Tech bro moves from CA to Austin - immediately reverses course after calling culture 'bland'

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s really hard to define the suburbs in Austin, given the true downtown is quite small and many very suburban areas are still within the city’s limits.

To the PP considering moving to Austin. We recently moved back east (Texas is not even remotely eastern) and while Austin has its downsides, I still fully endorse living there. I am not sure what folks are saying about a lack of outdoor activities—Lady Bird and Lake Travis provide welcome relief even in the summers, and my daughter and I spent many days out in the nearby hills. I also enjoy how so many dining and drink options have expansive outdoor areas, though I recognize that is a different type of outdoor activity.

Austin’s prices continue to increase, but it is still incredibly affordable compared to many cities. The area you list as where your work would be based is not an exciting one, but you should be able to live in central Austin without too much commuting hassle at all. If you can afford it and/or don’t mind a small place, Clarksville/Old West is still one of my favorite areas of the city that is walkable in a way similar to Hyde Park.

The food scene is still extremely strong and there are a ton of great day trip options—Fredericksburg, San Antonio, etc. I was heavily involved in civic life in the city and there are a lot of very engaged people committed to their city.

I will say that I don’t think the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill are as good as they used to be

Ethnic food scene in Austin is nothing like Bay Area or even DC area. Houston is a lot better but the weather is horrific.

Austin excels in BBQ, Mexican and Tex-mex. Other ethnic food you have to do your research but agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also just mapped Oak Hill to the Barre 3 downtown and it’s 11 minutes and you can still find houses there for around $500k.

Are you kidding me? I went to the ACC out there (Pinnacle) and it is not anywhere near 11 minutes to get anywhere.

Well map it.

I also actually live in Westlake and trust me it’s under 10 min to downtown. I do that drive every week. I think you just want to argue about it but don’t even live in Austin.

I guess Westlake is technically a suburb, but it's so close in I don't think of it as one. You also still have an Austin mailing address, and it really isn't more suburban than most other residential neighborhoods of Austin. I think of Round Rock or Pfulgerville as real suburbs. Plus houses are really expensive in that area because of the Eanes school district so I consider it one of those close in areas that used to be accessible for families that has become unaffordable for most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also just mapped Oak Hill to the Barre 3 downtown and it’s 11 minutes and you can still find houses there for around $500k.

Are you kidding me? I went to the ACC out there (Pinnacle) and it is not anywhere near 11 minutes to get anywhere.

Well map it.

I also actually live in Westlake and trust me it’s under 10 min to downtown. I do that drive every week. I think you just want to argue about it but don’t even live in Austin.

I guess Westlake is technically a suburb, but it's so close in I don't think of it as one. You also still have an Austin mailing address, and it really isn't more suburban than most other residential neighborhoods of Austin. I think of Round Rock or Pfulgerville as real suburbs. Plus houses are really expensive in that area because of the Eanes school district so I consider it one of those close in areas that used to be accessible for families that has become unaffordable for most.

Yah. Home prices have gone up a lot. We bought 5 years ago and our home appreciated 65% what we paid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s really hard to define the suburbs in Austin, given the true downtown is quite small and many very suburban areas are still within the city’s limits.

To the PP considering moving to Austin. We recently moved back east (Texas is not even remotely eastern) and while Austin has its downsides, I still fully endorse living there. I am not sure what folks are saying about a lack of outdoor activities—Lady Bird and Lake Travis provide welcome relief even in the summers, and my daughter and I spent many days out in the nearby hills. I also enjoy how so many dining and drink options have expansive outdoor areas, though I recognize that is a different type of outdoor activity.

Austin’s prices continue to increase, but it is still incredibly affordable compared to many cities. The area you list as where your work would be based is not an exciting one, but you should be able to live in central Austin without too much commuting hassle at all. If you can afford it and/or don’t mind a small place, Clarksville/Old West is still one of my favorite areas of the city that is walkable in a way similar to Hyde Park.

The food scene is still extremely strong and there are a ton of great day trip options—Fredericksburg, San Antonio, etc. I was heavily involved in civic life in the city and there are a lot of very engaged people committed to their city.

I will say that I don’t think the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill are as good as they used to be

Ethnic food scene in Austin is nothing like Bay Area or even DC area. Houston is a lot better but the weather is horrific.

