Need help from San Antonio and Austin people

[twcpfan1]

If you were to buy a condo/townhouse in SA or Austin, which would be the desirable areas? I'm a little bit more familiar with SA. I know that the 78216 zip code on 281 around 410 is pretty nice. What about around the Medical Center and the UTSA area? Comments? Pros? Cons?

Austin, I am not familiar with at all so I could really use some help. If you could give me some zip codes and brief area descriptions, that would be great. Thanks.

[Owned05]

I lived in a house right across from UTSA my freshman year. It was basically a town house, kind of small, but big enough for 4 people to live in. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, nice sized backyard.

PM me if you want more info.

[mtbray]

I'm not sure if you mean Austin city or Austin area, which can have a somewhat significant impact.

That said, the general rule I'd say is stay on the west side of I35. It's generally cleaner, safer, and closer to the things you'd want to be close to.

[twcpfan1]

I'm not sure if you mean Austin city or Austin area, which can have a somewhat significant impact.

That said, the general rule I'd say is stay on the west side of I35. It's generally cleaner, safer, and closer to the things you'd want to be close to.

Austin area maybe within 15 minutes drive from downtown. When you say West of I-35, is there a preference between the NW or SW side?

[twcpfan1]

I lived in a house right across from UTSA my freshman year. It was basically a town house, kind of small, but big enough for 4 people to live in. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, nice sized backyard.

PM me if you want more info.

Yeah I saw places around the 1604 campus. It seems the side of I-10 opposite to the side where the campus is seems more pricey.

[mad_fan]

I grew up in San Antonio...
And got out as soon as I could...

[mad_fan]

I grew up in San Antonio...
And got out as soon as I could...

Sorry...the title does say NEED HELP...and that was not helpful...
So I shouldnt have posted anything...
If the San Antonio guys here could pick me a theme song it might be...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVFnhO3A98

[lonny23]

I grew up in San Antonio...
And got out as soon as I could...
That's the most help anybody gave in this thread!:D

[Rotor Dr]

When I worked for AirLife in San Antonio we lived in New Braunfels, actually old town Gruene. I would highly recommend that area. 45 minutes from downtown San Antonio and about 1 hour from Austin proper.

[CKE]

I live in a townhouse in the 78216 area and it is great

[stevefoxsc]

In austin, river side is pretty decent. I'd say stay away from cesar chavez semi ghetto gang war area. If your looking to spend some $$$$$, I'm not sure on the exact area, but there is an area in SA called "the hills" by locals which apparently is very nice.

[jtk1519]

Are you looking for a true condo or a typical apartment? If you're looking for a true condo, Austin has one of the best up-and-coming condo market in Texas, but you will pay... big time.

If you're looking for more of a traditional apartment complex, San Antonio has some awesome choices. I found the North central part of the city to be the nicest and the prices aren't too bad. The area bounded by 410 to the south and 1604 to the North, and 10 to the West and 281 to the East is very nice. A good friend of mine lives near the Silverhorn Golf Club near W. Bitters & Blanco. Lots of beautiful apartments and some gorgeous terrain.

[mtbray]

In austin, river side is pretty decent. I'd say stay away from cesar chavez semi ghetto gang war area. If your looking to spend some $$$$$, I'm not sure on the exact area, but there is an area in SA called "the hills" by locals which apparently is very nice.

Just my opinion, but I'd stay the hell out of riverside too if you can avoid it. The only exception to this is if your way the hell west of 35. I've made the mistake of living on Oltorf (the next street south of riverside) and in the former complex of VY himself and it was horrible. I spent a good amount of time on riverside too as my older brother lived there when he was at UT and it's just as bad.


As far as to your earlier question to north or south, I don't think that makes as big of a deal. Right now my brother lives in NW Austin (I wanna say near the 183 and Capital of Texas Hwy area) and I think it's pretty nice. He works downtown, so it's definitely a decent commute.

In Austin, you really can't get around the traffic unless you wanna pay to live near the good stuff. Austin drivers are horrible and the major roadways are planned terribly. Best thing to do if you're moving there is to accept it, buy a stress ball, and move on.

[wargograw]

i live in some of apartments east off of mopac in the spyglass area. i like it but dont like living in an apartment in general. but other than that it is sweet and i recommend it.

[okt0ber]

Anywhere in SA along the 10 or 281 corridors between 410 and 1604. On the north side, that is.

