AUSTIN FIELD GUIDE for Newcomers

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Juliana Shonda Gilmore
5 years ago
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1 AUSTIN FIELD GUIDE for Newcomers

HELLO! We re excited you ve decided to make Austin your new home! We ve put together this guide for our newcomer friends to help you figure out where you fit in to the smallest big city in Texas.

2 HELLO! We re excited you ve decided to make Austin your new home! We ve put together this guide for our newcomer friends to help you figure out where you fit in to the smallest big city in Texas. We ve included essentials to help you get the lay of the land in addition to some fun tidbits that make Austin the spirited community it is. In a city where there are almost as many music festivals as margaritas, get ready for sunshine and friendly folks. Trade in your rain boots for flip-flops and your suit and tie for an ironic tee shirt and jeans. No longer anyone s best kept secret, see for yourself why Austin is the coolest city you ve heard about a million times. So settle in, find yourself a place to call home and think about investing in one of those reflective sunshades for your window shield. Welcome to Austin. We are glad you re here. Love, Your SEED

3 VITAL STATS Here s some basic info you should know about your new hometown. First, Austin s the capital of Texas y all. Next we aren t that big. Population of Austin: Just under 1 Million Population of Austin Metro Area: Just over 2 Million Population of LA s Metro Area: More than 18 Million. Population of Chicago Metro Area: 9.5 Million Population of Atlanta Metro Area: 5.7 Million Also, as residents of Austin, we are known as Austinites. LAY OF THE LAND There are two north-south highways MoPac & I-35 There are two east-west highways Hwy 71 (also called Ben White) & 183 (also called Research Blvd) There is one river (buuuuut we call it a lake )that divides North Austin from South Austin Downtown Austin sits on the north bank of this river (the one we call a lake)

4 UNIQUELY AUSTIN You may know that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, but did you know that Janis Joplin got her start at Threadgill s? Did you know the Keep Austin Weird slogan was adopted to promote small businesses? Here s a look at what else makes Austin the vibrant, exciting city it is: Waterloo: The original name given to Austin before it was renamed for Stephen F. Austin in 1839 (that s why there are so many things named Waterloo ). Bats: Austin has largest urban bat population in North America. Breakfast tacos: Everyone eats them; everyone loves them. Food trucks: A few taco carts in the 1990s launched the phenomenon that now includes over 2,000 food trucks operating in Austin. Sun: Austin typically gets 300 days of sunshine a year. Barton Springs: A 3-acre natural spring fed pool in the heart of the city with $3 admission and 70 degree water year round. Whole Foods: It all started here. Alamo Drafthouse: And this did, too.

5 PRONUNCIATION GUIDE One of the quickest ways to show someone you re new to the city is to flub the pronunciation of an Austin street. While we aren t responsible for the Austin vernacular, here are the most common mispronunciations and how to say them around here: Guadalupe: Gwad-a-LOOP Manor: MAY-nor Manchaca: MAN-chack Burnet: BURN-it Koenig: KAY-nig Mueller: Miller (but so many people call it MEW-ler that either one is acceptable) Del Valle: Dell Valley (the city where Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is located). OTHER CONFUSING MATTERS Lady Bird Lake: also known as Town Lake to longtime residents, which is actually a reservoir on the Colorado River. MoPac: Road signs call it Loop 1 (although, to confuse matters, it isn t an actual loop); a freeway named after the Missouri Pacific Railroad that provides access to the west side of Austin.

6 RELOCATION The All Important Questions What type of home fits your lifestyle? In Austin you ll find a range of housing options from singlefamily homes in historic neighborhoods to new construction in the hill country to modern high rise condos downtown. How much space do you need? The closer you are to heart of downtown Austin, the higher the price per square foot for standard dwellings. If living in Central Austin is a must, the amount of space available is directly related to budget. Where do you need to be first thing in the morning, and how do you want to get there? If you haven t experienced I-35 or other gridlock around Austin, consider yourself lucky. If you have, there s good news: Austin is expanding its public transportation options, which includes Capital Metro (bus), Commuter Rail and RideShare programs. Are schools a factor in your decision-making process? In this city you find nationally-ranked public schools, charter schools, private institutions, home school co-ops and Montessori schools. In addition, Austin is an excellent place for higher education as home to the University of Texas and St. Edwards University.

WHERE TO LOOK Let s break it down: central, north, south, east, and west. Central Austin offers Austin s oldest neighborhoods (some historic) along with downtown high-rises.

