Let's follow the story of a family that decided to move to Austin. They had secured a new job, but the bigger concern was where to send their child to school. They realized too late that finding a home first and then looking for schools could limit their options.

A frequently mentioned school in Austin is St Stephen's Episcopal School. The tuition for middle school day students is $37,800, while upper school day students pay $39,700, and the boarding program costs $74,400. The average SAT score is 1380, and the ACT score is 32, which is relatively high among private schools in the Austin area. However, the school's admission acceptance rate is 54 percent, which is lower than the national average. Therefore, it is important to start preparing for admission early. The school has built a reputation for academic achievement in the Austin area over many years, and inquiries have increased as more families relocate to Austin in recent years.

This family initially looked for apartments in the downtown area. However, upon confirming that St Stephen's is located in West Austin, they changed their direction towards that area. While reducing commute time was one factor, they also considered that carpooling and participating in parent meetings would be easier if they lived closer to the school. They realized that by deciding on a school first and then narrowing down the neighborhood, the chances of having to move again later would decrease.

Looking at housing costs, according to RentCafe data, the average rent in Austin as of August 2026 is $1,638. This is a 2.09 percent decrease from a year ago, which can be seen as a trend resulting from increased new supply in recent years. However, this is the overall average for the city of Austin, and the area around West Austin where St Stephen's is located often has higher prices, so it is advisable to check individual listings for accuracy. During times like these, when rent has decreased compared to a year ago, it may be a good strategy to rent while adapting to the school and monitoring market trends rather than rushing to buy a home.

Texas has a higher property tax rate compared to other states, so it is helpful to factor in the annual taxes along with tuition when planning for a stable home purchase. While school districts can be referenced through GreatSchools or Niche ratings, boundaries change frequently, so it is advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before purchasing. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before entering into any contracts.

Following this family's story to the end, the key takeaway was the order of operations. From the moment they secured a new job, they proceeded with the school admission process and narrowed down housing options within a commutable area, which helped reduce trial and error. In a city like Austin, where many families are relocating, knowing this order in advance can save several months of time. Austin has seen an increase in new housing supply in recent years, leading to a decrease in rent. However, areas like West Austin, where high-achieving schools are concentrated, tend to see less of a decline in property values, so it is wise to consider regional differences. If aiming for a school with a low acceptance rate like St Stephen's, starting the application paperwork and interview preparation ahead of the moving plans can be a way to settle in more comfortably. As Austin continues to attract families moving for tech jobs, discussions about schools and housing are likely to persist. In situations like this family's, where work, school, and housing need to be coordinated simultaneously, it may be more effective to prioritize and tackle each aspect one at a time rather than rushing.