Good neighborhoods near downtown (Austin, Allen: houses, good schools, subdivision)

[jsantig]

My family and I are looking to relocate and Austin seems like the right place for us. I have a 4 yr old and a 1 yr old and we’re looking for a good neighborhood to raise kids. I was wondering if there are any good neighborhoods near downtown with very small commute. We’re looking for houses in the $200’s - $300, near good schools. It can be a newly constructed house as well as an older house. I’m I asking for too much?

[AustinTraveler]

Do you know for sure that you'll be commuting downtown?

Check out the Allendale area (zip code 78757) for possible houses in your price range. It's a great area and about 10-15 minutes to downtown. I'm not sure if there will be anything under $300K but you never know. The downtown neighborhoods are VERY expensive but it's a great place to live.

Also, don't forget to factor property taxes into your monthly payments. It may make a difference in what you can afford cause they're pretty high here.

You can search by zip code on this site: www.austinhomesearch.com

[ericbramlett]

What size home are you looking for? That's going to be a big factor. Allandale, Northtowne, & Crestview are great for mid-century homes, but mid-century homes are typically smaller. You could get a decent size fixer in N. Allandale or Northtowne in your price range. If you can commute a little further SW - say 10-15 min - you can look in 78749 zip, which is Village @ Western Oaks, Legend Oaks, & a little further south in Circle C. These homes will be newer, and a lot bigger.

EB

[jsantig]

In which county or subdivision is: Allendale, Northetowne, Crestview, Hill Country, Western Oaks?
I would like a neighborhood near downtown but it can be a drive of 20 mins. more or less.

[ericbramlett]

They're all in Travis County. "Hill Country" is a description of the west part of town. Allandale, Northtowne, & Crestview are just north of downtown - 5 to 10 minutes - 78757 zip. Village @ Western Oaks, Legend Oaks, & Circle C are all 15-20 minutes SW of downtown - 78749 Zip.