DC to Austin or Portland or Seattle or San Diego (Vega: home, purchase)

[stargzr]

Seems like a lot of choices but my husband and I are really looking to relocate from DC. We have lived in the NoVA area and DC our whole lives and we hate the cold weather. We're looking for some where warmer, but not dreadfully hot (I need temparate!).
We also would like the following things:
We're both Vegan, so a lot of vegetarian options would be nice (restaurants, stores)
Public Transportation: While we have a car, we don't like to drive it much and want a place with good public transportation system.
Outdoors: A lot to do outdoors. We run and also love to hike.
Yoga: I am very active in yoga and I am studying to become a yoga teacher, so this is also very important.
Jobs: My husband is in IT, programming. I currently work for a vegetarian nonprofit, however I am open to anything new!
Lower cost of living: We're hoping for an area were the cost of living is lower than in DC (which is why San Fransisco is not on out list, we love San Francisco!)
Diversity: I am hispanic and we both appreciate diversity. Culture.
We also appreciate a more liberal area, we're far from conservative.
Finally, a nice city feel. While DC is not a big city, something comperable would be nice. We like to walk to things, not drive.

I would love some advice! I've been reading up on Austin, Portland, Seattle and San Diego, and while we've never been to any of these cities they seem to have a lot of appeal.

Thanks!!

[jwb123]

I am from the DC area too - my first 24 years were spent in NoVa. I then moved to Seattle for almost 10 years, and have been in Austin for almost a year. My husband is from Baltimore.

I wouldn't choose Seattle unless you are really ready for the weather. The consistant grey, drizzle, 40-50 degree weather from Sept till June.

Also, the cost of living in Seattle is nearing that of San Francisco. It's one of the key reasons we left the area.

Seattle is NOT diverse (in ethnicity, but it's diverse in "way of thinking"). It's population is large majority caucasian, something like 60%, with asian-american as a smaller second.

You would have a lot of options for healthy, vegan, yoga living there - but as far as things to do outside, other than hike & walk around - there isn't a lot of options, and the weather does hamper your activities.

I am still an Austin newbie, and I live in the suburbs - so I will let some of the other longer time Austinites fill you in on why Austin is better than those other cities. I have to say though, we moved here for the weather, cost of living, better quality of life - and it's been the best move we ever made.

[texastea]

I've visited all those cities (beautiful choices) but the only one I've lived in is Austin. I think it would be almost as good or better in most areas except the temperate part. It is hot in the summer...not Arizona hot (normally), but North-east-in-a-heat-wave hot. The public transportation is mostly buses and bike lanes/trails so you'll need a car, but you can get away with not using it a lot if you're careful about where you live. And the public transportation is improving. Austin would score especially high on your scale for IT jobs and hispanic culture : )

[fromSeattle]

I'm finally leaving after 12 years on and off.

Seattle has been described as a city without passion, without eros. And it is true. it's a one-dimensional culture. Smarts with no heart.

If you move here, you'll soon feel there's something socially wrong...and it won't make sense, and you won't be able to put your finger on it. It's referred to locally as the Seattle ice.

Stay in warm places where people are warm. That's where I'm returning.

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by stargzr

Seems like a lot of choices but my husband and I are really looking to relocate from DC. We have lived in the NoVA area and DC our whole lives and we hate the cold weather. We're looking for some where warmer, but not dreadfully hot (I need temparate!).
We also would like the following things:
We're both Vegan, so a lot of vegetarian options would be nice (restaurants, stores)
Public Transportation: While we have a car, we don't like to drive it much and want a place with good public transportation system.
Outdoors: A lot to do outdoors. We run and also love to hike.
Yoga: I am very active in yoga and I am studying to become a yoga teacher, so this is also very important.
Jobs: My husband is in IT, programming. I currently work for a vegetarian nonprofit, however I am open to anything new!
Lower cost of living: We're hoping for an area were the cost of living is lower than in DC (which is why San Fransisco is not on out list, we love San Francisco!)
Diversity: I am hispanic and we both appreciate diversity. Culture.
We also appreciate a more liberal area, we're far from conservative.
Finally, a nice city feel. While DC is not a big city, something comperable would be nice. We like to walk to things, not drive.

I would love some advice! I've been reading up on Austin, Portland, Seattle and San Diego, and while we've never been to any of these cities they seem to have a lot of appeal.

Thanks!!

Hi, I have a buddy I work with that came from DC area. He tells me he is really glad that he selected Austin to purchase a home and raise his family. DC is a very fast pace lifestyle. if you come to Austin people are very laid back. People jogging and doing activities at the public parks. So much of a kick back lifestyle. If this is what your looking for, then ATX is for you!!

[Mike78613]

Oh if you love lakes, ATX is fun.

We visit lake travis like 3 times a week.







This is Lake Austin @ 360 bridge.

[CravenClan]

Is the ground of the lake sandy or marshy??

Just curious, as we LOVE to go to the Lake, right now in Arizona, and we live in So. CAl and are considering a move to Austin area.

Our friends said that we would love the lake there, so am just curious about it, how is the water temps??Wake?

Thanks
Christina

[stargzr]

Thank you so much for the suggestions and information.
One thing about the weather in DC that I also hate, besides the winter is the humidity. I've seen that some people say it gets really humid in Austin, while others say it doesn't?
Also how are the weathers in Austin? (Compared to DC I guess)
Previously I wouldn't have thought of Austin but a lot of people compare it to Portland, less rainy/dreary days.
Anyone have any thoughts on San Diego?

Last question, what are some good parts of Austin for a couple in their late-20's who want access to as much as possible by walking or public transportation?

[twange]

Originally Posted by stargzr

Last question, what are some good parts of Austin for a couple in their late-20's who want access to as much as possible by walking or public transportation?

Either downtown or the South Congress/South 1st area. The place is bustling with things to do.

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by stargzr

Last question, what are some good parts of Austin for a couple in their late-20's who want access to as much as possible by walking or public transportation?

Anywhere down town. 6th street or if you act more like an adult then check out warehouse district

As for transportation check out:

Capital Metro Transit - Austin, Texas