Family Relocating to Austin-country, raise livestock, areas? (Georgetown, Liberty: rent, HOA)

[rasheika]

It's been fun reading these pages. Learning a lot. We spent the past summer in Austin, so we know a bit about it already, love it and want to make the move.
My daughter is a 4H'er and rides horses so we are looking for an area where she can raise animals without restrictions. An HOA probably won't work for us. We won't need to commute, but still would like to be within 40 min of downtown Austin. Looking for ideas on areas to look for houses. Will probably rent first and buy when we find the right place. I like the west/southwest Austin area. Does anyone have any info/rules there may be with keeping animals -chickens, goats, lambs....would like to know beforehand.
Thanks in advance for the advice!!

[centralaustinite]

Do you need to be within 40 miles or 40 minutes of downtown?

Liberty Hill is where I would recommend, no idea of how long it takes to get from there to downtown, google maps can tell you.

[ashbeeigh]

The more rural areas of Kyle and Buda may be a good option. Not sure about restrictions.

[HappyTexan]

With horses and livestock also check the soil conditions.
Clay, loam or rock.

I'd set my sights on sandy loam. I've lived with clay and it's mess days after a rain.
One of my chickens literally got her feet buried in the clay mud and had to be rescued

I'm now with sandy loam and it's so much better.

[riaelise]

Georgetown, Jarrell fit the bill as well.

[rasheika]

thanks folks! loving the suggestions!!

[givings]

Just make sure you have a flexible work schedule if you are working in the city. The commute from 40 miles out at the wrong time of day is rough. I'm 25 miles from downtown and can get there in 25 min in light traffic, but if I had to commute at peak rush hour downtown, I would not consider it. Good luck.

[rasheika]

thanks!! we don't need to commute, just wanted to be that close.

[Austin97]

if you dont worry about schools then I would say manor/elgin. that is a huge bang for your buck on rural land and the soil is good. The schools are not great so you will possibly need to go private.

[rasheika]

we would be needing to be near good schools, but don't mind to drive a bit-
anyone know of any animal restrictions?