Moving to Austin, no kids! (Round Rock, Georgetown: house, job transfer, established neighborhood)

[711mum]

I’ve seen many posts about families wanting to find a home in a good school district. We are finally not in that same boat…both our children are in college. I have taught for a number of years, retiring after this year, and realize the value of a home in a good district. But now, when k-12 is not an issue, does that open up some other areas around Austin for us to consider?

We are moving to Austin due to a job transfer. We are both in our late 40’s and we would like to be within a 30-45 minute commute to husband’s office (just east of 183 and 290E on Cross Park Drive). We don’t want to be the token “older couple” or “younger couple” in a neighborhood. The suburbs are where we would rather be right now. We prefer an established neighborhood (i.e. some mature trees, not in phase 1 or 2 of 18 phases, etc.). HOAs are not an issue for us. When we’re not working we are making weekend visits to nearby cities, out with friends, or entertaining at our home. Since I will not be working we plan on doing even more traveling...so our price point is now more in the $300,000 to $450,000 range. A four bedroom, 2.5 bath-minimum, around 3,500 sq. ft., not more than 12 - 15 years old, home would fit our needs. We have updated and remodeled the last three homes we’ve had, husband’s indoor pastime, but do not want a place that needs a total makeover. We enjoy being outside (me, not as much on the 90 plus temp days and yep, that is about 5 months out of the year in Austin) hiking, biking, golf, swimming, etc.

Most of what I’ve looked at has been in Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock and some in Leander. The location of my husband’s office, and his commute, are limiting. Suggestions?

[atxcio]

That is a tough one, because of the job location and the 12-15 year old requirement. There are some great central neighborhoods, but they are older and not the suburb-type place you are looking for... maybe the new Mueller community? Onion Creek (although that's a bit of a strange location... upscale golf course community surrounded by a lot of much cheaper neighborhoods)? I think Cedar Park / Leander and the west side subdivisions like Steiner, River Place, etc would be out because they would be a nightmare commute. If you want to look west, you're best bet might be something like Travis Country, which is right near 71 & Southwest Parkway. Hwy 71 from there will take you across to the East side pretty quick, but then you'll have to either deal with I-35 N to 290 (terrible during rush hour) or keep going east on 71 to 183 up to 290 (probably better). But within your desired commute time.

However, I'm gonna make an outside the box suggestion if you are willing to reconsider some of your requirements. Northwest Hills/Highland Hills. You won't find much 12-15 year old construction, nor 3500 square feet in your price range, but you might find remodels at your upper price range which won't require much maintenance. And you will definitely find established trees, a variety of age ranges, fantastic proximity to everything, yet still a bit of an older suburban feel. Getting to Cross Park & 290E is deceptively easy, as you can take 2222 all the way to cross park (becomes Allandale Rd, then 290E) and although there are lights, there is little traffic even during rush hour once you get east of mopac. In fact, I'd say 15-20 mins. I used to have to go to the location you are describing (Travis County Appraisal District is located there) regularly from NW Hills and it was never too bad. Follow 183 south from there and you'll get to the airport with relative ease. As far as your outdoor activities, they are right there in NW Hills or you can go west a bit to Lake Austin or Travis, or take mopac south a few exits and you're downtown/Ladybird lake.

[711mum]

Originally Posted by atxcio

That is a tough one, because of the job location and the 12-15 year old requirement.

However, I'm gonna make an outside the box suggestion if you are willing to reconsider some of your requirements. Northwest Hills/Highland Hills. You won't find much 12-15 year old construction, nor 3500 square feet in your price range, but you might find remodels at your upper price range which won't require much maintenance. And you will definitely find established trees, a variety of age ranges, fantastic proximity to everything, yet still a bit of an older suburban feel. Getting to Cross Park & 290E is deceptively easy, as you can take 2222 all the way to cross park (becomes Allandale Rd, then 290E) and although there are lights, there is little traffic even during rush hour once you get east of mopac. In fact, I'd say 15-20 mins. I used to have to go to the location you are describing (Travis County Appraisal District is located there) regularly from NW Hills and it was never too bad. Follow 183 south from there and you'll get to the airport with relative ease. As far as your outdoor activities, they are right there in NW Hills or you can go west a bit to Lake Austin or Travis, or take mopac south a few exits and you're downtown/Ladybird lake.

Thank you so much...I'll check out the areas you suggested. I also like your idea to look at Northwest Hills/Highland Hills. As long a house has been well maintained, and has had some updating, we wouldn't mind a home that is somewhat older. Business travel is going to keep my husband out of the house more often than before and we just won't have the time to do a great deal of work on our own. I'll do some looking online this week.

I'm leaving Friday morning to spend a long weekend in Austin and will definitely be driving to the neighborhoods you suggested. Really appreciate your response!

[ROY DUBOSE]

you might also want to look on the south side of hutto and east of pflugerville - there's some nice properties out there that would make the commute "circle"

[txgolfer130]

NW Hills would be an ideal location for you guys. There is also Bastrop, but may be more on the 45 minute side of your commute. There are plenty of homes, that would be palatial in that price range, and would put in you in the real suburbs. A home on a golf course in Bastrop would be easily attainable, and there is plenty of hiking, biking and golf to be had.

[cls88]

Originally Posted by txgolfer130

NW Hills would be an ideal location for you guys. There is also Bastrop, but may be more on the 45 minute side of your commute. There are plenty of homes, that would be palatial in that price range, and would put in you in the real suburbs. A home on a golf course in Bastrop would be easily attainable, and there is plenty of hiking, biking and golf to be had.

I think a couple of neighborhoods in Bastrop are good candidates in your case, especially if your husband travels a lot. River Crossing is only about 15 minutes from the airport and Colony is about 20. Both are less than 45 minutes drive to your work location.

River Crossing has 2 acre and 3 acre tracks and some families have more than 4 - 6 acres to raise their horses. The property value is much better than Austin's.

[1mintjulep]

I used to live & work right around the corner from where your husband's new office is - have you looked at Pflugerville at all? There are some newer subdivisions there, and it wouldn't be a long commute.

[sydweissnyc]

what about single over 45 no kids in austin? is there anywhere in any way comparable to DOWNTOWN NYC? i want to hear EVERYTHING, incl EXACTLY where in austin for me to live. thanks

[mark311]

Originally Posted by sydweissnyc

is there anywhere in any way comparable to DOWNTOWN NYC? i want to hear EVERYTHING, incl EXACTLY where in austin for me to live. thanks

Honestly, no. There is probably no place in the nation comparable to downtown NYC. We might be able to give a better answer if you stated what types of specific activities that you're looking for.