Moving to Austin - but where in Austin? Kids, home business, etc. Culture & amenities a must (Round Rock: middle-class, apartments)

[cmiller1014]

Hi everyone!

We are looking to move to Austin and right now the big question is WHERE in Austin?

We really don't want to live in the burbs, but want access to good public schools. We're wanting to expose our children to some culture and recreational activities so something closer to the city would be ideal but we want a good place with good schools. A place we can feel safe in too.

Additionally, we have a business that we run from home. In fact, it is a big part of why we selected Austin. We need access to employees with web design / programming skills.

Ideally we are looking to rent, and a furnished place would be even better. We've got two houses in MO now and we're just sick of being tied down, and even more sick of moving our "stuff" around. We're selling everything own and coming down with nothing. We want to travel a bit, but want to call Austin "home" for a while.

Apartments / planned communities and even corporate housing interest us. We're looking for that perfect mix of culture, amenities, accessibility, safety and good quality schools.

Can you all point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance! I'll buy you a drink when we get there!

Chris

[centralaustinite]

O boy!

Price range? That's key


All of Austin is safe. A few sketchy parts in northeast, south of P-ville, but even there it is nothing like big cities elsewhere.

Age of kids? Do you need to stay in the same schools for renting and then for ever?

Are you focused on test scores?
If you are upper middle-class and want public schools, look at Rollingwood and Westlake in the Eanes district. Doss-Murchison-Anderson in AISD (NW Hills). If you are a little funkier try (Highland Hills - Lamar - McCallum) or (Barton Hills - Ohenry - Austin) [I'm giving you the elementary, middle, and high school unit]

You might like Hyde Park, make sure you are in Lee elementary.

Large lots? Small lots? Big house? Funky house. It is impossible to know what will suit you. Find a great realtor (yes, for rentals too) and good luck!

[cmiller1014]

Thanks for the reply!

Kids are 3 and 6. Don't need to remain in the same school forever. We're wanting to stay in Austin for a year or two and then may travel for a while.

Ideal price would be less than $1500 / mo and somewhere around 1200 - 1500 sq ft.

Thanks again!

[nativeaustinite]

I'd look in Hyde Park. It's a great Central location, close to UT & the Texas Memorial Museum - which is a really cool free dinosaur museum at UT, Amy's Ice Cream is nearby. You'll find lots of friendly folks, close to everything & you'll have a good selection of rentals. This area has million dollar homes next to affordable rentals. It is "true" Austin. Hyde Park Bar & Grill is just down the street, Lee Elementary is highly rated, & you have easy access to I35, Guadalupe, Lamar, Mopac. I lived there for years renting a little duplex & absolutely loved it! I still go that way often as I love the neighborhood and the cool places nearby. Mayfield Gardens & Laguna Gloria are near (these are awesome stompin grounds for kids). You've got Hancock public golf course nearby & a HUGE H.E.B. It's got a very neighborhly feel & people are generally democrats. There's a new place on "the drag" which is nickname for Guadalupe St that runs right in front of UT - it's a place where you pick out your cookie dough, pick what you want in it & they bake it for you right then. It is my favorite area in all of Austin, can you tell?

[angela_19722001]

Any ideas about the medical industry? How are the oppurtunities for nurses?

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by angela_19722001

Any ideas about the medical industry? How are the oppurtunities for nurses?

YES! A new hospital opened a few weeks ago in Hays county just south of Austin. Plus, in early 2011, Lakeway/Bee Cave is opening a HUGE, MASSIVE Hospital with all kinds of specialties. I'm sure hundreds of nurses are going to be needed.

[TexasHorseLady]

There are also several hospitals (new and old), all within minutes of each other, in the Round Rock/Georgetown area.

[Infinity Smith]

I recommend Central Austin. Be ready, it's one of the most expensive parts of town, but that depends on where you are from. If you come from a larger city with a good cultural life, then Austin my not be that bad for you financially. I don't suggest a furnished rental, not with kids! Texas has a high rate of MRSA, and you need to be careful. Many of the schools are good, unlike many in other parts of the state. Good luck to you.

[GANKS]

Old town Georgetown could be of intrest to you, the pricepoint will be much better.

[Indie rose]

You should really look into living in Kyle! It is only about 10 to 15 min. from Austin and it has a a brand new hospital! But if you don't want kyle you still want Austin I can help you search for a home!