Possibly headed to Austin, TX...

[10sCoachRick]

Greetings all. Just made a stop by the Fund Drive and thought I would post a personal thread. DW and I are likely to be moving to Austin, TX in the next year from ATL...looking for a smaller city with an active lifestyle and warmer winters. Would any of our Central Texas members have any thoughts about Avery Ranch in north Austin? Looks like a large community with various home sizes and prices. Commutes won't be a concern since we will be based out of the house. Have some relatives in Balcones Woods and off 2222 just off MoPac so the north end of AUS is attractive. Proximity to tennis, golf and bicycling would be a plus. Since I am a wannabe fixer-upper, a new home would take some of the heat off(after maintaining a 50+ y/o house for the last 8 years).

We could possibly consider building or re-hab-ing after we get settled but we would prefer something new/er initially. Have a brother in Lomita but that is WAY too Texas for my city bones! Thanks, y'all!

[BadeMillsap]

My brother lives in Avery Ranch area ...

.. he and his wife moved from Midland, Texas 3 or 4 years ago ... and it was like a new world opening for them (Midland {where I went to HS} is basically a desert) to have trees and hills ... they really love the lifestyle of Austin (VERY laid back) and lots of things going on for all types of interests ... live music capital of the world if you have an interest in that ... lottsa freaks on 6th street of all sorts ... a number of 1960's "Hippie" communities that never moved out of that era, ... strong political base (it's the capital of Texas after all), with University of Texas ... youth influence everywhere ... big technology base IBM and Dell are both huge presence) ...

As far as the Avery Ranch area ... upscale with a lot of expansion and growth going on ... used to be "out in the country" around Austin ... not so much anymore but they love the area.

[10sCoachRick]

.. he and his wife moved from Midland, Texas 3 or 4 years ago ... and it was like a new world opening for them (Midland {where I went to HS} is basically a desert) to have trees and hills ... they really love the lifestyle of Austin (VERY laid back) and lots of things going on for all types of interests ... live music capital of the world if you have an interest in that ... lottsa freaks on 6th street of all sorts ... a number of 1960's "Hippie" communities that never moved out of that era, ... strong political base (it's the capital of Texas after all), with University of Texas ... youth influence everywhere ... big technology base IBM and Dell are both huge presence) ...

As far as the Avery Ranch area ... upscale with a lot of expansion and growth going on ... used to be "out in the country" around Austin ... not so much anymore but they love the area.

Thanks for the rapid response. We have visited AUS three times(more for DW) but have stayed close to town other than heading out to Lampassas and Lomita. The hill country is pretty and I really like the idea of actually having water!(See GA drought reports) We would lose the tall, green canopy of Atlanta but the developers are getting rid of that right skippy. I haven't searched out woodworking or home improvement shops but having 9 each of HD and Lowe's is a start! I understand Austin really prides itself on independent, local businesses---hopefully, that applies to the DIY area, as well.

I'd love to hear from other Austinites regarding suggestions and cautions as DW and I plan to make the 1000-mile move sometime this year.

[tuttlejr]

Avery Ranch is in Northwest Austin. Austin property taxes are very high. Williamson County is close to and includes some sections of Avery Ranch. Near Round Rock and Cedar Park which are not in Travis County. Lower taxes.

If not locked in to that area, consider City of Lakeway with good security, golf courses, good parks, activity center etc. without Austin taxes or their high utility prices. Also Bee Cave just around the corner from Lakeway.

[Jim Boyd]

I spent 6 weeks working in Austin last summer so I can give you a couple of casual outsider observations:

1: I saw more pink, green and blue hair-do's in six weeks than my entire 48 years of existence.
2: There is someone asking for money at almost every major intersection.
3: You will need a REALLY good parking brake. I guess that is why they call it the "Hill Country"!
4: There are 4 strips clubs with-in 4 blocks of the South Austin Orkin branch
5: The customers I called on (2 to 15 a day) are some of the nicest folks you would ever want to meet.
6: Did I mention you need a REALLY good parking brake?

[tjmac44]

I lived in Austin for 4 years, here are my points.

1. There are 2 seasons, damm hot Summer and damm hot Summer with some cold fronts.
2. Austin is a hip town, that is where I conclude it is very high strung, not laid back.
3. Lot of implants from other states. Lots of nice people.
4. Technology is a major employeer. Semiconductors companies like Applied Materials, Samsung America, AMD, whoever bought Motorola, Cypress.
5. Strip joints, smut huts and honest bums around every corner. The bums will straight up ask you for a quarter to get a can of Lone Star.
6. Traffic is busy, all the time. People in Austin never stop.
7. Lots of places to people watch. Eat at a Jims downtown at 2am, does not matter what day of the week, you will no what I mean.

I lived in Round Rock. Nice area.......

[10sCoachRick]

Thanks for the responses. We are becoming aware of the high property taxes in and around Austin...fortunately, trading away GA's state income tax makes it a wash right now. Don't know how retired folks do it, however.

We are not locked into any one area at this time...still studying the situation. DW and I should get out that way in Feb. to intensify our search.

Thought Lakeway would be too $$$ but will check it out via the net. Thanks for the info.

I've heard about the traffic but Atlanta has 5 million folks driving at any given time...we'll take our chances.

Thanks again and we welcome any more info!!!

[Pappy]

Big movement right now seems to be south. Buda, Kyle and, to a lesser extent, San Marcos are growing fast. Hays CISD (Buda, Kyle) has some of the best schools in the area.

Drawback is that Woodcraft, Fine Lumber and most of the other suppliers are in North Austin. Brazos Forest Products, formerly Hogan's and Paxton's, is south but has all but closed the Wood Store, catering almost exclusively to the commercial trade. Supposed to be a new kid on the block in the south area, but I haven't checked them out.

[10sCoachRick]

Big movement right now seems to be south. Buda, Kyle and, to a lesser extent, San Marcos are growing fast. Hays CISD (Buda, Kyle) has some of the best schools in the area.
.

Thanks, BIL is working a land deal in Wimberley but we are wanting to stay closer to an elderly aunt in Balcones Woods. We will also make ~weekly trips up to Lomita so northish seems to be our best shot. DANG those 3% property taxes in Austin! Perhaps we SHOULD consider some AG land out of town! Don't know nuthin' bout herding no goats!