Relocation advice for a friend (San Antonio, Austin: to rent, houses, transfer)

[ashbeeigh]

Single dad in his mid 30s of two kids (elemtary aged) from San Antonio working at 360 and 222. (For San antonians he was living near o Conner and Judson and commuting to windcrest and was happy) He'd like to buy with a budget of 250k. He's been staying with friends in Leander for the last few months but is driving down to Barton Springs area a lot to hangout, I've suggested renting first to save to increase his budget and to get to know the area better. I've suggested 78759, 78757 and 58 as well as 78728 and 78729 for starters. I don't know the immediate area near where he works so I'm looking for any other suggestions that might be within that budget to offer him. He's even suggested renting downtown. Any advice or other areas he should look that's not Georgetown or San Marcos distance wise? I know schools are important and easy access to the fun stuff Austin has to offer would be big pluses.

[riaelise]

Anderson Mill, West Round Rock (East Round Rock/Pflugerville work but distance wise they are far east), Cedar Park.

[Lonestarqueen]

I'd try 78753 as well, I live east of 35 and you can still find a few houses listed for around $250, I'd think it would be a lot harder to find anything that doesn't need major repairs for that price in the other zip codes. Of course the schools aren't the greatest but there are several charters nearby. The elementary school for my neighborhood (Graham) actually is rated high though.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Lonestarqueen

I'd try 78753 as well, I live east of 35 and you can still find a few houses listed for around $250, I'd think it would be a lot harder to find anything that doesn't need major repairs for that price in the other zip codes. Of course the schools aren't the greatest but there are several charters nearby. The elementary school for my neighborhood (Graham) actually is rated high though.

Ys. That was also a thought, but outside of Graham and maybe McBee I worry about the schools. Maybe to rent, but to buy...Dobie goes through its ups and downs and is consistently ranked bottom two middle schools in AISD just below or above Burnet. I also work within the Reagan feeder pattern myself and hesitate a bit recommending it. :/

I also found a few homes in 78745. From what I gather hat area isn't horrible. Am I correct?

[Austinite76]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Ys. That was also a thought, but outside of Graham and maybe McBee I worry about the schools. Maybe to rent, but to buy...Dobie goes through its ups and downs and is consistently ranked bottom two middle schools in AISD just below or above Burnet. I also work within the Reagan feeder pattern myself and hesitate a bit recommending it. :/

I also found a few homes in 78745. From what I gather hat area isn't horrible. Am I correct?

45 commute would really suck. Particularly coming home. As a single parent myself, I'd want to be closer.

[eirenecat]

I think it may be hard to find anything in 78729 in that budget, but it would be okay for his commute. 30 minutes, probably, at peak times. I can get to 360 and 2222 within 15-20 minutes at 5-5.30 PM (we often take business clients to dinner at the County Line and I work in techland near there). The morning might be a bit longer but not bad. I personally am not in love with Pond Springs but Live Oak is a good school and transfers are easy. The RRISD IB elementary at Anderson Mill is also open to transfers and if your friend was interested in that it is not a long drive from 78729 at all.

78728 would also be great and maybe more doable in that budget, and if he stays in the Wells Branch section that is part of RRISD, the new Joe Lee Johnson STEAM elementary school is highly regarded. I have friends with kids there and friends in my neighborhood who are transferring there who are really happy with it. I would not do the Pflugerville schools in Wells Branch.

You've flamed me mightily in the past for negative opinions on schools in the Reagan feeder pattern (as well as schools feeding into Lanier)--why on earth would you be uncomfortable recommending those same schools to a friend? =)

[FalconheadWest]

He has two kids and has suggested renting downtown? He's all over the board and isn't going to easily commit. He definitely need to rent to figure things out.

[ashbeeigh]

You've flamed me mightily in the past for negative opinions on schools in the Reagan feeder pattern (as well as schools feeding into Lanier)--why on earth would you be uncomfortable recommending those same schools to a friend? =)[/quote]

I know his kids. They would not do well in those environments. 😊 Plus unless he were right on 2222 and 290 it would probably be a horrible commute.