my daughter and boyfriend are moving to austin in january--they are super good "kids"-- newly graduated from college
they will be moving from kansas city so don't have a lot of opportunity to look around
if anyone knows of a small house for rent or any advice for a good spot to move we would appreciate it so much
thanks
linda
austin
If they are fun loving crazy kids, then they need to live in South Austin 78704. If they are more conservative, North Austin.
You are sooo right, jujube!...and may I add that they probably do not want to live in East Austin...but the best restaurants and fun things are definitely in the south austin area or what is commonly called south of the river...and downtown around the capital is historic and difficult to find an economic solution for young couples...you might want to check with Lazlo..he has lived in the same spot (northwest austin) for 8 years...
We travel to Austin weekly to shop and enjoy....great shopping.Ikea, Sprouts, Whole Foods..and wonderful trailer food!...can't beat Flip Happy Crepes!!!
rotfl
If they're right out of college, money will probably be an object. They will also want to think about location - if they're counting on public transportation, or how much time they want to spend sitting in traffic every day.
Is there a reason they have to have a house? Honestly, my best general advice would be to get a six-month apartment lease. There are some reputable apartment locator companies who could work with them to narrow down their options quickly. By next spring, they'll have a good idea where they want to be.
If you've got more details, I can offer some better thoughts. If they are sure they want a house, I do know a realtor who is good with leases (and doesn't turn up her nose at the lower price range).
They're starting their new adult life. So tell them don't stress over something absolutely forever perfect - it's just a start. And please also tell them not to let themselves be bound by old stereotypes and misconceptions. Most people in Austin aren't here because they just got born here and never thought to move. Almost everyone is here because they made some choice to live here - for school, for a job, for arts or outdoors activities, etc. Which means everyone that comes here, including your kids, gets to play a part in making it the sort of place where they want to live.
Well said!!
thank you all so much for your kindness and helpful advice
why do they want a house? he is a film major- has lots of "stuff" forsets (pack rat?)--he likes doing time periods (50's etc) and is always collecting, borrowing and making things for an authentic look
they are quirky , fun loving,but not party people-more introverts
she is artistic, works with teenagers with down syndrom and is working on her masters in speech to continue with her down syndrom work
they are excited and i am thrilled that my girl will live closer--she is the sweetheart of our family-there are 6 of us and we all marvel at how we ended up with someone so sweet and good--not that we aren't good but maybe a bit more cynical :)
This message was edited Oct 31, 2010 11:36 AM
My nephew and his wife are graduates of UT and for a time lived in Washington, DC (job related). They did NOT like the above. Moved back to Austin 3 years ago with the intent of buying a home. After searching for sometime they are in Leander. A more affordable suburb of Austin. It is on the northwest side of Austin. Glad they will be closer to you Linda.
The traffic in Austin is horrible during rush hour, so that might have some effect on where they live.
thank you all and keep them in mind if any other thoughts, ideas, advice etc comes to mind please
"Artsy" neighborhoods could include:
- 78704 already mentioned (not all of it - I'd definitely say avoid the complexes right on Riverside).
- Mueller
- central east austin in general (east of the interstate/west of 183/north of the river to 38th or so)
- south first/south congress (this is a little more style/fashion than rtf)
Affordable and not un-artsy areas could include:
- north east (north of 183, between Burnet and Cameron/Dessau. A lot of why this area is cheaper is because the public schools are not as strong, but without kids, that wouldn't be a factor. North Lamar (1L/1M/101 is most feasible public transportation route in the city.)
- Manor.
They're probably looking $900-1200 or so for a house, plus utilities and whatever upkeep.
well i talked to her recently (today) and she said a townhouse or duplex etc
due to finances they might end up in an apartment but for now she convinced a duplex/townhouse whatever is what they need
maybe an apartment and get a storage unit?
it would be nice if they rented a duplex or upstairs of a house (inlaws apartment) where they could help out with upkeep etc for lower rent--like an elderly couple or someone who travels a lot
i am just thrilled with the help you are providing--i do not know austin and of course i want to help her in any way i can -so y'all are helping me to help her!
Are they going to school? I have a couple of friends on FB who live in Austin. If you'd like I can ask for info from them. One of them is in the film (animation) business herself and the other one is an artist.
Do they have a preference for type of unit? They are wonderful duplexes right around the corner from my house and one is actually for lease right now. :)
birdlady is correct about the neighborhoods although the arboretum area (where I live) has also become a landing spot for younger professionals (it used to be older families but has transitioned quite a bit.)
Allandale is also full of young professionals where there are reasonable rates on duplexes and apartments. 78704 is the 'hipster' area but if they're looking for space, the prices there are usually the highest. They may also want to check out Manchaca area and Slaughter (these are roads).
Traffic in Austin can be frustrating but if you find a reasonable place in the right neighborhood it actually isn't that bad. It depends on where you want to spend most of your time and what you want in your budget.
If you'd like, send me a dmail. I can at least help them decide on the best area for them if I can't necessarily find it for them. I'm not working so I need to find productive things to do with my time. :) (also, when I quit my job I seriously considered real estate but decided I'm just too nice for the competitive market Austin has become).
stephanie--
she will be going to grad school next year (fall of 11)--he will be working (she will be working too along with school) yes-any help from your artist/film friends will be wonderful
careyana-
i sent you a dmail
you all make me feel warm and fuzzy with your help--reminds me that i have wonderful friends on dave's and i appreciate you all!