Cost of living in Austin (Buda: low income, for sale, rentals)

[ch1]

Dear all


Would it be possible for a single parent with kid in college live in a safe affordable neighborhood on a Salary of about 90-95k?

Probably no homes are available in Austin for less than 200k. Should I let go off the job offer. I kinda feel that Austin could be a promising place for my kid (young adult) regarding education and jobs. Pls be candid.

My current job in AR is fine & at least I can hope of owning a home here. Again, children first, that's my motto.

[Need4Camaro]

Are you targeting to rent or purchase?
If you’re targeting to purchase, what is your ceiling? Do you have a down payment saved up?
Outside of childcare expenses, do you have any other debts? car loan, student loans, anything else that you are obligated to pay for?

If you’re renting you won’t have a problem.

If you’re purchasing in a good area with good schools and you have other expenses outside the mortgage and childcare, with home values and property taxes accounted for, you may hit your ceiling.

[ashbeeigh]

I had a co-worker who had a college kid and was a middle school counselor. She lived in suburban Austin (Buda) and us doing fine. She probably is making about 65-70k a year.,I’m assuming her child may help financially a bit, though. Renting something that I’d a bit bigger you’re going to look at paying s out $1900-2400 a month. I think it’s feasible, but come here and visit and see.

Have you ever been to Austin? Why Austin? Is your kid going to school online? Will they be going in person? Do they want to transfer somewhere here? Will their credits transfer? Is it your kid who wants to move and you want to be with them? (It’s a great place for college kids, obviously…but rent is too high to make is really feasible for a younger person with a low income to rent here on their own).

[kitkatbar]

Originally Posted by ch1

Would it be possible for a single parent with kid in college live in a safe affordable neighborhood on a Salary of about 90-95k?

Yes. You might not be in the trendiest neighborhood in town and you might need to expect to commute a bit farther if you want to save on rent, but you would be able to find something to rent.

Originally Posted by ch1

Probably no homes are available in Austin for less than 200k. Should I let go off the job offer. I kinda feel that Austin could be a promising place for my kid (young adult) regarding education and jobs. Pls be candid.

My current job in AR is fine & at least I can hope of owning a home here. Again, children first, that's my motto.

You are not going to be able to BUY a home anywhere in the greater Austin area for less than $200k. That ship has long since sailed.

Not sure what field your child is in. Austin is a a great place for education (UT, and several other good colleges) and strong on jobs. If you get a job in tech or another field that pays well, then it can also be an okay place to strike out as a young person looking to set up a life (buy a home, start a family.) It is increasingly becoming a city where it is difficult if not impossible to buy a home if you work a regular job--teacher, firefighter, grocery store worker--and aren't married to someone who earns a high income.

[austindream]

There are places further out that you may be able to buy or build a home, it will just take some searching and seeing what things are really important to you. Austin is a great place to raise kids with amazing schools and colleges. (I'm a Realtor if you ever need any help, I'm happy to set up a search for you so you can at least see the private rentals and homes for sale).

[creepy]

I see some condos in the 200k-250k range. I searched 2bdrm, 1 bath.

https://www.myaustinhouse.com/listin...250000&zoom=11

Ashbeeih makes a good point "Have you ever been to Austin? Why Austin? Is your kid going to school online? Will they be going in person? Do they want to transfer somewhere here? Will their credits transfer? Is it your kid who wants to move and you want to be with them? (It’s a great place for college kids, obviously…but rent is too high to make is really feasible for a younger person with a low income to rent here on their own)." Always visit a prospective city you want to move to.

Austin is having horrible growing pains due to excessive growth the past few years, syroceting ridiculous home prices, traffic horrible. If you live in Buda and have to drive to north Austin daily, your talking an hour plus commute one way.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by creepy

I see some condos in the 200k-250k range. I searched 2bdrm, 1 bath.

https://www.myaustinhouse.com/listin...250000&zoom=11

.

A quarter-million bucks for 800 sq ft
Dang.

[10scoachrick]

Or...just hold out for this "Home of the Week"....Dang

https://thegroveatx.com/property/421...eid=0c7bc5ad72

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Or...just hold out for this "Home of the Week"....Dang

https://thegroveatx.com/property/421...eid=0c7bc5ad72

AND...is your two million dollar house on a street named after a bike race in Ireland???

[ch1]

Thank you Sir.