Steiner Ranch vs. Crestview/Brentwood (Austin, Orange: apartments, rent, HOA)

[SaraH777]

My husband and I are going to be moving to Austin soon. I have relatives that live in Steiner Ranch, but we've always lived in older houses more like what you would find in the Crestview/Brentwood area. We'd prefer to live in an older house/neighborhood and the north central price tag suits us.

My relatives drove us around Crestview/Brentwood when we came down last Fall and it looked fine. Maybe a little strange at night. Just being honest, I was a little creeped out, but maybe just because it's a strange place to us. And I guess I've seen cleaner old neighborhoods.

My relatives really want us to move out to Steiner Ranch and have mentioned that the Crestview/Brentwood area has had a lot of burglaries lately.

We are early 30's. No kids, but we plan to have kids.

So, what do you think forum? Is Crestview/Brentwood safe? Have there been a lot of burglaries? Would we need an alarm system? Should we move to the suburbs? Am I crazy?

[AustinGuy]

I think you should consider renting first in Crestview/Brentwood to see if it suits you. You also might explore a bit and find some other Central Austin neighborhoods that may be more to your liking.

[centralaustinite]

Yes, Crestview/ Brentwood is safe! With the down economy there have been more break-ins all over Austin (and I bet in Steiner Ranch too!), there is nothing uniquely "unsafe" about the area. It is a great neighborhood. There is a very active parent's group at Brentwood Elementary who is working to make it a stronger school. There is a quite of mix of incomes in the area (not folks who own single-family houses but via the apartments). If you are lucky, CaptRN will be by with some detailed crime stats. Crestview and Brentwood do not have the super-clean, HOA enforced sterility of Steiner Ranch. Some people love Steiner Ranch. I practically have a nervous breakdown every time I'm out there.

In the same basic area but slightly more suburban in feel is Allandale. The elementary school (Gullet) is exemplary. You are bit closer to NW pool and park and the lots tend to be bigger and the homes better constructed. But there are many fine houses that have been re-done in Crestview. Homes there have appreciated nicely over the last decade.

Why don't you rent a house in Crestview/Brentwood for 6 months or a year. That should give you a real feel for the neighborhood and Steiner Ranch will still be there if it turns out that it is a better fit.

Brentwood Neighborhood Association
Crestview Neighborhood Association
The Allandale Reporter

[capcat]

Crestview/Brentwood and Steiner Ranch are like two different worlds. I was surprised at the thread title, comparing the two. What your relatives prefer/fear is likely very different than yours. I'd say their fears are unfounded, but I don't know the stats.

I think Crestview is more overpriced than some areas, but drove through there a few days ago and was a little surprised at how many people were out and about, jogging, pushing strollers, walking dogs. It has been desirable for a long time, but seems to be a place that late 20-30 somethings are flocking to.

If you prefer an older neighborhood, keep looking around Austin. Allandale is a good alternative and so is Highland Park. We lived and raised our children in Allandale for 25 years. It was a sweet life in the hood, which my kids have said they would like for their own children. Some of their friends have moved back to Allandale and are doing just that.

[achtungpv]

My wife grew up in Crestview. We went to Little Deli just yesterday. We're hoping to move there before our daughter starts school since its closer to the the private school we'll send her to. It really is convenient to everything and perfectly safe.

I personally think it depends on your lifestyle. For example, we live 14 miles from downtown right now. Problem is, everything we do...Zilker, restaurants, etc. are all in the downtown area. It makes no sense for us to live out here. We spend our life in the car. We've realized that a smaller house in town means we can spend more time out of house doing what we love instead of being trapped out in the sticks.

[orngkat]

You can look up crime stats by zip or type here:
krimelabb--Austin Citywide Crime Data

[passionatearts]

I'm not really sure why you were "creeped out" by Crestview/Brentwood. Those neighborhoods are about as safe and wholesome as you can get in North Central Austin. My sister just recently bought a house in Crestview and loves it there. She says that she knows all of her neighbors and that everyone is friendly to each other. I also live about 1.5 miles away from her in the Skyview neighborhood (very similar to Crestview but a lot less expensive because it hasn't been "discovered" yet) and have similar things to say about it.

If you like older homes and prefer a more central location, definitely look into Crestview/Brentwood. Like others here said, rent for a few months if you're unsure about what you want to do.

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by capcat

Crestview/Brentwood and Steiner Ranch are like two different worlds. I was surprised at the thread title, comparing the two.

That's what I thought. It's like a thread title asking "New Toyota Camry or 1982 Volvo 240GL"?

Apples and Oranges. Unless the Central location provides a great deal of personal value (social and/or lifestyle) and convenience, you're paying a lot for old, small space.

Steve

[verybadgnome]

Crestview will have the advantage of a rail station that takes you downtown while Steiner Ranch is completely auto-dependent.

[capcat]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

That's what I thought. It's like a thread title asking "New Toyota Camry or 1982 Volvo 240GL"?

Apples and Oranges. Unless the Central location provides a great deal of personal value (social and/or lifestyle) and convenience, you're paying a lot for old, small space.

Steve

This is true in that it wouldn't make sense to work near Steiner and live in Crestview but, again, personal preferences come into play. I don't see old, small spaces, I see charm and character that's lacking in newer developments. Give me central. To each his or her own.