Ed Neuhaus 
Under $300K in Austin ISD? These Two School Zones Make It Possible.
Langford Elementary scored a 73 out of 100 on the 2025 TEA accountability rating, earning a C. Widen Elementary scored a 57 and received an F. Both are Austin ISD elementary schools in far south and southeast Austin, and both sit in neighborhoods where the median home price is under $300,000. That makes these two zones some of the most affordable entry points into the Austin city limits and the Austin ISD enrollment system. But the 16 point TEA gap between them matters, and buyers shopping at this price point should know the difference.
Langford’s zone centers around the Dove Springs area of southeast Austin, where affordable single family homes and townhomes make up the bulk of the inventory. Widen’s zone overlaps parts of the same corridor, with a median of $297,000. For first time buyers, relocating buyers on a budget, or investors looking at Austin ISD zones with upside potential, this comparison is worth your time.
Langford vs Widen Elementary: Quick Comparison
| Langford Elementary | Widen Elementary | |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | C (73/100) | F (57/100) |
| Enrollment | 391 students | 432 students |
| Grades | PK – 05 | PK – 05 |
| District | Austin ISD | Austin ISD |
| Median Home Price | $300,000 | $297,450 |
| Feeds Into | Austin ISD MS then HS | Austin ISD MS then HS |
TEA School Performance Comparison (2025)
The Texas Education Agency evaluates every public school annually across multiple performance domains. Here is how both campuses performed in the 2025 accountability cycle.
| Performance Metric | Langford Elementary | Widen Elementary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | C (73/100) | F (57/100) |
| Student Achievement | D (68/100) | F (50/100) |
| School Progress | C (74/100) | F (56/100) |
| Academic Growth | C (79/100) | D (64/100) |
| Closing the Gaps | C (72/100) | F (55/100) |
| Enrollment | 391 students (PK – 05) | 432 students (PK – 05) |
| Economically Disadvantaged | 92.6% | 95.6% |
| English Learners | 56.3% | 48.4% |
| TEA Distinctions | 5 of 7 earned | Not eligible (F-rated) |
Langford outperforms Widen in every domain by a significant margin. The Academic Growth C at 79 versus Widen’s D at 64 is the most encouraging metric, showing that Langford students are making meaningful year over year progress. Both schools serve extremely high percentages of economically disadvantaged students (92.6% and 95.6%) with large English learner populations. Langford’s 5 of 7 distinctions at these demographic levels is genuinely impressive and tells you there are real academic strengths on this campus. Widen’s F rating means the school faces state intervention and significant challenges across the board.
For the full TEA breakdown, visit the Langford school page or the Widen school page.
Langford Elementary: Strong Effort in a Challenging Community
Langford sits in the Dove Springs area of southeast Austin, a community known for its affordability and its tight knit neighborhood culture. The school serves a population that is over 92% economically disadvantaged and over 56% English learners, making the C rating and 5 of 7 distinctions a testament to the faculty’s dedication. The campus has strong bilingual programming and a community engagement that goes beyond the typical school parent dynamic. At $300,000 median, this is one of the most affordable Austin ISD zones in the city.
Widen Elementary: Affordable but Struggling
Widen serves a similar community with similar demographics, but the outcomes have been different. The F rating at 57 puts the school in a challenging position, and the Student Achievement score of 50 is one of the lowest in Austin ISD. TEA intervention means additional oversight and resources but also potential changes to staffing and programming that can create uncertainty for residents. At $297,000 median, the zone is the absolute floor for Austin ISD pricing.
The Neighborhoods
Both zones cover the southeast Austin corridor where small single family homes, townhomes, and older apartments make up the housing stock. This part of Austin does not look like the postcard version of the city, but it is where real people live and work. The area has been slowly improving with new commercial development and infrastructure investment, though the pace of change is gradual.
Browse all homes zoned to Langford or homes zoned to Widen.
Which School Fits You?
You might lean toward Langford if:
- School quality at this price point is a factor (Langford is meaningfully stronger)
- The 5 of 7 distinctions and Academic Growth trajectory are encouraging
- Bilingual programming is important for your student
You might lean toward Widen if:
- The absolute lowest price point in Austin ISD is your target
- You are buying for investment purposes and plan to evaluate school options separately
Langford is the clear winner in this comparison by every metric. A 16 point TEA advantage, 5 distinctions versus zero, and a $3,000 price difference that is essentially irrelevant. If you are buying in southeast Austin ISD and schools matter at all, Langford is the obvious choice. The school is doing remarkable work with one of the most challenging student populations in the district, and that effort deserves recognition and support from the community it serves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Home?
Austin ISD at under $300,000 is rare, and I can help you find the opportunities that are out there. I have been working in Austin real estate for over 19 years, and every buyer deserves honest guidance regardless of budget. Reach out and lets find you a home.