Austin is too expensive for what you get. But, being from The Woodlands, you might like Austin more.

[svhorns]

Austin area maybe within 15 minutes drive from downtown. When you say West of I-35, is there a preference between the NW or SW side?

No matter what stay on the west side of 35.... I live in NW Austin which is mostly middle class... Its about a 5 minute drive to Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville but still in the Austin City limit.... its on the Travis County and Williamson County border...the racial mix is evenly distributed its a very good part of town... South Austin is nice if you live closer to the outskirts of Austin... around Slaughter Ln., William Cannon, Onion Creek Pkwy.... West Austin is mostly upper class... lots of hills, limestone, Lake Travis, its a beautiful part of town... be careful not to go to North on I-35 which would be past hwy 183... you probably wouldn't fit in... just telling the truth... the Downtown Area has beautiful high rise condos just built and over looks downtown Austin and Town Lake... Very Pricey... but if I had the money I'd live there in a second but thats because I think Downtown Austin is the most beautiful in Texas out of the big cities also the cleanest... If you love the outdoors Austin is the place to live...

[jtk1519]

the Downtown Area has beautiful high rise condos just built and over looks downtown Austin and Town Lake... Very Pricey... but if I had the money I'd live there in a second but thats because I think Downtown Austin is the most beautiful in Texas out of the big cities also the cleanest... If you love the outdoors Austin is the place to live...

Agreed 100%. I was floored the last time I walked around downtown and saw all the construction, but the prices are crazy. The new Four Seasons Residence start at $400,000 for a one bedroom... and the building is over 80% sold and it hasn't even broken ground yet. The Presidio at Judges Hill is a bargain with 700 sf one bedrooms starting at around $270,000 and 1500 sf two bedrooms going for just over $500,000. The 42 story Spring Condos just broke ground for similar prices ($250k-$550k). Right now, homes in Central Austin are selling for $350-$450 a square foot.

[okt0ber]

Agreed 100%. I was floored the last time I walked around downtown and saw all the construction, but the prices are crazy. The new Four Seasons Residence start at $400,000 for a one bedroom... and the building is over 80% sold and it hasn't even broken ground yet. The Presidio at Judges Hill is a bargain with 700 sf one bedrooms starting at around $270,000 and 1500 sf two bedrooms going for just over $500,000. The 42 story Spring Condos just broke ground for similar prices ($250k-$550k). Right now, homes in Central Austin are selling for $350-$450 a square foot.

Just the same as California and the west really.

[RATTLERS316]

u could always look into moving here to Hays County(San Marcos,Buda , Kyle, Wimberly)...its booming here big time :)

[okt0ber]

u could always look into moving here to Hays County(San Marcos,Buda , Kyle, Wimberly)...its booming here big time :)

Not for condos, though, really. I think there might be more condos in New Braunfels. Probably some in SM, though.

[katyfan52]

Agreed 100%. I was floored the last time I walked around downtown and saw all the construction, but the prices are crazy. The new Four Seasons Residence start at $400,000 for a one bedroom... and the building is over 80% sold and it hasn't even broken ground yet. The Presidio at Judges Hill is a bargain with 700 sf one bedrooms starting at around $270,000 and 1500 sf two bedrooms going for just over $500,000. The 42 story Spring Condos just broke ground for similar prices ($250k-$550k). Right now, homes in Central Austin are selling for $350-$450 a square foot.
With hearing about all these high rises going up it makes me wonder if they have maintained the view corridors in Austin, or if they got thrown in the trash. If the latter is true, that is very sad. Does anyone know...:confused:

[okt0ber]

With hearing about all these high rises going up it makes me wonder if they have maintained the view corridors in Austin, or if they got thrown in the trash. If the latter is true, that is very sad. Does anyone know...:confused:

Yes, the view corridors are still enforced.

[jtk1519]

With hearing about all these high rises going up it makes me wonder if they have maintained the view corridors in Austin, or if they got thrown in the trash. If the latter is true, that is very sad. Does anyone know...:confused:

Austin is pretty strict and they've done a good job of making sure the growth is done right. The skyline in just 10 years is going to be stunning. The Frost Bank Tower that opened in '04 is the tallest building in Austin and it took 17 years for Austin to get a new tallest. It wont take long this time though. There are at least 3 buildings and several more proposed that will be much taller than Frost and a majority of their square footage is devoted to residential space.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/streetwise2/skyline5-10.jpg

[svhorns]

With hearing about all these high rises going up it makes me wonder if they have maintained the view corridors in Austin, or if they got thrown in the trash. If the latter is true, that is very sad. Does anyone know...:confused:

its only getting prettier

[twcpfan1]

u could always look into moving here to Hays County(San Marcos,Buda , Kyle, Wimberly)...its booming here big time :)

Thanks. What I'm looking for is something close to a major city.