7 WHERE TO LOOK Let s break it down: central, north, south, east, and west. Central Austin offers Austin s oldest neighborhoods (some historic) along with downtown high-rises. Home to the University of Texas, the state capital, and the Shoal Creek hike and bike trail. North Austin is home to many of Austin s high tech employers as well as new mixed use shopping and entertainment destinations like the Domain. South Austin and the iconic South Congress district is known for its easy-breezy ebb and flow, live music, lively restaurants and bars. East Austin has been experiencing a hip and cool gentrification for the past 20 years and is home to a vibrant art scene along with an array of eclectic and cool bars and restaurants. West Austin, hills and lots of trees along with Lake Austin and some of the city s most impressive views and most expensive real estate. Our beautiful suburbs offer exemplary schools, hills, lakes, green spaces, local businesses, and affordable housing options. SEED offers a multi-faceted approach to property searches that goes beyond the MLS database. Our agents have access to pocket listings, private Facebook groups, Coming Soon options and For Sale by Owner to keep you ahead of the game in Austin s tough sellers market.

8 BUDGET Examples of what your price range will buy all around Austin.

$200,000 - $300,000 $300,000 - $500,000 South Austin

Updated; excellent schools 20 minutes to downtown 2

Construction Condo Eclectic neighborhood 10 minutes

1990s construction 20 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2

Construction Townhome Excellent schools 20 minutes

5 baths, 1568 sq ft North Suburb - Pflugerville

baths, 2217 sq ft West Austin Top rated AISD schools

9 $200,000 - $300,000 $300,000 - $500,000 South Austin 1980s construction, updated 15 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 1.5 baths, 1324 sq ft West Austin Lock and Go Condo Updated; excellent schools 20 minutes to downtown 2 beds, 2 baths, 1050 sq ft East Austin New Construction Condo Eclectic neighborhood 10 minutes to downtown 2 beds, 2 baths, 850 sq ft South Austin 1990s construction 20 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2 baths, 1560 sq ft North Suburb - Round Rock New Construction Townhome Excellent schools 20 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 1568 sq ft North Suburb - Pflugerville Excellent schools 35 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2 baths, 2217 sq ft West Austin Top rated AISD schools 25 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2 baths, 2195 sq ft South Suburb Recent Construction Excellent schools 35 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 4 baths, 3818 sq ft

$500,000 - $750,000 $750,000 - $1 Million West

downtown 4 beds, 2 baths, 1895 sq ft Central Austin

beds, 2 baths, 1495 sq ft Central Austin Modern New

2 acre lot, walk to coffee shop 20 minutes to

Schools, hilly, lots of trees 25 minutes to

Downtown, excellent schools 10 minutes to downtown

Construction Condo Quiet neighborhood close-in 10

East Austin Gentrifying area of cool houses, 5

10 $500,000 - $750,000 $750,000 - $1 Million West Austin 1960s construction, A+ schools 20 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2 baths, 1895 sq ft Central Austin Historic neighborhood 20 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2 baths, 1495 sq ft Central Austin Modern New Construction.2 acre lot, walk to coffee shop 20 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 3 baths, 2577 sq ft West Austin A+ Schools, hilly, lots of trees 25 minutes to downtown 5 beds, 3 baths, 3207 sq ft Central Austin Downtown, excellent schools 10 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2 baths, 1561 sq ft South Austin New Construction Condo Quiet neighborhood close-in 10 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 3 baths, 1738 sq ft East Austin Gentrifying area of cool houses, 5 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2 baths, 2142 sq ft South Austin Walk to South Congress 5 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 4 baths, 2184 sq ft

pool 40 minutes to downtown 5 beds, 5 baths, 4423 sq

schools 15 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 3 baths, 3187

neighborhood, eclectic 5 minutes to downtown 3 beds,

Architecture Hill Country Views, A+ schools 30

Central Austin 1910 Walkable with guest apartment 10

Downtown Austin Luxury Condominium Panoramic views 24

Austin Recent construction, pool 30 minutes to

11 $1 Million - $1.5 Million $2 Million + West Suburbs Acre lot with pool 40 minutes to downtown 5 beds, 5 baths, 4423 sq ft West Austin Renovated City views, excellent schools 15 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 3 baths, 3187 sq ft East Austin Modern New Construction Historic neighborhood, eclectic 5 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 3 baths, 2300 sq ft West Austin Contemporary Architecture Hill Country Views, A+ schools 30 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 5 baths, 4175 sq ft Central Austin 1910 Walkable with guest apartment 10 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 3 baths, 2488 sq ft Downtown Austin Luxury Condominium Panoramic views 24 hour concierge 2 beds, 2 baths, 1918 sq ft West Austin Recent construction, pool 30 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2 baths, 4000 sq ft North Suburb - Round Rock Contemporary on 4.5 Acres 35 minutes to downtown 5 beds, 4 baths, 3600 sq ft

HOW TO BUY A HOME IN TEXAS AUSTIN In Austin, we benefit from a healthy real estate market, which also means, a highly competitive market for most buyers in the more sought after neighborhoods.

