Purchasing a house for the very first time may be a personal, emotional experience. Apart from being the most major financial decision most folks will ever make, it anchors a person’s life in such a way that renting doesn’t. And while tackling lawn maintenance or plumbing issues may be daunting, there’s an amazing feeling that stems from knowing that you own a piece of Austin, TX.
In January of 2021, the average price within the Austin city limits reached $475,000, up from $395,000 in January of 2020. Those neighborhoods for first-time buyers represent neighborhoods where it’s still possible to get in around that $400,000 to $500,000 mark, a figure we agree is not “affordable” for all people, but it is the reality of the Austin, Texas market at the moment.
With that being said, here are three neighborhoods worth checking out that are affordable, according to Austin Texas real estate agents, see more to find the best realtor:
St. Elmo — South Austin
St. Elmo technically is a road running between South Congress Avenue and South First Street; however, it has become a catch-all word for this community south of 71/Ben White Blvd and west of I-35. Houses in this neighborhood usually sell for between $400,000 to $500,000, oftentimes much less than their neighbors situated just a couple of blocks north. Usually, first-time buyers can find success south of Ben White, according to Austin Texas real estate agents.
Although surrounded by industrial parks and major thoroughfares, St. Elmo provides popular amenities such as breweries, accessibility to South Congress, and the promise of the St. Elmo Public Market, which is quickly turning into one of Austin’s hottest neighborhoods.
Quail Creek/Georgian Acres/Wooten — North Austin
Combined, those three communities are located between I-35 to the east, Kramer Lane to the north, Anderson Lane to the south, with Rundberg and 183 cutting through at a variety of intervals.
Although there are new buildings in all three communities — tempting for new house owners searching for fewer projects — Austin Texas real estate agents suggest keeping a close eye out for the ‘50s and ’60s single-family houses that are original to this area, which may be more frequently found from $400,000 to $500,000.
Let Austin Texas real estate agents find you a home in Milwood/Rattan Creek
Running alongside the southwest side of Parmer Lane, Milwood and Rattan Creek are near the attractions of the Domain yet provide family-friendly amenities. Rattan Creek is a favorite North Austin community for young families, as it has great schools, it’s near major employers, it’s a couple of miles from the Domain, and the whole neighborhood is anchored by Rattan Creek Park, offering tennis, swimming, and every imaginable outdoor activity, according to Austin Texas real estate agents. It is ideal for home buyers wanting an urban feel with a focus on outdoor living.
Prices in these communities presently run from $300,000s – $500,000, yet with Apple’s $1B campus nearby and North Austin’s fast growth, do not expect them to remain below half a million for that much longer, agents warn. With the new soccer stadium, expansion of the Domain, and an increasing number of California tech companies heading to Austin, those prices will not last for long.
If you’re looking for a house in Austin, Tx, let a professional real estate agent help you strike the best deal now that the iron is hot!