Moving to Austin??? (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Omaha: apartment, job market, buyer)

[AliyJill]

Hi All,

I need some help...I'm moving in a year (Oct. 08). I've been a Midwestern girl my whole life (Omaha, NE until I was 18 then Milwaukee WI for college) so I'm very much in a Midwest, friendly, go out and do things kind-a-girl. Well I hate the cold...but I've visited Cali and Florida and Alabama, etc and the people just aren't as outgoing or friendly as in the Midwest. And if I'm 23 and starting over in a new city, I want to be comfortable...and several people in my life have suggested Austin...so my question to all you who have lived or are living in Austin...is it a good spot for a 23 year old?? Lots to do? I love outdoors and music and theater and that kind of thing. Where is a good place to get an apartment? Are there a lot of snakes? What's the job market like? (I graduated with a double degree...Journalism as well as PR/Marketing) Any input would be FABULOUS!!

[Moonlady]

Austin is a great place for people who love the outdoors. There are tons of parks, hiking trails, lakes and rivers, and general outdoor activities to keep most folks happy. There is a pretty good music scene with lots of opportunities to see live performances. The people are very friendly. I don't think snakes are a major threat - you would want to be careful hiking, but in every day living, you probably won't see one.

Where to live? That's a tough one because there are so many different parts of Austin and each one has their own vibe. There's downtown, SoCo (South Congress), South Austin (a whole little world of its own), there's the Arboretum and the Northwest areas and then there are suburbs like Round Rock and Cedar Park. So, find a job first and then figure out where to live. Traffic is not one of Austin's better attributes.

UT produces a large number of graduates who decide to stay in Austin, so entry level jobs for grads are tough to come by. If I were you, I'd feel out the job market first and also decide if there are jobs you would consider doing until you were able to break into your field. The unemployment rate overall is low, but my guess is a lot of those jobs are government, manufacturing and service jobs.

Good Luck!

[TexasGirl@Heart]

What is the difference between South Austin and SoCo?

[Moonlady]

Originally Posted by Texanwannabe

What is the difference between South Austin and SoCo?

SoCo is the area directly south of downtown on Congress Ave. South Austin is more like anything south of Ben White - the William Cannon, Manchaca, Stassney area. At least that's my interpretation. I'd like to hear anyone else's inputs.

[Alatex]

Well I hate the cold...but I've visited Cali and Florida and Alabama, etc and the people just aren't as outgoing or friendly as in the Midwest.

Let me guess, the eastern part of Alabama ?

[TexasGirl@Heart]

Originally Posted by Moonlady

SoCo is the area directly south of downtown on Congress Ave. South Austin is more like anything south of Ben White - the William Cannon, Manchaca, Stassney area. At least that's my interpretation. I'd like to hear anyone else's inputs.

Ok, that makes sense. If I had to travel from South Austin to 38th and Lamar, how long would it take me to reach my destination? (Seton Main). Traveling at 6 PM (to the hospital) and 7:30 AM (back home)

[patrick farrell]

You are going to love Austin, but the job market can be tougher. I came here from Michigan and it took me a while to get a job. I ended up getting an entry level accounting job...and I have an MBA...not the happiest but I'm patient. Downtown rocks, N. Austin is for older people but the housing is great....each part has its ups and downs...but overall I love this city.

[Megan1967]

Older people like 40 or older people like 80?

[love roses]

Older people like married 20's and up.

[LeaveWI]

I too am thinking of Austin, as I am a mid level buyer, fairly liberal, who loves biking, hiking, exercise in general. Currently in suburban Milwaukee and have grown to hate it. Mainly due to weather, poor social climate (too many subrban snobs in their A&F "uniforms" complete with fake tan and cell phone, as well as the "GWB is God" club) I am wondering what the job market is like for someone looking to make in the low to mid 40's . I have never been there however, but would like to visit soon. I am not comfortable moving w/o a job, so I need to find something there, but not sure where to look.