12 HOW TO BUY A HOME IN TEXAS AUSTIN In Austin, we benefit from a healthy real estate market, which also means, a highly competitive market for most buyers in the more sought after neighborhoods. At SEED, we help our buyers succeed by educating them and preparing them for the home buying process. Here is a very quick version of how it all unfolds. 1. Figure out what you need 2. Choose a local know-it-all Realtor 3. Set Your Budget 4. Apply for Financing 5. Pick Your Area 6. Tour Properties 7. Make an Offer 8. Execute a Contract 9. Inspect the Home 10. Close the Deal

13 BE A POWER BUYER The property listed for sale doesn t always go to the highest bidder. In a competitive market like Austin s, SEED agents use the following strategies to market you as the best potential buyer: 1 Full pre-approval Lending Packages (versus traditional Pre-Qualified letters) to help you compete with cash buyers (Available through our preferred lenders) 2 Crafting strong purchase offers (including option periods and contingency clauses) 3 Home inspection and repair negotiation

14 RENTING Leasing is sometimes a great option when you first arrive to town. Here s look at rental prices and what you can expect.

15 Condos and Apartments Downtown High Rise Apartment Views, Walk to Everything 2 bed, 2 bath, 1345 sq ft $3600/month East Austin Townhome 5 min to downtown 1 beds, 1 bath, 700 sq ft $1400/month Central Austin New Construction, Walkable 15 minutes to downtown 2 beds, 2 baths, 1120 sq ft $2000/month West Austin Three-Story Condo-Furnished 15 minutes to downtown 2 beds, 3 baths, 2390 sq ft $4250/month South Austin New Construction Condo 10 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 3 baths, 2150 sq ft $3700/month East Austin Modern Apartment 10 minutes to downtown 2 beds, 2 baths, 1146 sq ft $1990/month Central Austin Residential Apartment-Furnished 10 minutes to downtown 1 beds, 1 baths, 695 sq ft $1700/month North Austin Domain Apartment 25 minutes to downtown 1 beds, 1 baths, 1091 sq ft $1640/month

Single Family Houses East Austin Vintage Cottage 10 min to

Renovated Bungalow 10 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2.

minutes to downtown 3 beds, 4 baths, 2556 sq ft $3500/month

beds, 2 baths, 1373 sq ft $2600/month Central Austin Modern

sq ft $6500/month South Suburbs 30 minutes to downtown 3 bed,

16 Single Family Houses East Austin Vintage Cottage 10 min to downtown 2 beds, 1 bath, 800 sq ft $1450/month Central Austin Renovated Bungalow 10 minutes to downtown 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2300 sq ft $4000/month North Central 15 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2000 sq ft $2200/month West Austin, A+ Schools 25 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 4 baths, 2556 sq ft $3500/month East Austin Renovated Ranchette 15 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2 baths, 1373 sq ft $2600/month Central Austin Modern Home - Furnished 10 minutes to downtown 3 beds, 3 baths, 2095 sq ft $6500/month South Suburbs 30 minutes to downtown 3 bed, 3 bath, 1843 sq ft $1850/month South Austin Renovated 1920s Home 15minutes to downtown 3 beds, 2 baths, 1479 sq ft $3000/month

NEWCOMER CHECKLIST Visit the Texas State Capital Bat Watching from Congress Avenue Bridge Jogging Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail Barton Springs & Zilker Park Drinks at the Driskoll Hotel Hike to top of

17 NEWCOMER CHECKLIST Visit the Texas State Capital Bat Watching from Congress Avenue Bridge Jogging Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail Barton Springs & Zilker Park Drinks at the Driskoll Hotel Hike to top of Mount Bonnell Shop South Congress Eat Bar-b-Q from Franklins or The Saltlick (or both) Country Dancing at The Broken Spoke Bowling and Enchiladas at Dart Bowl University of Texas Football Chicken S**t Bingo at Little Ginny s Longhorn Saloon Margaritas on the patio at Matt s El Rancho Sushi from Uchiko The Blanton Museum

ABOUT US Modern. Vibrant. Personalized. SEED Property Group promises to bring you authentic Austin charm along with an unparalleled home-buying experience from beginning to end.

18 ABOUT US Modern. Vibrant. Personalized. SEED Property Group promises to bring you authentic Austin charm along with an unparalleled home-buying experience from beginning to end. We are Your are Local Experts With over 50 years combined experience in the Austin real estate market, SEED offers a full-time staff where each member is a licensed professional and available to meet your every need. The SEED Experience What sets us apart is the commitment to establishing a lifetime client. Our agents provide customizable searches, personalized tours and viewing appointments that work with your schedule. We stay in touch throughout the buying process to notify you of key dates (inspections, when to file for a homestead exemption, etc.) as they approach. At SEED our work does not end when the ink has dried; we remain at your service. SEED Relocation Team: Chelsea Black, Kristyn Lynch, Kam McCoy, Tammy Young, Karol Maki, Leslie Breeland, Annette Patterson

19 LET S GO FIND YOU A HOME! hello@seedpropertygroup.com seedpropertygroup.com

THE ENERGY OF AUSTIN.

A 25 ACRE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT THE ENERGY OF AUSTIN. THE LIFE ON THE LAKE. OPEN 2014 The Arboretum The Domain 2nd Street District Southpark Meadows Cypress South Shore Pointe Site The Waterfront Amli