Howdy everyone. Wife and I (mid/upper 20s) are going to be moving to the Austin area in a few months. Both of us are in mostly WFH jobs, so we have flexibility with location. We are planning to rent for a year or so to familiarize ourselves with the area before purchasing a home. We are considering different areas, but wanted to get more advice from those who know the area better. Things that are important to us: being OUT of Austin itself but close enough if needed, having places to shop/eat/workout/groceries etc close by, sound doctrine Biblical church & community.

We really like the southwest part of ATX: 290 towards dripping springs area, but seems to be the most expensive. Also open to more of the western side of Austin but don't know a ton about that area. Lastly, it seems a lot of the new areas with people in our life stage and more affordable cost of living is north in the Leander/liberty hill/georgetown area.

I've been looking online at rental homes as well as homes for sale to get an idea of the market and different areas. Seems to be a pretty big difference in pricing/availability from the 290 areas vs north of Austin as mentioned above.

Would appreciate any and all advice and thoughts on the topic! Thanks!

Check out the Domain area. 5-6 miles north of downtown and plenty of retail options.

SteveBott said:

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Check out the Domain area. 5-6 miles north of downtown and plenty of retail options.

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Domain is nice as well. Close to Q2 Stadium if you like watching soccer.

Thanks for the input. Can anyone speak into the cost of housing difference from the dripping springs area vs the Georgetown/liberty hill/leander area? Am I off that it seems to be a lot more affordable in the latter area, or is that accurate?

Felipe can answer that better than I but I would thinks the Williamson county housing has more diverse options the DS which almost exclusively single family homes.

Currently taxes are better in Dripping/Hays country than Williamson county. But the growth in Dripping will drive those upwards.

I currently live a bit NW of downtown, 2222 and 360 area, in the county and Leander ISD. Taxes are lower but my house is way too big since it's just me now. Probably moving to Dripping or Driftwood when this sells, I'm on 2.7 acres and the thought of having neighbors close by is not appealing lol

Let me know when you're ready to move. I'm in the Dripping Springs area and would love to help you out. My last client earn just over $11k towards a buyer's rebate.

lodell22 said:

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Thanks for the input. Can anyone speak into the cost of housing difference from the dripping springs area vs the Georgetown/liberty hill/leander area? Am I off that it seems to be a lot more affordable in the latter area, or is that accurate?

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You are correct with Georgetown/LH/Leander being more affordable. My take is that they are much farther away from Austin than Dripping Springs. This is a reason why Belterra homes are more expensive than Dripping Springs homes. If you're working from home, then that shouldn't be a factor but I believe you mentioned you'd like to be in close proximity to Austin when needed. Cedar Park could also be an option for you as the prices are more affordable as well and it's closer to Austin.