[twcpfan1]

Checked Remax.com

You can get tiny one BR condos on the west side of 35 really close to the UT campus for about 80k. Emphasis on tiny.

[katyfan52]

Austin is pretty strict and they've done a good job of making sure the growth is done right. The skyline in just 10 years is going to be stunning. The Frost Bank Tower that opened in '04 is the tallest building in Austin and it took 17 years for Austin to get a new tallest. It wont take long this time though. There are at least 3 buildings and several more proposed that will be much taller than Frost and a majority of their square footage is devoted to residential space.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/streetwise2/skyline5-10.jpg

Thanks for the response. I worked for an engineering firm back in the day that did some of the view corridor assessments and environmental impact statements for proposed projects, and was impressed with all that went into preserving the beauty of and quality of life within this wonderful city. After posting I looked up the status of the view corridors and was glad to see that the latest report reflected what you later said. It would be a shame for overdevelopment to ruin the ambiance of Austin and the surrounding area. The last time I was there, there already seemed to be too much encroachment, but at least they are holding the line in this regard. :)

[mtbray]

I feel like a noob for asking, but what are these view corridors you guys are referring to?

[CKE]

I feel like a noob for asking, but what are these view corridors you guys are referring to?

WOW WHAT A NOOB :rolleyes:

[mtbray]

WOW WHAT A NOOB :rolleyes:

Don't make me send you an invitation to a certain party with yellow citrus fruits....

[svhorns]

Don't make me send you an invitation to a certain party with yellow citrus fruits....

pants party?

[jtk1519]

I feel like a noob for asking, but what are these view corridors you guys are referring to?

Austin has regulations in place designed to keep the state capitol within view of different locations (35 I think) around the Austin CBD...

http://austinchronicle.com/binary/e257/pols_naked-38037.jpeg

The view corridors insure that no matter the development or growth, the state capitol will always be able to be seen, unimpeded, from various places around the city.

[jtk1519]

Here are some more images showing the view corridors and how they work...

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6294/001kh9.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=001kh9.jpg)http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/760/002eo3.th.jpg (http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=002eo3.jpg)

Here's one of those view corridors, the Lamar Bridge...

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/1803/003bn1.th.jpg (http://img96.imageshack.us/my.php?image=003bn1.jpg)

You can see all the development on either side of the view corridor and unless the legislation is changed, that's how it will always remain.

I could be wrong, but I think there are similar restrictions in Washington DC.

[katyfan52]

I feel like a noob for asking, but what are these view corridors you guys are referring to?
I think JTK did a wonderful job of explaining. The only thing I have to add is the link to the most recent report....

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/downloads/CVC_Report_Final.pdf

Thanks JTK...:)

[jtk1519]

If I'm not mistaken, view corridors are one of the reasons why the West side upper deck at DKR is smaller and doesn't match the East side upper deck. I don't know if it's legislated the way some of the other view corridors are, but supposedly there has to be an unimpeded view of the capitol from Lady Bird's (RIP) office.

[svhorns]

If I'm not mistaken, view corridors are one of the reasons why the West side upper deck at DKR is smaller and doesn't match the East side upper deck. I don't know if it's legislated the way some of the other view corridors are, but supposedly there has to be an unimpeded view of the capitol from Lady Bird's (RIP) office.

not anymore... they were waiting for her to pass away before they started...

[jtk1519]

Here are some cool renderings that were posted on another board. Note the Frost Tower (the blue building that comes to a point at the top) which is currently the tallest in Austin and how many new buildings, almost all of which are mostly residential (condos), will be taller...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/880301031_02e837305f_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1120/881151234_8e6675f935_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/880302003_eb38edbb30_o.jpg

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=104192&page=45

[mtbray]

Pretty neat, and this is all to be done by 2010? It's my and many other's dream city, I just wish there was more employment opportunities there!

[okt0ber]

Pretty neat, and this is all to be done by 2010? It's my and many other's dream city, I just wish there was more employment opportunities there!