Austin excels in BBQ, Mexican and Tex-mex. Other ethnic food you have to do your research but agree.

Ethnic food scene is nowhere near as good as the bay area, but I don't think it's that bad. The Asian strip malls had the same quality pho shops and there are still little asian markets you can get stuff. Ramen Tatsuya is awesome. There are a few pretty good Indian restaurants especially along the tech corridor...one in particular that had awesome bryani. Musashino has high quality Sushi.

Like everywhere, most of the good Asian food is in random strip malls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s really hard to define the suburbs in Austin, given the true downtown is quite small and many very suburban areas are still within the city’s limits.

To the PP considering moving to Austin. We recently moved back east (Texas is not even remotely eastern) and while Austin has its downsides, I still fully endorse living there. I am not sure what folks are saying about a lack of outdoor activities—Lady Bird and Lake Travis provide welcome relief even in the summers, and my daughter and I spent many days out in the nearby hills. I also enjoy how so many dining and drink options have expansive outdoor areas, though I recognize that is a different type of outdoor activity.

Austin’s prices continue to increase, but it is still incredibly affordable compared to many cities. The area you list as where your work would be based is not an exciting one, but you should be able to live in central Austin without too much commuting hassle at all. If you can afford it and/or don’t mind a small place, Clarksville/Old West is still one of my favorite areas of the city that is walkable in a way similar to Hyde Park.

The food scene is still extremely strong and there are a ton of great day trip options—Fredericksburg, San Antonio, etc. I was heavily involved in civic life in the city and there are a lot of very engaged people committed to their city.

I will say that I don’t think the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill are as good as they used to be

Ethnic food scene in Austin is nothing like Bay Area or even DC area. Houston is a lot better but the weather is horrific.

Austin excels in BBQ, Mexican and Tex-mex. Other ethnic food you have to do your research but agree.

Ethnic food scene is nowhere near as good as the bay area, but I don't think it's that bad. The Asian strip malls had the same quality pho shops and there are still little asian markets you can get stuff. Ramen Tatsuya is awesome. There are a few pretty good Indian restaurants especially along the tech corridor...one in particular that had awesome bryani. Musashino has high quality Sushi.

Like everywhere, most of the good Asian food is in random strip malls.

I agree and one thing nice about the Austin food scene compared to many other cities is that there is a really nice low-mid level range of options. There definitely aren't many Michelin quality restaurants but there are a lot of options otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s really hard to define the suburbs in Austin, given the true downtown is quite small and many very suburban areas are still within the city’s limits.

To the PP considering moving to Austin. We recently moved back east (Texas is not even remotely eastern) and while Austin has its downsides, I still fully endorse living there. I am not sure what folks are saying about a lack of outdoor activities—Lady Bird and Lake Travis provide welcome relief even in the summers, and my daughter and I spent many days out in the nearby hills. I also enjoy how so many dining and drink options have expansive outdoor areas, though I recognize that is a different type of outdoor activity.

Austin’s prices continue to increase, but it is still incredibly affordable compared to many cities. The area you list as where your work would be based is not an exciting one, but you should be able to live in central Austin without too much commuting hassle at all. If you can afford it and/or don’t mind a small place, Clarksville/Old West is still one of my favorite areas of the city that is walkable in a way similar to Hyde Park.

The food scene is still extremely strong and there are a ton of great day trip options—Fredericksburg, San Antonio, etc. I was heavily involved in civic life in the city and there are a lot of very engaged people committed to their city.

I will say that I don’t think the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill are as good as they used to be

Ethnic food scene in Austin is nothing like Bay Area or even DC area. Houston is a lot better but the weather is horrific.

Austin excels in BBQ, Mexican and Tex-mex. Other ethnic food you have to do your research but agree.

Ethnic food scene is nowhere near as good as the bay area, but I don't think it's that bad. The Asian strip malls had the same quality pho shops and there are still little asian markets you can get stuff. Ramen Tatsuya is awesome. There are a few pretty good Indian restaurants especially along the tech corridor...one in particular that had awesome bryani. Musashino has high quality Sushi.

Like everywhere, most of the good Asian food is in random strip malls.

