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I've worked as an apartment locator in Austin for over a decade, so over the years I've picked up a few tips and tricks guaranteed to make sure you get not only the lowest price on a new place, but that you also don't get any nasty surprises when you move in. So, read on if you're ready to take the apartment hunting bull by the proverbial horns.

1. DON'T go looking for an apartment on a weekend but DO plan your day

This is the most common time for people to go and look at a new place, and you'll often end up waiting for hours at popular properties, which means you get to see less places. There are even unscrupulous leasing agents who will intentionally drag out your time at each property so you can't go and see their competitor. They'll say…

The Lake Travis Independent School Distinct (LTISD) oversees nine schools in the communities of southwestern Travis County. Its focus is on providing a "comprehensive curriculum emphasizing scholastic emphasis."

The LTISD member schools include the Bee Cave, Lake Pointe, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Serene Hills, and West Cypress Hills elementary Schools; Hudson Bend and Lake Travis Middle Schools, and Lake Travis High School.

Lake Travis Independent School District grabs top honors

According to the latest ratings by independent and state ratings agencies, the LTISD has more than met its mandate.

This is confirmed by Greatschools.org, a non-profit organization that rates schools and publishes parent, teacher, and student reviews. It has given a…

Austin is known and loved for its music, food trailers, and distinctly quirky Texan culture, captured in the city's "Keep Austin Weird" slogan. It's also a paradise for shoppers.

Funky boutiques, vinyl record outlets, and independent book stores rub shoulders with contemporary emporiums, farmers' markets, and big brand department stores.

Here we review some of the most appealing Austin inner city shopping districts.

South Congress Avenue

The strip along South Congress Avenue, colloquially known as SoCo, is known for its trendy, upscale boutiques and bohemian stores, along with fashionable cafés and food trailers selling everything from cupcakes and Louisiana fried chicken to burritos and barbecue ribs.

Popular SoCo shopping destinations…

Allandale is an attractive, upscale community located minutes away from the shopping, entertainment, and business hub of Downtown Austin. Tree-lined streets, large allotments, and lovely old homes define this family-friendly neighborhood.

In addition to Allandale proper, the community includes the more petite Austin North neighborhoods of Treadwell, Shoal village, Shoalmont, Highland Village, Highland Park, Green Acres, Crestmont, and Edgewood.

Ideal location

Allandale enjoys a convenient, central location, between Burnet Road, Mopac 1, Anderson Lane, and 45th Street. It's within an easy stroll of the Austin CBD and is near the city's historic parks, the Austin campus of the University of Texas, and key entertainment and retail zones.

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