How to Find Your Ideal Neighborhood in Austin

Austin has many unique neighborhoods with varied architectural styles, amenities and unique quirks. That being said, it can be a challenge deciding which one is best for you! To help get you started, we’ve outlined some tips to help narrow your search:

Start with Location

With so many people relocating to Austin, traffic has increased exponentially. Commute times can certainly be a good place to start as you consider different neighborhoods. If you work in Round Rock, it may be a challenge commuting every day from South Austin. I like to use Google Maps and Waze to pinpoint areas that will work for your commute and analyze drive times. Be sure to check during rush hours and weekends as well!

Think About Amenities:

Start by making a list of amenities that are important to you. If you are looking for a certain lifestyle, we can help point you in the right direction! Driving around different areas will also help you get a better feel for different areas and what they have to offer. Not sure where to look? I would be happy to point out some areas you may not have known offer the amenities you were looking for.

Consider School Districts:

Schools can certainly be a critical component when deciding on a neighborhood. If you have school-aged children, double check that any home you are looking at is zoned for the schools you desire. Keep in mind, boundaries can change along with ratings. We like to recommend Greatschools.org for school ratings. Even if you don’t have school-age kiddos, schools and school districts can affect resale values.

Square Footage Needs:

As central Austin becomes denser, you will find that you can get more bang for your buck looking outside the city limits. Communities like Round Rock, Hutto, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Buda and Kyle all offer newer communities with affordable prices. If you are looking for more space with your budget, these areas may be the best fit for you.

Consider Price:

Your budget will also impact where you can purchase a home. Start the preapproval process with your mortgage lender first to ensure that you are comfortable with your monthly budget and then start your search online. Filter by price and this will help you determine areas best suited for your needs. For the most accurate data, please let me set a customized search for you, with real time updates.

Whether you are looking to analyze areas for highest return, quality of living, renovation trends, or anything else, reach out to me directly to schedule a time to discuss.