I also wanted to add that Clarksville is a really great area as well, or anything around west 6th (walking to a few art galleries). It is a bit pricier, but all depends on what you are looking to spend.
Ashley
Agent

Lisa, you already have a lot of answers, and a little competitive rivalry as well(sorry!). Basically, everyone has made good points. To give you a real answer, I would need to know a few details such as ..1) if you're going to rent vs.buy, and 2) at what monthly rent or purchase price, as well as 3) which school you'll be attending and 4) how close you want or need to be to campus to steer you in the right direction. There are some great properties all aound Austin and good public transportation (yet another ??-do you need room for a car?). Since I am a musician and an artist (as are most of my friends, including my brother who's a well know drummer here in Austin), I do have my finger on the pulse of the "hip" areas in & around town. Feel free to click on my name to the right, check out my credentials and client testimonials, and call me if you'd like some good, free professional representation. Sincerely, Joe Jarusinsky, Keller Williams Realty Realtor/Master Instructor, drummer, guitartist, bassist, and oil painter!!! ;) p.s. When you get here, I can introduce you to some art/music people/organizations who you might want to connect and network with! Joe

Lisa,

Hello. As a young hip artsy type, I would recommend several areas. First downtown if you want to be in with the Austin nightlife. SoCo- South Congress if you want to be in with the artsy "keep austin weird" crowd. I can definitely provide some really cool insight on the Austin area, as I have been here for over 15 years. Let me know a lil more about your style and taste, I'm sure I find you the perfect place!

Regards,

Gavin
BuyersHouseRealty
"The Real Deal" http://www.Buy75.com

Like most the answers answers from other agents, it definitely depends on where you will be attending school, how close you want to be to all of this, because even if you didn't live near, there are tons of neighborhoods in Austin just minutes from the things you love. I recommend Downtown, but if you are not looking to spend what it costs to walk everywhere and live in that area, then the "78704" which is only minutes from downtown and known to be more funky and hip, as well as the East Side (East of 35, but parallel to downtown), because that is developing and turning into the new Art District.
Wherever you end up living in Austin, you will discover more things you didn't even realize you liked, as well as transition into where you would like to be within time. Best of luck to you, from a fellow Austinite (who has lived in many Austin hoods).
Ashley
Prudential Texas Realty
512.665.8787

Guy,
Sorry for the mistake.... I was answering her question from my blackberry....Im not sure why it copied half of guys answer but my phone was having problems.

Lisa,
As far as my professionalism I work for the number 1 sales team in Austin Texas. Rated by the Austin Business Joural for 06,07,08. Our team sold over 500 homes last year. Please let me know if you have any questions.
thanks

I sure hope I'll get credit from Justin for the part of my answer he clearly copied from my response and then pasted in his response as if it were his own. Very tacky and doesn't bode well for his professionalism. I doubt it lends a lot of credibility to his business either.

Guy's Answer:

It really depends a lot on what you're comfortable paying (rent or purchase price) and what type of property you're most interested in (condo vs. single family home).

Justin's Answer:

It really depends a lot on what you're comfortable paying (rent or purchase price) and what type of property you're most interested in (condo vs. single family home).

It really depends a lot on what you're comfortable paying (rent or purchase price) and what type of property you're most interested in (condo vs. single family home). I know some very affordable condo's close to the Austin music scene and not to far from St Ed's and UT. Give me a call I would love to get more info from you then I can better answer your questions.

Thanks
Justin Gonzalez
512-663-3964
jgonzalez@hotmail.com

SoCo (SOuth COngress) is a unique and trendy area and is very convenient to St. Edwards University, but can still be quite pricey both for rents and purchase prices. The West Campus area has always been a student's delight because it's virtually on-campus (U.T.), but it too may be considered pricey for most.

It really depends a lot on what you're comfortable paying (rent or purchase price) and what type of property you're most interested in (condo vs. single family home).

I'm a licensed broker with almost 12 years in business and I've worked all areas of Austin, so please feel free to forward any questions/concerns you may have regarding your transfer.

Guy E. Gimenez
Broker / Investor
The PowerHouse Group
512-731-5613
guy@phgbrokers.com

Will you be attending UT, ACC, St Ed's or another local institution? The UT area is a great area for students of all kinds. There is something there for everyone. Lots of art, tons of music. The Downtown area is great for that lifestyle as well. Will you be buying a home or leasing? If you call me directly or emai I can tell you all you want to know.

Brandon
512-791-5209
brandon@goldwasserrealestate.com