Decisions, decisions, decisions…

It is time for me to settle down somewhere, at least for a little bit.  The problem is, I’m not really sure where I should buy property that I’ll likely only be at 10-12 days a month.  I have previously owned property in the Circle C ranch area, but for personal reasons I have to avoid that part of Austin (in order to be fair and respectful.)

The big questions:
- What part of the country?
- House or condo?
- How much?
- How long?
- Timeline?

Requirements:
- Close to major airport (or at least like Austin where you can connect to one easily with lots of options.)
- At least a one car garage
- Big kitchen
- Overall at least 1500 square feet
- 3 bedrooms with at least 2 baths
- High ceilings in living room, preferably two story open floor plan
- Close to golf course(s)
- Private yard space…enough to use a 60 degree wedge for practice.
- I hate carpet but can deal with it…even manufactured wood is better

Texas: Right now I am leaning on going back to the Austin area as I’m a fan of Texas (and not paying state taxes.)   Lots of tech jobs in the area, the weather is great, and the property is reasonable.

Florida: I also wouldn’t mind finding a decent place close to the beach in Florida.  I suppose this leaves me to the Orlando area (I hate Miami.)

House or Condo? I’d like to have a house so that I can “modify it” to my liking but a condo is a consultant’s best friend when it comes to exterior upkeep.

How much? I’d like to stay under 275k — ideally between 225k and 250k.

Timeline: My lease in Denver is up at the end of September but I plan on staying out here through ski season (by way of a six month lease.)   That puts me at looking to buy right at the start of 2010.