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It’s perfect…The
best
classified apartment in all of Austin, Texas as far as you’re concerned. New
appliances, a spacious floor plan and a lovely south-facing balcony.
You’re ready to sign the lease, eager in fact. Before you do,
take a step back and survey beyond the walls of what could be your new
home. Ask yourself some questions. Is this Austin neighborhood a safe
one? Are there stores nearby? Is the area accessible by transit?
The Perfect Austin Neighborhood
– Or Is It?
Before you say, “I’ll take it,” think long
and hard about whether this is the right neighborhood in Austin, Texas
for you.
Makes note of the
things you like about the complex then go outside and tour the
neighborhood on foot. Look over other apartments or houses in the area.
Are they well maintained? Does there seem to be the sense of community
you are looking for? Visit the local businesses in this Austin area. Is
there a convenience store nearby, a grocery store or a pharmacy? Where
will you go when you need that one last egg?
Consider some other factors as well:
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Is there litter on
the streets or suspicious characters lurking around? Listen for
clues, things that are not always visible. Do you hear tires
screeching or car alarms blaring
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Some Austin
neighborhoods have a dual personality – quiet in the daytime but
noisy and unsafe at night. Visit your potential neighborhood in the
evening to see if yours is one of these.
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Don’t assume
because your building is next to a church that it will be quiet
during the week – many churches in Austin, Texas are very active 7
days a week.
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Ask and ye shall
find. Ask other Austin apartment dwellers, shop keepers and people
on the street what kind of neighborhood this is? Chances are you’ll
get the real scoop.
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Check crime
statistics in this Austin neighborhood you’re thinking of moving to.
Much of this data is available online or through the local police
department. Be very careful of who and where you get your safety
information from, many people have a distorted sense of crime levels
in their community.
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Visit the local
school (if you have children.) Meet with the principal and ask about
the school’s academic performance, after school programs and extra
curricular activities. If your children have any special needs, make
sure this Austin school can accommodate them. Estimate how long it
will take to drive or walk to school. Is the distance manageable?
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What amenities are
nearby? Is there a community center, a recreation facility or a
daycare? How far is the nearest medical clinic or hospital?
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If you have special
interests or needs in your life, make sure this neighborhood can
accommodate them.
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Is the
neighborhood and the building kid friendly (if you have kids)? Some
complexes cater to working singles and may not be an ideal
environment for kids.
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Is the
particular Austin neighborhood you’re interested in littered with
for sale and for rent signs? If so, consider why.
While it is
important your Austin apartment or town home is aesthetically pleasing,
it is also vital it be one you can feel safe and happy in. If your
instincts tell you the neighborhood is questionable, listen. Remember,
if one neighborhood is not to your liking, Austin offers a large number
of other diverse and affordable neighborhoods. Be sure to take your time
and investigate. If this turns out to be a great neighborhood for you –
you will have a head start on exploring it.
If you’re
searching for Austin apartments, take the time to browse our
online classifieds.
We work with realtors to provide only the
best listings and you can reply to them right away directly from your
computer.
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