are walkable. There's a bunch of stuff that hits the right notes by the great hills country club and balcones country club (good schools, big houses in your price range) but most of that area has little walkability. A lot of the more walkable areas have fewer kids in them.

What are the cross streets of the job? North Austin and Round Rock aren't the same thing at all, and commuting patterns and length can vary a lot in that area.

[hound 109]

Where's the job located? Nearby cross streets?

Ha...Mesmer beat me to it. What are the cross streets of the job? North Austin and Round Rock aren't the same thing at all, and commuting patterns and length can vary a lot in that area


You do have LOTS of options. A few thoughts:

- "flat" yards normally don't also have "views".
- Most of the areas you'll be looking at will have "good" schools.
- What will you be wanting in these good schools? (what grades are the kids in?)
- What is your definition of a "large" yard?
- Does hubby want private or public golf?
- New or Existing home?

To get all that you're looking for you'll likely have a short drive (not a walk) to restaurants/farmers markets etc. (Except maybe NW Hills)

Where's the job located?

[Hoffy99]

The cross streets for his job are MoPac and Howard. You're right, flat yard and views are contradictory in most cases. My husband wants views but I think even backing to a green space or golf course may be sufficient.

My kids aren't in school yet (age 2.5 and 6 months) but we are planning ahead.

I'm not sure re: public or private courses. Here in Chicago private memberships can be upward of 100k so we never considered them. If they are much less in Austin maybe it's something we would look into bit I'm more of s community pool vs country club kind of person.

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by Hoffy99

The cross streets for his job are MoPac and Howard. You're right, flat yard and views are contradictory in most cases. My husband wants views but I think even backing to a green space or golf course may be sufficient.

My kids aren't in school yet (age 2.5 and 6 months) but we are planning ahead.

I'm not sure re: public or private courses. Here in Chicago private memberships can be upward of 100k so we never considered them. If they are much less in Austin maybe it's something we would look into bit I'm more of s community pool vs country club kind of person.

I'd look at buying in Northwest Hills. There's some walkability if you're around the Far West/Hart area, and the schools are strong. It's also pretty close to Great Hills Country Club -- which has a challenging golf course, pool and tennis. I think you'll find the costs amazingly low compared to what you've seen in Chicago.

[Austin97]

how many square feet are you looking for?

[Hoffy99]

We are looking for 3000+ sq ft

How is the commute from Northwest Hills to downtown in case I found a job there? Or is it better to focus my job search on the Northwest area as well?

[Austin97]

for 3000 sq ft northwest hills is probably out of your price range unless it is an older not updated home.

great hills might be your best bet. Not walkable though.

[Hoffy99]

Ok, thanks. I'll take a look at that Great Hills.

Would Steiner Ranch to MoPac/Howard be an awful commute?