I agree and one thing nice about the Austin food scene compared to many other cities is that there is a really nice low-mid level range of options. There definitely aren't many Michelin quality restaurants but there are a lot of options otherwise.

Original quoted poster. I agree with this, and I suppose it goes without saying "strong" is subjective (nor did I make any claims about the ethnic food scene), but there is a reason I used that word as opposed to "world class" or something like that. I never have a problem finding a very yummy meal in Austin in a setting I can have a good time in, though I'm the type to be perfectly content with a night out at the bar at Odd Duck or on a couch at House Wine. And I am almost always extremely happy at a place like Contigo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I saw this online. He comes off as rude and dim, in part because he's trying to make a buck by writing about his failure to think about a big move. That said, I don't like Austin and would never live there. I don't get what people like about it.

- Bay Area native who likes NOVA pretty well.

I also was underwhelmed by Austin. I actually liked Dallas better, never been to Houston.

Dallas has more of an LA-vibe. There's an older saying I heard once, "Houston is Target, Dallas is Neimen's."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know that area of Austin, it’s wealthy sprawling suburbia. If you want more character and city feel, move to Old Enfield, Clarksville, Old West Austin, South Congress, Barton Hills, Hyde Park, even parts of Lakeway/Westlake which are more suburban but closer to downtown. God knows the only people who can afford to live in those areas are wealthy tech people now. The downside is most of the tech offices are North of the city and even the reverse commute is awful on Mopac.

Most of the part of Austin dominated by tech feels like San Jose to me—just a big morass of suburban sprawl. It’s also pretty politically moderate—used to be more Republican until Trump.

The cool/liberal/funky part of Austin is very small and expensive to live in. I went to UT for grad school and the transformation in full throws at that time.

Exactly. I've lived in Austin and Silicon Valley. This move was like moving to Morgan Hill and complaining its boring and bland. It's too far from all the "cool" stuff and traffic is horrific if you need to be DT or north to Round Rock. But, if he'd done his research he would know that. He had no clue what he was getting himself and his family into and can only blame himself. But if you want the brand new house on a lot of land, that's where you would go.

Yup, I loved Austin, went to school there, bought our first house there, had our first baby there. Miss it terribly.

It's hard to imagine he even visited the area he moved to before picking it, given (apparently) what he values. Hell, besides the land he would have been in much better proximity to "cool" things but still have the 'burb and new house vibe in Circle C and have paid a fraction of the price.

Austin has a lot of wonderful amenities, including a ton of outdoor activities--including a lot to do on the water. I'm just sort of baffled by this.

Have you lived in the Bay Area? I don't think Austin has as much varied outdoor activity and, if you don't like the weather--especially the heat, you may not be doing as much outside for large parts of the year.

I'd take a little Texas heat for a couple months over wearing a sweatshirt & jacket in July in San Fran. There is something to that old saying about the coldest winter being the summer I spent in San Francisco.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Austin is a great bang for your buck compared to some of the other tech cities. You have options for great schools at multiple price levels. Lots of awesome food, everything is close in.. I live in a suburb of Austin but a true 10 min from downtown with excellent public schools. Downsides are the nasty brutal heat, allergies and lack of unique places to go for weekends away. Taxes are high though, but no state income tax. People are kind and warm and I have found they don't take themselves as seriously as those on the costs. If you want a more laid-back vibe this is it. No one asks what you do for a living in their first conversation and I live in a wealthy, highly educated area.

Where is this and what are housing prices like? I'm looking for something along the line of 4bdr/3ba, 2000+ sq ft for ~$850k.

Do you have kids in school? For your budget your best bet is going to be a 2,000 square foot house in Westlake. Look at anything before Bee Caves + 360. Woods of Westlake, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Walsh Tarlton(78746 zip). If you give me your email I'll send you a realtor with off market listings. There is not much inventory.

