Grand Oaks – Striking S Austin Neighborhood
To put it simply, the Grand Oaks subdivision in S Austin is in a grand location. Nestled gracefully between green, treed areas on its north and south sides, the Grand Oaks community is located in MLS area 10S (zip 78745), just off Manchaca Road about halfway between William Cannon and W. Slaughter. Access to I-35 and Mopac and all points Austin is pretty simple from Grand Oaks, as is access to area shopping, parks, eating places, entertainment and more.
The newish Southpark Meadows shopping center at I-35 and W. Slaughter is the major draw in the area. Other nearby shopping centers include Tanglewood Village, Shady Hollow Village, and Escarpment Village, all on W. Slaughter. Grand Oaks is near three large parks: Mary Moore Searight Metro Park and Metro Park (in Circle C) on W. Slaughter Lane, and the Dick Nichols Park on Beckett Road. Children attend AISD’s Cunningham Elementary, Covington Middle School and Crockett High School.
The Grand Oaks neighborhood is a picturesque and relatively new development by D.R. Horton. Its fully modern 2-story-only homes, built from 2003 to 2006, range in size from around 1400 SF to over 2400 SF. What makes Grand Oaks different from most subdivisions is the classic or “throw-back” style (exterior appearance of a day gone by) of its homes. There are homes with front porches where neighbors can gather to visit. Some homes feature front columns, front or rear second-story decks, and covered rear patios. A number of homes have brick and stone masonry decorating their front sides. The non-masonry sides are covered with Hardiplank siding that is designed to last “forever.” All of the homes are painted in one of several muted, natural colors that give the community a striking, yet diverse appearance. Membership in the Grand Oaks HOA is mandatory, as are the $75/quarter fees.
Residents of Grand Oaks enjoy a number of neighborhood amenities. These include a trail for jogging and biking, and a neighborhood park with pond, basketball court, covered picnic area, and playscape for children. Two divided thoroughfares bisect the community and add to its visual appeal. The streets are designed to slow the traffic and discourage drivers who might want to take a shortcut through the neighborhood.
At the end of July 2008, Grand Oaks owners had 10 homes for sale at prices ranging from $189K to $245K. Five homes were under contract. The average sales price of the 12 homes sold since January 1 ($208K) is essentially the same as the average in 2007, when 32 homes sold. As you might expect in the current real estate market, sales in Grand Oaks are slower than in 2007, and owners are having to adjust their sales prices to attract buyers.
I would love to assist you in your purchase of a home in Grand Oaks or in another Austin area neighborhood (new or resale). Please give me a call at 512.913.1557. 
Related Links:
Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in the State of Texas
4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029, Austin, TX 78759 * (512) 342-8744