Certainly not my dream city. I don't really think it's all that it's cracked up to be. But, the grass is always greener.....

[twcpfan1]

Certainly not my dream city. I don't really think it's all that it's cracked up to be. But, the grass is always greener.....

Yeah, especially if you have to pay that much to live in a highrise. For that kind of money, might as well consider NYC, SF, Miami Beach. I imagine it would have more to offer if you wanted to live in the middle of downtown.

[jtk1519]

Yeah, especially if you have to pay that much to live in a highrise. For that kind of money, might as well consider NYC, SF, Miami Beach. I imagine it would have more to offer if you wanted to live in the middle of downtown.

Not a chance. $250k will get you a small 2 bedroom in one of the new buildings in Austin. There are parking spaces in Manhattan that are now selling for $250k+... a single parking space. The average Manhattan apartment now sells for over $1 million. Much the same, though not to the same extreme, in San Francisco, Miami Beach, Seattle, etc.

You can live the nice life of a yuppie in downtown Austin for under $200k. Less than $200k will get you laughed out of most condos in those other cities. In New York they call $200k the down payment. Besides, compared to the new condo prices in Dallas and Houston, the Austin market is a bit of a bargain and you get to live in a much better city.

[twcpfan1]

Not a chance. $250k will get you a small 2 bedroom in one of the new buildings in Austin. There are parking spaces in Manhattan that are now selling for $250k+... a single parking space. The average Manhattan apartment now sells for over $1 million. Much the same, though not to the same extreme, in San Francisco, Miami Beach, Seattle, etc.

You can live the nice life of a yuppie in downtown Austin for under $200k. Less than $200k will get you laughed out of most condos in those other cities. In New York they call $200k the down payment. Besides, compared to the new condo prices in Dallas and Houston, the Austin market is a bit of a bargain and you get to live in a much better city.

You can get a nice 2br in South Beach for about 200k. It obviously won't be a new structure. But if given a choice between Austin and South Beach for that kind of money, it's a no brainer.

http://www.remax-florida.com/remaxfl/index.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=&selected=qck&listing=true&ptd=2&mlsnumber=11108955&mlsid=880

San Antonio seems a lot more reasonable and has as much to offer as Austin, I think. Just different. It's not like both cities are that far apart geographically.

[jtk1519]

You can get a nice 2br in South Beach for about 200k. It obviously won't be a new structure. But if given a choice between Austin and South Beach for that kind of money, it's a no brainer.

http://www.remax-florida.com/remaxfl/index.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=&selected=qck&listing=true&ptd=2&mlsnumber=11108955&mlsid=880

San Antonio seems a lot more reasonable and has as much to offer as Austin, I think. Just different. It's not like both cities are that far apart geographically.

Read up on Florida condo fees, taxes, etc. There was a good piece on CNN or something a while back chronicling the outrageous cost of living in Florida, especially Miami. Some people paying two and three times their mortgages on condo fees, taxes, etc. It's horrible.

And that doesn't even mention the fact that Miami is a dump. It's nice enough along the coast, but once you go inland, it's like a third world country. Florida condos are starting to become death traps and they keep popping up like weeds.

[okt0ber]

Not a chance. $250k will get you a small 2 bedroom in one of the new buildings in Austin. There are parking spaces in Manhattan that are now selling for $250k+... a single parking space. The average Manhattan apartment now sells for over $1 million. Much the same, though not to the same extreme, in San Francisco, Miami Beach, Seattle, etc.

You can live the nice life of a yuppie in downtown Austin for under $200k. Less than $200k will get you laughed out of most condos in those other cities. In New York they call $200k the down payment. Besides, compared to the new condo prices in Dallas and Houston, the Austin market is a bit of a bargain and you get to live in a much better city.

Sorry, but I'd choose Houston and Dallas over Austin. They're much bigger cities and have more to offer. Live music and liberal snobs aren't a big draw for me.

[okt0ber]

Read up on Florida condo fees, taxes, etc. There was a good piece on CNN or something a while back chronicling the outrageous cost of living in Florida, especially Miami. Some people paying two and three times their mortgages on condo fees, taxes, etc. It's horrible.

And that doesn't even mention the fact that Miami is a dump. It's nice enough along the coast, but once you go inland, it's like a third world country. Florida condos are starting to become death traps and they keep popping up like weeds.

