Bostonians moving to Austin area - location/school advice (live, friendly)

[123MA]

Hi everyone,
Thanks once again for all your input. Yes, we have Senna Hills on our radar also and looked at one there today. The $575 in Barton Creek West went under agreement on day one but the seller is represented by a relo company so it won't indicate that for a few more days . . . .

My husband did a bunch of different commutes to SA this week from different areas and it does seem that Circle C may make the most sense. Plus, I keep hearing all the same things - that all those schools - Baldwin, Gorzcyki and Bowie are solid. I guess there is SO much positive ravings about Eanes ISD and since I don't come from the area, I don't know how critical those ravings are and what the true differences between the ISDs. So, for Barton/Senna, the children would be tracked to Barton Creek Elementary, West Ridge Middle and Westlake High. With Cedar Creek, the children would be tracked to Baldwin, Gorzycki and Bowie. A few different concerns regarding this:

1) At Eanes, what are the numbers like? We will be coming from a relatively small town so I don't know if the size of the high schools are markedly different - ie Westlake 2,000/Bowie 4,000 (making these up) and class size differences and ability to offer differentiated instructions at all levels and at all ages (elementary - high school)

2) Neighborhoods - are people generally pretty friendly in all of these neighborhoods? We come from a tight knit group now where we all help each other, have block parties, etc.

3) Conveniences - to shopping/restaurants/gyms etc. I did a LOT of driving around and I think both areas seem great for this. Am I right?

So, I promise, we are on the ten yard line here and almost in the end zone. With all of your help and guidance, we have been fortunate to learn so much and spend our time wisely.

Looking forward to some more (and I promise) final feedback from fellow friends here on the board!

Thanks!

[zdg]

Originally Posted by nickthap

You can but anything you want in Tarrytown with $600K. !

No you can't.

We're looking for a 4/3 with a pool in Tarrytown as we speak. There are currently 17 listings that match that criteria. ZERO of them are below $600k. 14 of the 17 are more than $1m. FIVE of them are more than $2m.

[123MA]

Hi,
Actually we are not looking in Tarrytown but I know what you are saying. If anyone has any input on my post two above this one, I would really appreciate it. Txs,
Boston Mom

[TerryDactyls]

Off the topic of housing and commuting - do you or your husband play hockey? If so, IM me and I'll get you in touch with all the Mass-Holes that I play with.

[gatorInCA]

Here is the link where you can do the extensive research regarding to the school stats, such as enrollment number, class size, students/teacher ratio, test scores, expenses on students, racial distribution, etc.

2010-11 Campus AEIS Report

Also you can also go to the greatschools.org to check some school reviews from the parents.

Originally Posted by 123MA

Hi,
Actually we are not looking in Tarrytown but I know what you are saying. If anyone has any input on my post two above this one, I would really appreciate it. Txs,
Boston Mom

[curious1111]

Give everything in this thread, I would strongly consider Eanes ISD...

[texastrigirl]

Ahhhh...while schools and commute are very important...you also mentioned community feel. Circle C is one of the strongest family communities in Austin IMO and has been since the 80's. There are many great areas mentioned here but Circle C is a fantastic place to raise a family. We loved our 7 years there. It is a rock solid Austin area neighborhood. Good luck with your move. You have a lot of good choices and it will work out!

[Dlieder23]

Dripping Springs is 30-45 mins southwest of Austin and on the complete other side of Austin as 183/290. I would recommend possible Round Rock area. It is right off I35 which is the way to San Antonio and 183/290. With your budget you can also look in Tarrytown or Westlake but you won't get as much for your money. Circle C is also very south and on the opposite side of Austin as 183 so be prepared to do some heavy commuting if you decide that is where you wanna be.

[ravenshroud]

Originally Posted by clarksvillemom

i would also look at Rollingwood - off of mopac. Easy to get to SA, easy to get to the job

Rolling Wood is as good as Austin gets in my opinion. Id move to San Marcos though with your commutes. Oh and nothing beats Eanes schools.

[123MA]

Hi everyone,
Thanks again for your help. After looking at over 60 homes from north, south, west, east of Austin we have landed in the Lake Travis ISD over in Spillman Ranch. We have tried the commute so we know what we are in for but we felt like it was the right fit for our children. Will officially be in Austin at the end of July and can't wait. What a wonderful city - haven't met one unfriendly person, really is amazing. So again, thank you all for your great input and advice.

An almost former Bostonian!