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Updated almost 11 years ago on . Most recent reply
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European moving to Austin, TX looking for home (130K-170K) in Austin area
Most Popular Reply
With current market trends, $130K should secure you a spot under a bridge in Austin. $170K you can probably get a nicer bridge spot with a view and fewer carbon emissions...
Hi Chris, in all seriousness, Austin real estate is pretty silly right now. Some good advice from Jon and Mike about renting first to get a feel for the city, and maybe figure out some areas & neighborhoods that appeal to you and your wife.
Here in Denmark everything is small and living more than 15 miles from the city limit decreases the interest in buying a home. Everyone wants to live close to the city here. I'll be interesting to get to know the Texan style of thinking. I already like it.
Everyone has different preferences. For people from Dallas / Fort Worth area, Houston, or Southern California, where they are already accustomed to traffic and spending 30-45 mins to get somewhere, living 15 miles away isn't as big of a deal. On the other hand, some Austin folks don't travel outside of a 5 mile radius, or even own a car.
For Central and "heart of the city" living, you're looking at 78702 (Central East), 78703 (Central West), & 78704 (Central South of the river), but prices reflect the demand and you're looking at anywhere from $250/sq. foot to $500/sq. foot.. Another post mentioned Hutto or Pfluegerville; while those are indeed cheaper, they really aren't Austin. You're looking at an hour drive 5-6 days of the week to most Austin "landmarks". So there has to be something in between, right?
In the ranges you mention, personally I'd look just a little further East (78723) and a little further South (78745) or down to Oak Hill. You could probably find a 1,000sq-1,300sq ft house, two bedroom, maybe three bedroom.
Finding a solid fixer-upper in one of those areas would the way to go in my opinion... But just know you'll be competing with other young couples moving here, rehabbers & flippers, and other investors looking to do the same. Lot of $$ chasing few properties :)
Good luck.
Peter