The only reason for the high condo fees is the cost of insurance in Florida. That's it, which comes from being in hurricane alley. Much like Houston is.

[twcpfan1]

Read up on Florida condo fees, taxes, etc. There was a good piece on CNN or something a while back chronicling the outrageous cost of living in Florida, especially Miami. Some people paying two and three times their mortgages on condo fees, taxes, etc. It's horrible.

And that doesn't even mention the fact that Miami is a dump. It's nice enough along the coast, but once you go inland, it's like a third world country. Florida condos are starting to become death traps and they keep popping up like weeds.

I'm sure there are parts of Austin that aren't very nice either. Yes Miami has a nice coastline and that's an awful big area. So why would anybody even need to set foot in those 'dumps' ? Houston has a lot of bad areas too. Perhaps more. But I intentionally stay away from them. No way I'd drop 250 large for a 2br in Austin. The city just does not warrant it. I'd buy a few minutes out and pay a lot less. Or invest in Houston. You can get a nice inner loop condo for about 100k. Probably around Greenway Plaza /River Oaks.

[jtk1519]

...liberal snobs aren't a big draw for me.

Then Dallas, being far and away the most liberal city in Texas, is about the last place you would want to live.

[okt0ber]

Then Dallas, being far and away the most liberal city in Texas, is about the last place you would want to live.

Dallas is NOT the most liberal city. hahahaha. You're thinking Williamson County Austin if you want to call them conservative.

You think all those rich people in Dallas are liberal? That's an oxymoron. Lest we forgot where Loyd Doggett is from.....

[svhorns]

Sorry, but I'd choose Houston and Dallas over Austin. They're much bigger cities and have more to offer. Live music and liberal snobs aren't a big draw for me.

I've lived in Austin for 18 years now... I wouldn't say the liberals are snobs... I would consider the frat boy... moccasin wearing... pink polo... daisy duke kahki shorts...hair longer than my sisters conservatives the snobs...

[RedRage00]

Then Dallas, being far and away the most liberal city in Texas, is about the last place you would want to live.

Dallas= snobbiest city in Tx.....not most liberal.

RR

[mtbray]

I've lived in Austin for 18 years now... I wouldn't say the liberals are snobs... I would consider the frat boy... moccasin wearing... pink polo... daisy duke kahki shorts...hair longer than my sisters conservatives the snobs...

I can't comment on this much, but I do agree that the Austin liberals are typically very open. I love having a hippy waitress, they're normally pretty friendly folks. Eating at Trudy's or Magnolia Cafe comes to mind when I think of a great hippy waitress.

[jtk1519]

Dallas is NOT the most liberal city. hahahaha. You're thinking Williamson County Austin if you want to call them conservative.

You think all those rich people in Dallas are liberal? That's an oxymoron. Lest we forgot where Loyd Doggett is from.....

Ummm, yes it is. At least according to their voting. The Bay Area Center for Voting Research made a list of the country's most liberal cities based on voting records during the 2004 elections. Dallas was ranked the 32nd most liberal and Austin was ranked 93rd out of 237 cities. Let's not forget that Dallas was a run-off election away from electing the first gay mayor in American history. And yes, "rich" people in the city are rarely conservative. Historically, rich conservatives head for the burbs while rich liberals stay closer to the city core. The Park Cities and Uptown are very liberal in the Laura Miller kind of way. South Dallas is liberal in an Ed Oakley different kind of way. That's not to say that Austin isn't still the centrist city it's always been, but in terms of pure liberalism, Austin was surpassed a while ago.

[svhorns]

Ummm, yes it is. At least according to their voting. The Bay Area Center for Voting Research made a list of the country's most liberal cities based on voting records during the 2004 elections. Dallas was ranked the 32nd most liberal and Austin was ranked 93rd out of 237 cities. Let's not forget that Dallas was a run-off election away from electing the first gay mayor in American history. And yes, "rich" people in the city are rarely conservative. Historically, rich conservatives head for the burbs while rich liberals stay closer to the city core. The Park Cities and Uptown are very liberal in the Laura Miller kind of way. South Dallas is liberal in an Ed Oakley different kind of way. That's not to say that Austin isn't still the centrist city it's always been, but in terms of pure liberalism, Austin was surpassed a while ago.

but... but... I thought stereotyping always worked... hippy here... show me the trees! to hug of course not to smoke