Thinking of Moving to Austin (Howe, Cooper: apartment complex, lease, sick)

[where_am_i]

Originally Posted by socrates1234

http://www.discoverbroadripplevillage.com/

wow i never even heard of that place.

[where_am_i]

Originally Posted by twange

I'm pretty sure that we've discussed these issues before(although you were using a different name). Both of us being from the Great Lakes(me, Cleveland)there are many things that we agree on(limited public transportation, bad pedestrian infrastructure, strip malls etc...) but a few that we don't.

There's plenty more to do here than drink and listen to music. The weather alone has provided us with many more recreational options for a far longer period of time. I have found many interesting gatherings and events here in Austin that have nothing to do with 6th street. I am very active in seeking these things out. I do think the fact that you lived where you did, may have had something to do with your experience. It's really too bad you left, as you seem to be someone who could have contributed, but I understand that some things are just irreconcilable While there are certainly some things I don't like, we're trying to be positive and contribute something here instead of just feeling dissatisfied with what isn't here.

Austin certainly has growing pains. We sometimes joke that it's a great place to live either 20 years ago or 20 years from now. Some folks will pine for the old Austin, while some will pine for what it could be. The problem as I see it, is that right now, Austin is a "tweener" city. It has the infrastructure and mentality of a town, but the population of a city, which can make things frustrating. Sometimes it seems that long-time residents are genuinely surprised by the reference of Austin as a "city". This is an uncomfortable, confusing but also exciting time. Kind of like being 19 years old. An adult in body, but a kid in spirit.

Personally, I'm going to hang here for at least two years and see which way the city wants to go. It won't get smaller, that I'm sure of. Some people are convinced that it will simply evolve into a sprawling mass of car-based, big-box nothingness. I really hope not. I think that there are too many people here who love the city's spirit and will push for positive, smart growth which will encourage Austin to become a great city on the border of the South/Southwest.

We'll see.

i think the one thing about chicago that is frustrating is that there are too MANY options. for an indecisive person like me thats torture, because theres so much going on every night of the week, and you always have to sacrifice something you want to do in favor of something else, or even worse end up going to a bar because thats what your friends want to do when you would rather be going to the gallery openings or a performance or some other event. i know it sounds crazy but i actually think i'm happier when i have less options- not having the opportunity to do something is far less frustrating than knowing you have the opportunity to but can't act on it...

[where_am_i]

Originally Posted by julrey

Others have mentioned California, which is sound advice, but then again most everyone knows that California has the best weather in the US, so presumably you've ruled this out for other reasons (price, distance, etc).

Yeah mainly price, though Cali. is ideal in every other aspect, probably why its so darned expensive. Though I do have friends and family there, whereas in Austin i really have no one...

[where_am_i]

Originally Posted by wehotex

please come over. we NEED more liberal minded folks like you. the neocons from other states are out numbering us! i don't know why they don't stick to dallas. the hot summer only lasts from late may/early june to late sept. you definitely will need a/c in those months. at night in the height of the summer, we will experience 90 degree nights with humidity, high 90s/low 100s in the day. come try it out.

for real? you mean its not already very liberal? or are the liberals being wiped out by the neocons?

[love roses]

It's only somewhat liberal downtown. The suburbs are more conservative.

[socrates1234]

Originally Posted by twange

No. Neither the Austin Symphony, Ballet Austin, Austin Museum of Art nor the Paramount are affiliated with UT. Only the Blanton. So it's more like 20% of the list I included in my post is part of the UT campus. And what's wrong with a refurbished Grand Theater? That place is lovely and is a great part of Austin history. Most cities have knocked them down

Look, I get what your saying, but my point is that it's important for people to support the art entities that Austin does have, so that they will continue to grow. I think a lot of people(I'm not singling you out) just say "Austin doesn't have anything to do but drink on 6th street", without ever bothering to look. And Austin won't get a MOMA, Art Institute, or Smithsonian overnight anyway, so...

I agree, Twange. remember, I'm a gadfly, hence the handle.......indeed, there
is an INCUBUS of art groups, and a new building going up next year, so they
are getting there. It's our job to light a fire under folks arses......and I still think there are too many BBQ/outdoor eateries, and not enough art galleries/
live theater on South Congress.....Do we really need 40 places to eat outside? Same on Barton Springs rd. Just BBQ/Fatty Food places for days.
One can only eat so much!

[twange]

Originally Posted by socrates1234

I agree, Twange. remember, I'm a gadfly, hence the handle.......indeed, there
is an INCUBUS of art groups, and a new building going up next year, so they
are getting there. It's our job to light a fire under folks arses......and I still think there are too many BBQ/outdoor eateries, and not enough art galleries/
live theater on South Congress.....Do we really need 40 places to eat outside? Same on Barton Springs rd. Just BBQ/Fatty Food places for days.
One can only eat so much!

You know, I live right by that place and have yet to eat there. I have heard that it's good, but it seems a little too cool in there for me

[socrates1234]

Originally Posted by twange

You know, I live right by that place and have yet to eat there. I have heard that it's good, but it seems a little too cool in there for me

Actually, the prices aren't too bad
http://www.southcongresscafe.com/menu.asp

And if you tell them Socrates sent you, they'll give you a free Mexican Martini!

[love roses]

replying to the stone roses thing: That's "Ms. Stone Roses" please! J/K I kinda like it

[ITChick]

Originally Posted by socrates1234

To me, there wasn't enough COOL parts of the city, mostly located in a little area DT and just south. 85% of it was just strip mall city and ghettos east of I-35. There simply wasn't much THERE there, if that makes sense.

Someone who I just met who told me they visited Austin briefly said that compared to Chicago, he felt Austin could be considered (with the exception of the Capitol/Downtown area) a "bedroom community". What is your opinion on that?

I would say Indianapolis has just as many funky cool places with Broad Ripple and all, and they don't even need to talk about it.

I spent some time in Indy and nearby areas. My memories of there are not too good.

Now, as far as drinking in Austin is concerned, YES, that is a big focus in Austin to go out and drink, but this is directly related to the live music scene as well. Almost everyone drinks at live venues, and Austin prob has more per capita than anywhere else, which I would bet ALL have liqour licenses. 6th street is like what OUR Rush street used to be in the 80's. I can't compare it to Lincoln or Clark, because there are no cultural centers or live theaters on the streets, while clark and lincoln are full of them.

I love the Lincoln Park/Lakeview and Roscoe Village areas. My favorite places to "hang out". Is this lacking in Austin?

I'm not big on drinking, so if that is the major "thing to do", I might be disapointed.

....Lastly, I DID have a car, but paying 7-8 bucks to park everytime I drove DT to do something got old and expensive.

Everytime I go downtown (Chicago) I end up paying $13.00-$25.00 for parking. It sucks, but what are you gonna do? I've never lived in Chicago without a car, and for years I abandoned it and tried to use the public transportation more, but as a woman, there were times I didn't feel safe.

http://www.discoverbroadripplevillage.com/

Interesting link. I guess a lot of places are trying to "reestablish" themselves as cool. Good for business I guess.