Relocating from NC to Austin TX (Houston, Dallas: apartment complex, renting, insurance)

[jodiegrl2]

I am a single 41 year old woman moving to austin texas area. Not into the party life. Are there any small towns near Austin that are reasonably inexpensive to live. I would be renting. I am in the insurance field so any info on jobs would be appreciated. I have been with Nationwide insurance for 9 years.

[supernaut112]

Originally Posted by jodiegrl2

I am a single 41 year old woman moving to austin texas area. Not into the party life. Are there any small towns near Austin that are reasonably inexpensive to live. I would be renting. I am in the insurance field so any info on jobs would be appreciated. I have been with Nationwide insurance for 9 years.

How small is small?

[jodiegrl2]

neighborhoods but not out away from civilization lol. I like neighborhood living but not metro. Does that help? lol

[jodiegrl2]

let me add to that...I don't mind driving 20 minutes to get to the mall but I would like a grocery store close to my neighborhood. Probably an apartment complex so I can have a pool. I've been reading about the hot summers...LOVE IT! I am originally from the north and let me say that a 6 month winter is BRUTAL! I'll take the heat as long as there is a way to cool off.

[11YearsinAustin]

Originally Posted by jodiegrl2

let me add to that...I don't mind driving 20 minutes to get to the mall but I would like a grocery store close to my neighborhood. Probably an apartment complex so I can have a pool. I've been reading about the hot summers...LOVE IT! I am originally from the north and let me say that a 6 month winter is BRUTAL! I'll take the heat as long as there is a way to cool off.

yeah, 6 month summers are also brutal. Think warm swimming pool in late-July.

[supernaut112]

Originally Posted by jodiegrl2

neighborhoods but not out away from civilization lol. I like neighborhood living but not metro. Does that help? lol

A lot of people flock North of Austin. But as far as cozy little neighborhoods go, Oak Hill (South of Austin) gets my vote. It's really scenic and has a nice small town feel. But you're not too far away from Barton Creek Square (one of the bigger malls) and other Austin-ish stuff. I also like Manchaca (again, it's South of Austin). It feels more rural.

I dunno, I just think that South of Austin is prettier than North. Others will disagree.

[timtemtym]

South AUstin is definitely much more interesting. It's also more expensive with the rents because of its popularity. If you want a smaller city you have options. Williamson County (Outer North Austin) has cute suburbs with little downtowns (Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park), but Williamson county can also be the conservative backlash to liberal Austin. IF that's your style, great.
Hays County (South of Austin) has the same small towns (booming with new neighborhoods), but is not as conservative as Williamson. You'll find some of the south austin moveouts (priced out or just pushed out by the increasing density) so it can be more liberal down there.

Most importantly, I would recommend living wherever you find a job. Within 10 miles would be ideal for dealing with Austin traffic. I had friends who would commute from far south to North Austin and spend an hour each way (driving maybe 18-20 miles). For me, anything over 20 minutes is a deal breaker. Austin doesn't have the huge swaths of hood like Houston or Dallas, so even working in a bad neighborhood, you should be able to find something nice and somewhat affordable within 5-7 miles.