Not PP but I’m relocating to Austin and my budget is above $850 and I’m priced out of this area you mentioned, not sure when you last looked at real estate. There’s nothing but complete floor to ceiling fixer-uppers which those of us with kids can’t do. I know the DC area SO well and am struggling with Austin. We were previously looking to buy in Vienna/Great Falls (neighborhood, not sprawling acreage). I have no interest in living “in” or “within 10 minutes” of downtown Austin - been there done that with the city life - but absolutely need a grocery store, coffee shop, neighborhood feel. Does anyone know of Austin suburbs that would be similar in feel? Looking for >3k square feet and budget is is $1m.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Austin is a great bang for your buck compared to some of the other tech cities. You have options for great schools at multiple price levels. Lots of awesome food, everything is close in.. I live in a suburb of Austin but a true 10 min from downtown with excellent public schools. Downsides are the nasty brutal heat, allergies and lack of unique places to go for weekends away. Taxes are high though, but no state income tax. People are kind and warm and I have found they don't take themselves as seriously as those on the costs. If you want a more laid-back vibe this is it. No one asks what you do for a living in their first conversation and I live in a wealthy, highly educated area.

Where is this and what are housing prices like? I'm looking for something along the line of 4bdr/3ba, 2000+ sq ft for ~$850k.

Do you have kids in school? For your budget your best bet is going to be a 2,000 square foot house in Westlake. Look at anything before Bee Caves + 360. Woods of Westlake, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Walsh Tarlton(78746 zip). If you give me your email I'll send you a realtor with off market listings. There is not much inventory.

Not PP but I’m relocating to Austin and my budget is above $850 and I’m priced out of this area you mentioned, not sure when you last looked at real estate. There’s nothing but complete floor to ceiling fixer-uppers which those of us with kids can’t do. I know the DC area SO well and am struggling with Austin. We were previously looking to buy in Vienna/Great Falls (neighborhood, not sprawling acreage). I have no interest in living “in” or “within 10 minutes” of downtown Austin - been there done that with the city life - but absolutely need a grocery store, coffee shop, neighborhood feel. Does anyone know of Austin suburbs that would be similar in feel? Looking for >3k square feet and budget is is $1m.

Have you looked in and around the Circle C community in Austin? Strong schools, easy commute downtown, really nice HEB and some coffee shops/restaurants. Very cozy and family friendly. We have friends there and know the area well (used to live there). It’s also easy to get out into the Dripping Springs area with lots of family friendly breweries and the like. The houses within the Circle C planned neighborhood are often well under a million and here is one right outside the immediate development that is a bit more expensive and typical for the area. It may not be the “coolest” Austin neighborhood but it’s great.

https://www.redfin.com/TX/Austin/7920-Crandall-Rd-78739/home/31037938?utm_source=ios_share&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_nooverride=1&utm_content=link

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Austin is a great bang for your buck compared to some of the other tech cities. You have options for great schools at multiple price levels. Lots of awesome food, everything is close in.. I live in a suburb of Austin but a true 10 min from downtown with excellent public schools. Downsides are the nasty brutal heat, allergies and lack of unique places to go for weekends away. Taxes are high though, but no state income tax. People are kind and warm and I have found they don't take themselves as seriously as those on the costs. If you want a more laid-back vibe this is it. No one asks what you do for a living in their first conversation and I live in a wealthy, highly educated area.

Where is this and what are housing prices like? I'm looking for something along the line of 4bdr/3ba, 2000+ sq ft for ~$850k.

Do you have kids in school? For your budget your best bet is going to be a 2,000 square foot house in Westlake. Look at anything before Bee Caves + 360. Woods of Westlake, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Walsh Tarlton(78746 zip). If you give me your email I'll send you a realtor with off market listings. There is not much inventory.

Not PP but I’m relocating to Austin and my budget is above $850 and I’m priced out of this area you mentioned, not sure when you last looked at real estate. There’s nothing but complete floor to ceiling fixer-uppers which those of us with kids can’t do. I know the DC area SO well and am struggling with Austin. We were previously looking to buy in Vienna/Great Falls (neighborhood, not sprawling acreage). I have no interest in living “in” or “within 10 minutes” of downtown Austin - been there done that with the city life - but absolutely need a grocery store, coffee shop, neighborhood feel. Does anyone know of Austin suburbs that would be similar in feel? Looking for >3k square feet and budget is is $1m.

