Would you buy a house (in Austin) w/ no garage? (Dawson: skateboarding, rent)

[readymade]

... just curious. There is a storage shed out back.

[CarnivalGal]

Probably not. There's nothing worse than getting small kids and/or groceries into the house in the rain with no garage.

[atxcio]

It depends on the neighborhood. If it's an older house, like 60's or earlier, in certain close-in neighborhoods a carport might be the norm, and no garage would be in line with the other homes (Tarrytown, Hyde Park, some of the older neighborhoods around Mueller, French Place...)

Anywhere else... I probably would not. Converted garage, I'd definitely stay away.

[G Grasshopper]

I might consider a well done carport, but nothing at all would be a non-starter.

[Jennibc]

Nope. Not with the hail storms this area sees.

[ROY DUBOSE]

sure, if it fit the neighborhood! as a realtor, few things "burn" me more than seeing a nice neighborhood with cars parked in the drives because the garages are crammed full of STUFF! many folks even rent storage space when, if they would have added the monthly cost onto their house payment, would have had plenty of space in the house -- course, then they probably would not have qualified for the purchase (shesh!)

[centralaustinite]

Sure! I've owned a home without a carport or garage and right now I live in a house with just a carport (we have a small shed and there is also space under the house for storage but we don't own a lawn mower or anything, the lot is small enough that lawn care is very inexpensive).

I do like having a carport, it keeps the car cooler in the summer.

Lots of older more central neighborhoods either have detached garages adjacent to an alley or no garage at all (Zilker, Dawson, Hyde Park, French Place, Travis Heights, Bouldin, Rosedale).

There is some social science and urban design research that suggests that carports promote community. You can see your neighbors, know if they are home or not, and have more opportunity to meet and communicate. Not everyone believes this but there is something about the ability to disappear into a garage that can be isolating.

If you are not from here, one suggestion whether or not you get a house with a garage: get your windows heavily tinted. It really makes a difference in how comfortable the car is in the summer.

Oops! Sorry Readymade, I didn't see that you were the OP until I posted. I know that you are already in town!

[Exiled Texan]

Maybe.....but would definitely discount for lack of one. Also, we are not big car people. If you are into fancy cars, it would not be a wise choice.

[CATXTransplant]

I agree with the PP's that it depends on the neighborhood, but if not, stay away - horrible for resale!

[mimimomx3]

If you live in the city, not having a garage is not a big deal. We have a 'port cochere' (fancy name for a car port) that works very well. It's great for skateboarding! As for hail, that's never been a problem.