Relocating from Philly for job in Round Rock (Houston, San Antonio: to live, vs)

[Mr. Map Man]

I just visited Austin for the first time, traveling from Philly. I was very impressed with the pace of economic growth and vibrancy of the city, but would re-iterate what others have said about the suburbs/city dynamic there.

I noticed plenty of gentrification and new housing construction going on in the surrounding suburbs, however I don't think the OP will find anything like the dense suburbs of southeastern PA. Some parts of the Austin suburbs were pretty sketchy too. I would try to live in the city if you can swing it financially, based on the details of your post.

[Chevroletnavy]

Thanks for all the replies as well as the Train/Rail discussion. Since that point is no longer valid due to Austin not having a real rail system, is there anywhere similar to the Domain that is commuting distance to Round Rock that is also walkable? Where you can live in an apartment and walk to places without the need to drive?

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by Chevroletnavy

Thanks for all the replies as well as the Train/Rail discussion. Since that point is no longer valid due to Austin not having a real rail system, is there anywhere similar to the Domain that is commuting distance to Round Rock that is also walkable? Where you can live in an apartment and walk to places without the need to drive?

Aside from Downtown and the University area, the Domain is probably your best bet. I would check out the Triangle area as well. You will have a commute to work that may kind of suck, but it will be a reverse commute, so maybe not THAT bad.

But if you're expecting walkable like Philly or the Philly burbs, you're not going to find it, except in downtown / Univ. of Texas area. Even the Domain and the Triangle are a bit of a bubble. Like you can walk, but there's a point where it starts becoming impractical. So your walkable distance is only so far. We just don't have the building density here.

[Chevroletnavy]

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

Aside from Downtown and the University area, the Domain is probably your best bet. I would check out the Triangle area as well. You will have a commute to work that may kind of suck, but it will be a reverse commute, so maybe not THAT bad.

But if you're expecting walkable like Philly or the Philly burbs, you're not going to find it, except in downtown / Univ. of Texas area. Even the Domain and the Triangle are a bit of a bubble. Like you can walk, but there's a point where it starts becoming impractical. So your walkable distance is only so far. We just don't have the building density here.

What about Mueller Park Area? It appears even in traffic, it is less than 30 mins to Round Rock.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Chevroletnavy

What about Mueller Park Area? It appears even in traffic, it is less than 30 mins to Round Rock.

Not sure where you get that number. I’d give it 40 at the least in traffic. It gets gnarly near the 79 exit.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by Chevroletnavy

What about Mueller Park Area? It appears even in traffic, it is less than 30 mins to Round Rock.

It probably depends, if you're leaving in the morning that is probably true as its a reverse commute. If you're leaving in the evening then you'll be pushing it for 30 mins.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by Chevroletnavy

What about Mueller Park Area? It appears even in traffic, it is less than 30 mins to Round Rock.

Kind of forgot about Mueller. Yes, I would definitely check that out as well. Also very $$$, though, just so the OP is aware.

[Chevroletnavy]

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

Kind of forgot about Mueller. Yes, I would definitely check that out as well. Also very $$$, though, just so the OP is aware.

Thanks CarnivalGal for that. I'm paying close to $2500 for a 2 bed/2 bath in Philly suburbia. I will check out the prices there and see if they are around the same.

[ashbeeigh]

Mueller is walkable. Nothing around it is. Mueller is much smaller than the Domain as well. You should be able to at least get a smaller 2/2 for $2500. Homes in mueller used to rent at about that but I am seeing them more like $3k right now.

You may want to take another look at Hyde park. My post about it got overlooked for whatever reason.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Mueller is walkable. Nothing around it is. Mueller is much smaller than the Domain as well. You should be able to at least get a smaller 2/2 for $2500. Homes in mueller used to rent at about that but I am seeing them more like $3k right now.

You may want to take another look at Hyde park. My post about it got overlooked for whatever reason.

Hyde Park is a cool little area too. Sort of the same area as the Triangle.