Family-friendly, under 200k(Elgin, Leander, Buda, Dripping Springs, Bastrop)???

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by pop251808

My suggestion: if you're raising a family and you aren't really a farmer or a rancher, skip the acreage.

Better to be across the street from a park. We're about 100 yards from a park and it's great. All the benefits of acreage without the upkeep or cost. Only downside is you can't start bonfires. Well, at least not when anyone is around.

[ashbeeigh]

What if someone e likes plants? Building things? Having pets that can run around? Space for kids to do projects, since they will be homeschooled? They can build their own personal park with that land. I don't see why so many people in the Austin forum try to steer people away from what they are asking. This is possible, not easy, but possible. It's not like they're asking to live downtown for $500 a month on school tuition refunds like some people do. Just keep an eye out, maybe get with a realtor.

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by BigFam16

My family is considering relocating to Texas, and we're trying to figure out what area suits us best.
We have 6 kids of varying ages and we'd like to be in the country with a small amount of land (around 5 acres), yet close (20-30mins) to shopping and civilization.
Our price range is 200k and under.
The main points are
-Safe, non-sketchy
-Good economy for work (specifically building/housing)
-A balance of being away from the hustle and bustle, but relatively near to ammenities

A few of the places we were looking at were Elgin, Dripping Springs, Bastrop, Buda, Garfield, and Pflugerville.
Any help or advice is hugely appreciated.

I see an interest in a "safe, non-sketchy" area, with shopping. Don't see anything mentioning the childrens' schooling.

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

What if someone e likes plants? Building things? Having pets that can run around? Space for kids to do projects, since they will be homeschooled? They can build their own personal park with that land. I don't see why so many people in the Austin forum try to steer people away from what they are asking. This is possible, not easy, but possible. It's not like they're asking to live downtown for $500 a month on school tuition refunds like some people do. Just keep an eye out, maybe get with a realtor.

You seem to know more about others' schooling choices than I do. Note that the Tex. Supreme Court ruled this week that inequitable school funding will be 'constitutional" (Tex. Constitution) going forward; be prepared for wildly uneven school qualities with the smaller town, less costly real estate areas' schools suffering the most.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by pop251808

I see an interest in a "safe, non-sketchy" area, with shopping. Don't see anything mentioning the childrens' schooling.

You seem to know more about others' schooling choices than I do. Note that the Tex. Supreme Court ruled this week that inequitable school funding will be 'constitutional" (Tex. Constitution) going forward; be prepared for wildly uneven school qualities with the smaller town, less costly real estate areas' schools suffering the most.

I misread the home schooling thing. I must have read it in another thread. Yes. I am well aware of the recent ruling. However, to get what they want, they'll have to make sacrifices. I wouldn't sacrifice that but some families would.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by pop251808

Five acres helps that characteristic ether smell dissipate; thus, more speed labs and other unattractive nuisances in "the country" than in the 'burbs? All of my country friends around Austin either have a junkyard for a neighbor or have a junkyard themselves. It sort of works out.
My suggestion: if you're raising a family and you aren't really a farmer or a rancher, skip the acreage.

Really? I've lived in the country (and have friends who have done same for as long or longer) for 20 years and haven't noticed that problem. You must have some unusual friends - where do they live?