Have you looked in and around the Circle C community in Austin? Strong schools, easy commute downtown, really nice HEB and some coffee shops/restaurants. Very cozy and family friendly. We have friends there and know the area well (used to live there). It’s also easy to get out into the Dripping Springs area with lots of family friendly breweries and the like. The houses within the Circle C planned neighborhood are often well under a million and here is one right outside the immediate development that is a bit more expensive and typical for the area. It may not be the “coolest” Austin neighborhood but it’s great.

https://www.redfin.com/TX/Austin/7920-Crandall-Rd-78739/home/31037938?utm_source=ios_share&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_nooverride=1&utm_content=link

Sorry, and here is an example from one of the newer parts of the actual Circle C neighborhood:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/11025-Pairnoy-Ln-Austin-TX-78739/64710716_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Austin is a great bang for your buck compared to some of the other tech cities. You have options for great schools at multiple price levels. Lots of awesome food, everything is close in.. I live in a suburb of Austin but a true 10 min from downtown with excellent public schools. Downsides are the nasty brutal heat, allergies and lack of unique places to go for weekends away. Taxes are high though, but no state income tax. People are kind and warm and I have found they don't take themselves as seriously as those on the costs. If you want a more laid-back vibe this is it. No one asks what you do for a living in their first conversation and I live in a wealthy, highly educated area.

Where is this and what are housing prices like? I'm looking for something along the line of 4bdr/3ba, 2000+ sq ft for ~$850k.

Do you have kids in school? For your budget your best bet is going to be a 2,000 square foot house in Westlake. Look at anything before Bee Caves + 360. Woods of Westlake, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Walsh Tarlton(78746 zip). If you give me your email I'll send you a realtor with off market listings. There is not much inventory.

Not PP but I’m relocating to Austin and my budget is above $850 and I’m priced out of this area you mentioned, not sure when you last looked at real estate. There’s nothing but complete floor to ceiling fixer-uppers which those of us with kids can’t do. I know the DC area SO well and am struggling with Austin. We were previously looking to buy in Vienna/Great Falls (neighborhood, not sprawling acreage). I have no interest in living “in” or “within 10 minutes” of downtown Austin - been there done that with the city life - but absolutely need a grocery store, coffee shop, neighborhood feel. Does anyone know of Austin suburbs that would be similar in feel? Looking for >3k square feet and budget is is $1m.

Well honestly it happened fast. 6 months ago you would have been ok. You're describing something that doesn't really exist in Austin, esp at the price point you are asking for. Houses that large are going to be over that. There aren't many neighborhoods with that feel and they will be closer to 2mil for what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Austin is a great bang for your buck compared to some of the other tech cities. You have options for great schools at multiple price levels. Lots of awesome food, everything is close in.. I live in a suburb of Austin but a true 10 min from downtown with excellent public schools. Downsides are the nasty brutal heat, allergies and lack of unique places to go for weekends away. Taxes are high though, but no state income tax. People are kind and warm and I have found they don't take themselves as seriously as those on the costs. If you want a more laid-back vibe this is it. No one asks what you do for a living in their first conversation and I live in a wealthy, highly educated area.

Where is this and what are housing prices like? I'm looking for something along the line of 4bdr/3ba, 2000+ sq ft for ~$850k.

Do you have kids in school? For your budget your best bet is going to be a 2,000 square foot house in Westlake. Look at anything before Bee Caves + 360. Woods of Westlake, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Walsh Tarlton(78746 zip). If you give me your email I'll send you a realtor with off market listings. There is not much inventory.

Not PP but I’m relocating to Austin and my budget is above $850 and I’m priced out of this area you mentioned, not sure when you last looked at real estate. There’s nothing but complete floor to ceiling fixer-uppers which those of us with kids can’t do. I know the DC area SO well and am struggling with Austin. We were previously looking to buy in Vienna/Great Falls (neighborhood, not sprawling acreage). I have no interest in living “in” or “within 10 minutes” of downtown Austin - been there done that with the city life - but absolutely need a grocery store, coffee shop, neighborhood feel. Does anyone know of Austin suburbs that would be similar in feel? Looking for >3k square feet and budget is is $1m.

