Austin or Albuquerque? (Rio Rancho: transfer, theater, college)

[JProg305]

Hello all, I know it's probably been discussed before but could someone please humor me and fill me in on some of the major differences between these two metro areas? I know some of the major differences (scenery, altitude, regional culture, population/demographics, etc.), but what are some of the intangible differences? Which town has more mom and pop/independent businesses, more job opportunities (in academia or sustainable development), more of a progressive liberal vibe, more diversity (not just racially/ethnically, but politically, culturally, etc.), better outdoor opportunities, which town is less boring (if that's an easily addressed or appropriate question)? I am a Florida native (born in Miami, and have lived in Tallahassee for the last seven years) but I've also lived in the DC area, the Kansas City area, and in Kentucky as well. Although I'm Floridian, humidity is my arch nemesis. I've heard that Austin is terribly hot but is the culture/nightlife worth enduring blast furnace heat? How is ABQ's nightlife (I prefer quiet bars, brewpubs, beer gardens, theater, and other cultural events to nightclubs) compared to Austin's? Could anyone who has lived in both places or spent a good amount of time in both places answer any of my myriad questions? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[lalahartma]

Now that's a good question.

[Poncho_NM]

I have been in the Albuquerque area for the past 10 years. I have been to the Austin area probably 20 times since 1980 on business or with my wife while she was there on business.

I grew up in Miami, and still have family there.

Austin is a big city with a lot to do. It is hot and humid there... I considered a job in the Austin area in 1990, but at the time I was getting better pay in the Wash DC area....

I'm 60 years old, and it's nice here in the Albuquerque area. Actually, I live in Rio Rancho. But I have considered moving to Arizona? Florida and a few other places.

But my circumstances are different than yours... I don't know you and what you really want/need.

If you are younger, and had some good job offers in Austin, I would consider moving there.

You really need to come out and visit both. For me, I prefer the scenery and weather of New Mexico. But I remember a lot of good times in Austin and San Antonio...



Rich

[abqsunport]

Take a trip to both and decide which one feels right. They are very similar in a lot of ways (they are both very quirky).

[rybert]

Austin is great (if you don't need to drive anywhere).

[WasSoggyInSeattle]

I've never lived in Austin but... my sister moved there from Colorado Springs about 4 years ago and really disliked it (and I'm stating it mildly) - mainly, because of the heat & humidity and lack of mountains. She is trying to move back to the southwest, unfortunately last August her husband got transferred to North Carolina... anyway, my husband and I always said if we moved back to Texas (originally from the Fort Worth area) we'd move to Austin as it seems more scenic... but the heat & humidity. I don't think there is ANY amount of nightlife that would make up for that. Good luck with your decision. I'd take Albuquerque hands-down...

[lemon&lime]

Albuquerque has much better weather and may be a prettier town in some ways. I lived in Austin better and it seemed to be a better fit for my personality, but that was over a decade ago. I'm a free thinking type and Albuquerque is really not my scene.

[Travellingaround]

I moved from Austin to Albuquerque. Austin is greener and has more vegitation. The nightlife is better, Albuquerque has some bars on the college strip, but not many small pubs. There are mom and pop business in both places. Austin is richer and more liberal with more jobs and a stronger economy. I find Albuquerque to be less racist and more culturally diverse in away that blends and accepts all. Albuquerque has more hiking and outdoor opportunities, but I feel like those available in Austin were prettier. If I'd been a college student, I'd pick Austin in a heart beat, but I like Albuquerque. I like the less racist attitudes, I like that Albuquerque has a smaller city feel than Austin and I don't mind that I feel there is less to do in Albuquerque. Housing is cheaper in Austin, a fact which I did not research before I moved here. But the traffic is better in Albuquerque and the city, to me has a more authentic feel to it. It is less artistic and more blue collar, but that also means that people are less pretentious and more accepting. My bachelors degree seems to mean more here than it did in Austin, where everyone seemed to have one. Albuquerque is also more Catholic, and I like that, but it may not be to everyone's taste.

I hope I've helped.

[Danbo1957]

I lived in both cities, each 20 years. No comparison to make. Austin is bigger, prettier, the people are way more educated and sophisticated - and, most importantly, Austin is wealthier than ABQ. Food, nightlife, and education in Austin is some of the best in the nation. But, Austin is hot and humid - a big negative for those used to ABQ.

[rybert]

So... Austin is better because there is more money? That is the LEAST important aspect! Priorities my man!