Insider Take on Austin
With the Austin economy being is better shape than many other economies around the country, we have a steady flow of people interested in packing up and moving to this city. An email came in from a mama looking into moving. She has some questions for you LiveMom readers. Here’s what she writes:
I’m interested in moving to Austin sometime soon from California. We are renting here (thankfully!!) and would like to buy a home in Austin. I’ve visited the city a couple of times, but only as a tourist, never with the thought of actually moving there. With everything going down in California, we’ve decided it’s time to get out and plant roots in a more affordable, stable city. I’ve always liked the vibe of the city. I’m hoping Austin is the answer to our problems. Why I am writing this to you is in hopes of getting some feedback on the city from locals. Some questions I have are about the neighborhoods and schools, of course, but I’d also like a take on the real Austin. Where should we live that is affordable, offers a nice family atmosphere and has decent schools with lots to do close by? My husband is actively looking for employment as an engineer, so we won’t be moving until he finds a job, giving me some time to research the best spots for our family. Here are a few questions that I would like answers to if you don’t mind posting them.
What’s your favorite neighborhood in Austin and why?
Where are the best schools?
Is there a particular pocket of Austin that is more family-centered than others?
Are there any insider secrets to living in Austin that you can share with me?
April 6th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Hope this is ok to post here, but I have a website for people who are thinking about moving to Austin here: http://www.move-to-austin.com. It has a neighborhood quiz to match you with an Austin neighborhood, info on schools, and insider secrets.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I love living in the Westlake area. The Eanes school district is fabulous and there are lots of families with kids. Parks and schools are all over, and even though we are incredibly close to downtown, it feels a little bit like a small town. I love that we are close enough to participate in all of the downtown culture without having to deal with the noise and crowding on an everyday basis. It’s also an interesting area – newer houses and developments mixed in with “old Austin” ranch houses and lots of trees and hills.
April 6th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I grew up in Austin, moved away for school and lived outside of the DC area, and ended up moving back, and am so glad I’m here. DC isn’t as expensive as CA, but we also moved back in hopes of finding a house and a great place to raise a family, and I think Austin definitely fits the bill.
I could probably go on and on, but I’ll just put a few thoughts here:
the public transportation system is fledgling at best, so unfortunately we have fewer neighborhoods that are walkable than more established areas (like maybe you are used to). the walkable, central neighborhoods (Hyde Park, Bryker Woods, Bouldin, Clarksville) tend to have older, smaller houses (with some new stuff interspersed) and are in high demand.
even as an austin native with family in the area, i moved into an apartment here with a 6 month lease (did so at the Gables – there are many locations around town) and looked for houses. we ended up buying in Northwest Hills/Far West, and we love it. it’s a 10 minute drive to downtown, we were able to get a 2nd bathroom at a price we could afford, and we are on a cul de sac with neighbors we see often (block parties every few months, etc.) there are some families but also elderly couples and some college student housing.
some other neighborhoods that seem to have lots of families are: brentwood, crestview, and barton hills.
good luck!
April 10th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Well I live in Round Rock which is about 20-25 minutes north of downtown. I love it here! The west side has the majority of the exemplary schools. I don’t know what your budget is but there are a lot of beautiful communities that are kid-friendly & affordable. My husband & I are actually thinking about moving to the west side for those reasons. I have several friends & family that live in the Teravista (golf course) community. VERY KID FRIENDLY. Some areas have get-togethers…which is basically a huge neighborhood playdate. They have a brand new elementary school, super close to a lot of shopping areas such as the outlet mall which is a hop & a skip away & minutes from the 35. We would have moved there ourselves, but we have not found a floorplan that fits our needs. But I don’t think you can really go wrong in Central Texas. People here are wonderful & friendly & for the most part, education seems to be a top priority. Good Luck!