[Diva]

I'm going to address Your post point by point as best I can....I don't know everything there is to know about Austin, but will share what I DO know.....as I'm sure others will, too!

Originally Posted by Ms Cyn

Alright good people of Austin...


I have been trying to get a handle on how Austin is divided up... lol.. the flow of the city, so to speak...

If someone or two or how over many would care to add their thoughts... It would be most welcome..


Questions...

I keep running into these *Gated* communities that look great and are not expensive for what they offer... They do not look cheap at all... What exactly is meant by gated? Are these suburb properties? Sort of Stepford communities? The price has me confused.. In omaha, the further OUT you go, the more expensive housing.. (Except in the heart of down town.. Have to LOVE urban renueal.. eye rolle...) Apts that I am looking at for 800.00 would be at least 1200.00 up here, if I have the lay of the city right..

There are 'gated communities' which can be homes (sort of the golf course areas) as well as condos/apts. The homes won't be cheap, for sure. Apts can be reasonable. Depends on the area. Housing here....well....it's a buyer's/renter's market right now. You're going to get more for Your money and MAY even be able to negotiate a less expensive rent.

Is Round Rock a suburb of Austin or a separate city?

Round Rock is a separate city, but also considered a suburb of Austin. ShariBerry will be Your expert here, as this is where she lives.

What is a green belt?

A green belt is an undeveloped portion of land which makes for more green space....to be backed up against one of those is a plus!

Is there a part of town that is a good eclectic mix, queer friendly, good bookstores or a library? Where one could find a mid priced house/apt(has to have out door space if apt.. 5 cat's don't cha know..) with a little personality.. (I will take older and a lil run down over a box with no soul) Access to water would be very nice as I am a shrinking flower about extreem heat... (What can I say.. I'm a Northern California girl who has never gotten used to actually having seasons..)

I have found that the closer to the town center, the more eclectic the mix/queer friendly, etc. However....once again, there are "pockets" all over which may provide same. Travis Heights is one of those neighborhoods....about 10 minutes to downtown, close to Lady Bird Lake (aka Colorado River) and lies between I-35 & Congress.....neat area, but can also be rather pricey.

What part of town should I be looking at??????? lol..

Depends on what You want! I think finding a savvy realtor would be the key.

Here we have mid town.. Damn Urban Renual is pushing working class poor out, but there are still pockets where you can actually afford to live and have a claw tube bathtub and hard wood floors...

Help!!!!

Don't know if this was helpful to You or not.....I'm thinking here, the further OUT You go, the cheaper it's going to be.