Moving to Austin: test three everyday routes before choosing a neighborhood

Choose three destinations before booking showings

Pick the workplace or regular obligation you cannot move, the errand you repeat most often, and one activity that makes the week enjoyable. Use specific addresses. A category such as downtown is too broad to test a complete journey. If your schedule changes by day, record those differences so the visit does not accidentally test the easiest version of your routine.

Create a small route worksheet

For each candidate home, make columns for destination, departure time, mode, observed journey, and unresolved questions. Include parking and the final walk. Keep a separate row for the return trip. This is not a neighborhood scorecard; it is a record of how a particular address works for you under the conditions you actually tested.

Check transit with the current planner

CapMetro provides an official trip planner for Austin-area journeys. Enter the relevant origin, destination, and travel time rather than assuming a nearby stop guarantees useful service. Examine the walking portions and transfers as well. Confirm current service information close to the visit, especially if a particular connection is central to your decision.

Sources: CapMetro: official trip planner ↗

Use a public place to compare the visits

The City's park directory can help identify a concrete outdoor destination in each area. Choose an outing you would realistically repeat rather than adding a landmark only because it is famous. Walk the connection where appropriate and note surface, shade, and crossings. Your own observations are more useful than a broad promise of an active lifestyle.

Sources: City of Austin: park directory ↗

Revise the brief after the first day

At the end of the visit, identify which route surprised you and which home requirement became more important. You may discover that a useful entrance, flexible workspace, or easier errand route matters more than an extra room. Send David the worksheet and the changes to your priorities. The next shortlist should reflect what you learned rather than repeat the original assumptions.