Have you looked in and around the Circle C community in Austin? Strong schools, easy commute downtown, really nice HEB and some coffee shops/restaurants. Very cozy and family friendly. We have friends there and know the area well (used to live there). It’s also easy to get out into the Dripping Springs area with lots of family friendly breweries and the like. The houses within the Circle C planned neighborhood are often well under a million and here is one right outside the immediate development that is a bit more expensive and typical for the area. It may not be the “coolest” Austin neighborhood but it’s great.

https://www.redfin.com/TX/Austin/7920-Crandall-Rd-78739/home/31037938?utm_source=ios_share&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_nooverride=1&utm_content=link

Never loved this area, at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s really hard to define the suburbs in Austin, given the true downtown is quite small and many very suburban areas are still within the city’s limits.

To the PP considering moving to Austin. We recently moved back east (Texas is not even remotely eastern) and while Austin has its downsides, I still fully endorse living there. I am not sure what folks are saying about a lack of outdoor activities—Lady Bird and Lake Travis provide welcome relief even in the summers, and my daughter and I spent many days out in the nearby hills. I also enjoy how so many dining and drink options have expansive outdoor areas, though I recognize that is a different type of outdoor activity.

Austin’s prices continue to increase, but it is still incredibly affordable compared to many cities. The area you list as where your work would be based is not an exciting one, but you should be able to live in central Austin without too much commuting hassle at all. If you can afford it and/or don’t mind a small place, Clarksville/Old West is still one of my favorite areas of the city that is walkable in a way similar to Hyde Park.

The food scene is still extremely strong and there are a ton of great day trip options—Fredericksburg, San Antonio, etc. I was heavily involved in civic life in the city and there are a lot of very engaged people committed to their city.

I will say that I don’t think the fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grill are as good as they used to be

Ethnic food scene in Austin is nothing like Bay Area or even DC area. Houston is a lot better but the weather is horrific.

Uhm, by whose standards? As someone who grew up in southern California our weather here is pretty awful. DC has cold, icy winters and ungodly humidity in the summer. The only good times of year are a month or two in Spring and a couple months of early Autumn: the rest kinda sucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Austin is a great bang for your buck compared to some of the other tech cities. You have options for great schools at multiple price levels. Lots of awesome food, everything is close in.. I live in a suburb of Austin but a true 10 min from downtown with excellent public schools. Downsides are the nasty brutal heat, allergies and lack of unique places to go for weekends away. Taxes are high though, but no state income tax. People are kind and warm and I have found they don't take themselves as seriously as those on the costs. If you want a more laid-back vibe this is it. No one asks what you do for a living in their first conversation and I live in a wealthy, highly educated area.

Where is this and what are housing prices like? I'm looking for something along the line of 4bdr/3ba, 2000+ sq ft for ~$850k.

Do you have kids in school? For your budget your best bet is going to be a 2,000 square foot house in Westlake. Look at anything before Bee Caves + 360. Woods of Westlake, Lost Creek, Bee Cave Woods, Walsh Tarlton(78746 zip). If you give me your email I'll send you a realtor with off market listings. There is not much inventory.

Not PP but I’m relocating to Austin and my budget is above $850 and I’m priced out of this area you mentioned, not sure when you last looked at real estate. There’s nothing but complete floor to ceiling fixer-uppers which those of us with kids can’t do. I know the DC area SO well and am struggling with Austin. We were previously looking to buy in Vienna/Great Falls (neighborhood, not sprawling acreage). I have no interest in living “in” or “within 10 minutes” of downtown Austin - been there done that with the city life - but absolutely need a grocery store, coffee shop, neighborhood feel. Does anyone know of Austin suburbs that would be similar in feel? Looking for >3k square feet and budget is is $1m.

Have you looked in and around the Circle C community in Austin? Strong schools, easy commute downtown, really nice HEB and some coffee shops/restaurants. Very cozy and family friendly. We have friends there and know the area well (used to live there). It’s also easy to get out into the Dripping Springs area with lots of family friendly breweries and the like. The houses within the Circle C planned neighborhood are often well under a million and here is one right outside the immediate development that is a bit more expensive and typical for the area. It may not be the “coolest” Austin neighborhood but it’s great.

https://www.redfin.com/TX/Austin/7920-Crandall-Rd-78739/home/31037938?utm_source=ios_share&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_nooverride=1&utm_content=link

Never loved this area, at all.

Well that’s fine, given you’re entitled to your opinion and me to mine. Though I’m not sure if you are the PP I was trying to help out—if so, rude. But if not, it seems to fit what PP was looking for.