Moving to Smithville/Bastrop/East of Austin? (to rent, transfer)

[wavebaby]

I'm thinking of taking a job in Smithville, but I am a 26 yo single female and want to live close enough to drive into Austin for the social scene. How bad is the commute into the city, and if it were you, where would you chose to live? Would you live in East Austin and commute to work each day, or live somewhere in the middle (Bastrop?) and cut the drive in half each way?

Any and all input would be great- thanks!!

[CptnRn]

You have to drive to work and back at least 5 days a week. How often do you drive down to 6th street?

Your quality of life will be better and cost of living lower if you live close to where you work. I'd look for a place in Bastrop, its a real pretty area. And you can commute into Austin once or twice a week for nightlife. It would probably even be cheaper to rent a room near downtown occasionally when you expected to have a late night out, cheaper then commuting every day from Austin CBD to Smithville, in gas and automobile costs.

[Frodo2008]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

You have to drive to work and back at least 5 days a week. How often do you drive down to 6th street?

Your quality of life will be better and cost of living lower if you live close to where you work. I'd look for a place in Bastrop, its a real pretty area. And you can commute into Austin once or twice a week for nightlife. It would probably even be cheaper to rent a room near downtown occasionally when you expected to have a late night out, cheaper then commuting every day from Austin CBD to Smithville, in gas and automobile costs.

Yeah I agree. I definitely want to live close to work. A long commute 5 days a week is a nightmare to me. The closer you can live to work the better life will be.

[art_teacher_mom]

Live close to work! We moved 3 miles away from my DH's work when we were transferred. It's given us such a better quality of life. We will NEVER commute 45 minutes each way again.

Believe it or not, there's even things to do in Smithville. (My sister is single and lives there.)
They are always having some kind of festival. A lot of artists live there. Subscribe to the Smithville Times and you'll always be in the "know". They're "old school" and not online.
(Ok, I confess. I'm plugging the newspaper because my dad is the cartoonist. But it really will keep you informed! LOL).

[happyinRoundRock]

Having lived in Smithville, you must REALLY like the small town atmosphere -- everybody in your business.

Bastrop would be a much better place to live.

I wouldn't ever put myself in a position of driving from Austin to Smithville or Bastrop after having even a minimal amount to drink. Stay with a friend or book a room for the night.

Congratulations on your new job!

[Frodo2008]

Originally Posted by art_teacher_mom

Live close to work! We moved 3 miles away from my DH's work when we were transferred. It's given us such a better quality of life. We will NEVER commute 45 minutes each way again.

Believe it or not, there's even things to do in Smithville. (My sister is single and lives there.)
They are always having some kind of festival. A lot of artists live there. Subscribe to the Smithville Times and you'll always be in the "know". They're "old school" and not online.
(Ok, I confess. I'm plugging the newspaper because my dad is the cartoonist. But it really will keep you informed! LOL).

No actually they went online 12/31/2009. I grew up in Smithville and I keep up with their news (The Smithville Times).

[Frodo2008]

So it sounds like we're all agreeing that the closer to work the better.

[art_teacher_mom]

Originally Posted by Frodo2008

No actually they went online 12/31/2009. I grew up in Smithville and I keep up with their news (The Smithville Times).

Oh! Looks like I'm the one not keeping up with the times!

[Frodo2008]

Originally Posted by art_teacher_mom

Oh! Looks like I'm the one not keeping up with the times!

Smithville's paper is online now. They're moving up in the world.