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Never posted here before, but as proficient as I am with using the internet, I just can't seem to get a form answer to my question, so I figured I'd ask it here:
I am getting ready to finish up the application process for a rental home in South Austin. I have lived in Austin since October '08 but always north of Anderson Mill and know very little about South/South Central Austin aside from the fact that it tends to be more diverse than North Austin (which we like).
We have a 5 1/2 month old baby, and just want to make sure we haven't chosen the notoriously worst neighborhood in Austin (which doesn't seem to be the case). The house we are looking at is right at W Ben White and Manchaca. It was the last house on the block, but they just extended and built a ton of new, nice-seeming homes in the area, which gives me hope that it's probably a decent neighborhood.
I know even seedier parts of Austin are pretty safe for a big city, but we'd still prefer not to be in a place that is known to be seedier.
I would much rather live at Manchaca and Ben White than north of Anderson Mill. You're right by the Texan Market, my favorite convenience store in the world. The lady that works in there is always in a good mood and always friendly (but always sells me losing lottery tickets).
It's not the nicest part of town, but it's far from the worst. There are a lot of apartments and rental townhouses along that stretch of Manchaca, so you get what usually comes along with that. It's not, like, unsafe or anything, it's just not a cozy neighborhood. I can't speak to the schools down there, but that may not be a concern for you since you're still 4 or 5 years away from kindergarten.
That's a good area that is up and coming despite the miniscule house sizes. This area is appealing to the new influx of those looking for big yards and central for a modest price. The elementary school there was recently rated Exemplary. I would recommend the area.
Awesome! Thanks for such a quick response from you both!
RevMen- "not cozy" made me feel a little weird. You did preface with the fact that it's "not unsafe," but "not cozy" implies unsafe to me. Do you just mean it's not necessarily a place where the kids are going to be out riding their bikes around the neighborhood BBQ? That's what I'll assume you meant, anyway
jobert- You are spot on. We found a miniscule house, large yard, close-in, modest price. Just what we were looking for (though we wouldn't complain if the house was a little bigger ). So, knowing that you definitely know the area, I feel comfortable with your recommendation. Also, knowing the school is well-rated provides peace of mind. Though you're right, it's not an immediate concern for us, it's good to know that other people with school-aged children would possibly be drawn to the neighborhood. In other words, we won't be the token young family
I guess you are looking for some cognitive dissonance since you have already finishing up paperwork. I live a tad more south than you will and I am happy with the "crime status". You're located pretty conveniently to Central with access to Mopac and 35 from 71. Keep in mind though, Austin is so clustered that you can walk for 10 minutes from a "nice area" and end up being in a weird/seedyish neighborhood.
It would be Manchaca south of Ben White. But mere blocks off of Ben White (and Manchaca, both). I'm one response from giving you my address, I think (I know, you're not asking, I'm providing).
You make a good point, boredelmo. Two, actually: Although I wouldn't say I was looking for cognitive dissonance (being as I still haven't actually turned in the application, but I'm doing a deposit on application, so there's no turning back once I do turn it in), I was definitely hoping more for people to give me peace of mind than to tell me that it was a horrible area . Secondly, I have noticed how quickly the gradient can change in parts of Austin. I guess I just have to take safety with a grain of salt, which I think I can. Even here in the suburbs, my neighbor could have all sorts of secrets :P
SO, I will try to take this general information as said peace of mind and will be turning in the application shortly. Thank you all for your help!
I'd have no problem living in that area (but, then, we own a rent house in Barton Hills and lived there for 8 years, and that whole area is my old stompin' grounds where I raised both kids at different stages in their lives).
You're close to three grocery stores (Randall's/Central Market/Sun Harvest), shopping, etc. Depending on where exactly you are, you're in a neighborhood that feels like one or one closer to apartments, etc. That area is poised to take off, being so close to downtown and access to other areas. I wouldn't feel uncomfortable renting there.
I would much rather live at Manchaca and Ben White than north of Anderson Mill. .
Is it personal preference? There's not a thing unsafe or dangerous with the area north of Anderson Mill.
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(I know, you're not asking, I'm providing).
