I have an option to transfer to a team based in Austin. I've only been there a couple times but have enjoyed it and we have family not too far away.

Just doing preliminary data gathering now. Are there any specific neighborhoods or areas you would suggest to look for a house? We have little kids so schools and safety are obviously critical.

The office is at the Domain NORTHSIDE area so i was thinking Round Rock or Georgetown.

What do you all think?

Thanks!

I have family in Dripping Springs. They love it. School is pretty decent, but does have it's fair share of minor drug activity. .

You don't want to commute any more than you can afford to not commute. No kiddin'.

Another member here works in that area; hopefully he'll pop in with better advice than I can offer.

quote:

Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
You don't want to commute any more than you can afford to not commute. No kiddin'.

Another member here works in that area; hopefully he'll pop in with better advice than I can offer.

Currently commuting 1hr 15 min to 1hr 20min each way. Drive -> Train -> Shuttle, sucks.

Also been looking at Virginia, but I heavily lean towards Texas. I'm done with Seattle.

I lived off of MoPac & Far West for a few years with my aunt, during my short stint at UT.

Good schools there, but $$$ housing, not sure on apt costs, if you're looking that direction.

Short hop over to the Domain from Far West.

When I was there, the area on 183 north of 360 wasn't bad either.

quote:

Originally posted by matai:
I have an option to transfer to a team based in Austin. I've only been there a couple times but have enjoyed it and we have family not too far away.
Just doing preliminary data gathering now. Are there any specific neighborhoods or areas you would suggest to look for a house? We have little kids so schools and safety are obviously critical.
The office is at the Domain NORTHSIDE area so i was thinking Round Rock or Georgetown.
What do you all think?
Thanks!

If you are considering Round Rock or Georgetown, you need to watch Live PD on Friday and Saturday nights. Both of these cities are in Williamson County and WCSO units have cameras onboard.

Is your budget $200,000 or $600,000?

I sure don’t think the commute from Dripping Spings to the north side of Austin would be anything to get involved with.

quote:

Originally posted by mr kablammo:
Is your budget $200,000 or $600,000?

More like $600,000

Are you more interested in an urban feel or suburbs? Newer homes (less than 10 years old) or older remodeled homes or fixer uppers? Will your spouse be commuting too, if so, where? How old are the kids?


Based on these answers I can give you lots of feedback on areas in your price point. One thing to consider, that is much different than Washington State, property taxes here will be 3x what you pay now. A $600k house here will cost you $1,000 per month or more in property taxes.


ETA- What part of Seattle are you in? Which of these areas in the Puget Sound would be your preferred neighborhood? Queen Ann, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah or Snoqualmie? Knowing which of these you would choose could help me guide you to comparable settings here.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
I sure don’t think the commute from Dripping Spings to the north side of Austin would be anything to get involved with.

Yeah, probably 90 minutes plus in rush hour.....

Sir, please try a search for 5216 Doe Valley Lane, Austin TX.

If that looks like it has good potential then expand the search to the zip code of 78759. That area looks like your price point, and is pretty close to your work. I will post a few more suggestions later. There are less expensive but older neighborhoods just south and north of the Domain in the vicinity of Burnett Road. As a bonus, that is near GT Distributors.

Try searching for 3909 Dry Creek Drive, Austin TX; and the zip code 78731; 6302 Bon Terra Dr, 78731.

My sister lives in an upscale suburban community in 78750, as did my parents until a couple months ago. My parents’ house was purchased 6 years ago for just under $600K...they sold it a few months ago for $750K. The city is growing fast and property values are climbing.

Enjoy the traffic. It will make you regret it.

I'd include the outskirts of the Taylor and Hutto areas in your search...
Good luck...

Pflugerville is a great area. It is along I-35 before you get to Round Rock.

Another neighborhood, search 12000 Charm Circle, Austin TX, 78727.

ZC 78727.

Hands down the best realtor we used in any of our moves was Joe Williams (of Keller-Williams). We used Joe to buy and sell our home in Austin.

It's been a while since I've talked with Joe - I assume he is still actively working with people (rather than just managing Keller-Williams)

I live in Round Rock in Foreat Creek. Just across Red Bud is Lake Forest. Nice homes, great neighborhoods. It takes 15 minutes to get to the domain. To avoid horrible traffic stay north of toll 45. Lake Georgetown has amazing properties, but you'd have to drive I35.

I live in the Cuernavaca neighborhood (just west of Westlake). Quirky, fun, with a great community park on Lake Austin.

I highly recommend renting for a year while exploring neighborhoods. VERY different vibes around Austin.

Best schools are Eanes (Westlake area) and Lake Travis (Lakeway area).

Here’s a good breakdown of Austin neighborhoods:

http://www.escapesomewhere.com/realestate_areas.html

Feel free to shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to give you more info or chat on the phone (not a real estate agent so not soliciting).