10 great Austin starter homes

Houses and condos on the market right now, priced at or below the city’s current median price

By Cindy Widner@CurbedAustin Aug 14, 2017, 3:02pm CDT

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9010 Briardale Drive

By Cindy Widner@CurbedAustin Aug 14, 2017, 3:02pm CDT

What does a "starter home" look like in Austin? If you’re looking for a single-family home, it’s likely to mean an older or tract home fairly far north, south, or east of the central city—and the farther out you go, the bigger you get. First-time buyers are more likely to find something affordable in the form of a condo—though, again, most that are larger than a one-bedroom (for those who, say, are looking to start or already have a family) are relatively far from the city’s core.

But there are still deals to be had for young (or not-so-young) first-time buyers who want to own a piece of Austin—if you know where to look.

We set out to find great starter homes in the city, covering a wide swath of what's available in Austin right now. Every property featured here is asking $350,000—slightly lower than the $365,000 median asking price for the first part of 2017, according to an Austin Board of Realtors report.

9010 Briardale Drive

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Asking price: $345,00

Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,572 square feet

The lowdown: This 1970 rancher in Far North Austin has been remodeled recently, and it has a fireplace and a pool.

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9010 Briardale Dr, Austin, TX 78758

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8911 Laurel Grove Drive

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Asking price: $350,000

Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,655 square feet

The lowdown: This 1968 home in the Quail Creek area of North Austin has been remodeled

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8911 Laurel Grove Dr, Austin, TX 78758

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5403 Bennett Ave

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Asking price: $345,00

Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, 1,288 square feet

The lowdown: Location is a key factor for this North Loop’s home’s inclusion on this list. The frame-and-HardiePlank-style house looks to be in good shape, and it’s close to major thoroughfares, the ACC Highland Campus, and all the developing fun of Airport Boulevard.

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5403 Bennett Ave, Austin, TX 78751

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1408 Ulit Avenue

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Asking price: $355,000

Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,070 square feet

The lowdown: Built in 1948, this East Austin home is close to commuter rail, bus stops, and downtown. It has alley access and, according to the listing, room for a second structure on the lot.

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1408 Ulit Ave, Austin, TX 78702

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3207 Bengston Street

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Asking price: $350,000

Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,154 square feet

The lowdown: We recently profiled this Rosewood area home with a lot of light an open floor plan, calling it a “sweet East Austin cottage,” which it indeed is.

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3207 Bengston St, Austin, TX 78702

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Small frame white house — 3207 Bengston Street

6213 Harwin Lane

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Asking price: $350,000

Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,323 square feet

The lowdown: A one-story, brick Garrison Park house built in 1981 with a deck, backyard, and laminate and hard-tile floors

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6213 Harwin Ln, Austin, TX 78745

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9028 Frock Court

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Asking price: $350,000

Size: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,684 square feet

The lowdown: A two-story home close to Southpark Meadows and other conveniences in Far South Austin, this house has lots of room and possible owner financing.