Keep ____ Weird: if not Austin where else? (Dallas: credit, how much)

[twange]

Originally Posted by Soccersupporter

An environment free from political correctness, over regulation and anti-family values.

What are "anti-family" values? I've never heard of such a thing anywhere

[Melissa78703]

Originally Posted by Soccersupporter

I agree wholeheartedly and I moved here from California. I came here because we were trying to leave California in the rear view mirror.

I have heard on numerous occassions mainly on flights to and from California about Californians who have moved to Texas but have nothing good to say about it. They should either keep their mouths shut or leave, better yet just leave.

We have found that most Texans are kind, generous, good people that just want to raise their families in a family friendly environment. An environment free from political correctness, over regulation and anti-family values. We love it here in Texas and would not trade it for the most beautiful day in California, it is just a better way of life for us.

This is from a former lifelong Orange County, California resident.

My significant other says the same thing, and he's from California (Humboldt County, then Sonoma). I love Santa Rosa and would LOVE to live there, but he feels the same way about Austin that you do. So I guess we're gonna be staying here for a while. Funny, but I know a lot of Austinites who would love to live in California - I lived in Berkeley for a while and loved it there.

Oh, and welcome!

[readymade]

Originally Posted by twange

What are "anti-family" values? I've never heard of such a thing anywhere

I, too, would like to know what "anti-family" values are. I wasn't aware that anyone was against families.

I guess it would depend on what kind of "values" you are talking about. "Values" to me are about treating other people the way you would like to be treated. Not lying, stealing, or cheating. Being responsible. Compassion. Stuff like that.

I've never heard anyone EVER having a problem with those values.

[julrey]

Originally Posted by Soccersupporter

Main Entry: gen·tri·fi·ca·tion Pronunciation: \ˌjen-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ Function: noun Date: 1964 : the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents.

If this is your definition of gentrification I would suggest you find a way to become more affluent/middle class or plan on being a gypsy all your life.

I think that's everyone's definition of gentrification, being as it came from the dictionary.

The point is, what that definition leaves out is the notion of displacement and often neutered cultural values that often accompany gentrification. I don't disagree that the process is impossible to escape, but I think I was pretty clear in my OP that my intention was to discuss what could be done to retain some degree of the bohemian side of a gentrified area ASSUMING the inevitability of the process.

[love roses]

elduderino, with a screen name like that, I can't imagine that you are very condescending. Honestly, if it hadn't been for my sister and her nagging we probably would have ended up closer in, but having lived in Houston for many years, Hutto to Austin isn't such a bad drive. I grew up in Brazoria, Texas and that is far from anywhere (nearly an hour to Houston) so my perspective on distance to the nearest city is molded by that When we were in Denver, we lived 5 minutes from the city center and I loved it!

[love roses]

Affluent/middle class people can still be "bohemian". I think many people who move here, even if they are loaded, tend toward the more artistic/eccentric side. Except for some who moved downtown and are now complaining about the noise from 6th street. To me, that's a contradiction and seems like they'd do better to live a little bit further from there. Don't get me started on political correctness and over regulation

[julrey]

Originally Posted by Soccersupporter

We have found that most Texans are kind, generous, good people that just want to raise their families in a family friendly environment. An environment free from political correctness, over regulation and anti-family values. We love it here in Texas and would not trade it for the most beautiful day in California, it is just a better way of life for us.

I know your comments are probably broadly based in response to a history of California transplants being picked on for coming to Texas and trying to remake it in their own image, but honestly the only transplants I've encountered in Austin that routinely bad mouthed it were the suits from New York who were pissed that they couldn't make nearly as much money in Austin as they were back home. You're kidding!

Anyway, since you responded to a post expressing resentment with the term gentrification, it bears pointing out that not every individual that moves into a community is responsible for helping to "gentrify" it. If you look at the definition posted a couple posts back, the very concept of gentrification carries with it a changing of the guard, so to speak. Moving into a community because it already adheres to your values is not gentrification... it's actually just the opposite, and perfectly welcome. Just so we're clear, my purpose in starting this thread was not to bash or demean every single person who moves to Austin. Hell, we're all from someplace else, it's just a question of where.

[julrey]

Originally Posted by love roses

Affluent/middle class people can still be "bohemian". I think many people who move here, even if they are loaded, tend toward the more artistic/eccentric side. Except for some who moved downtown and are now complaining about the noise from 6th street. To me, that's a contradiction and seems like they'd do better to live a little bit further from there. Don't get me started on political correctness and over regulation

People who move to certain areas of town, such as central or south Austin, may tend toward the bohemian side, but from the north, where the biggest growth is centered, definitely tends to be more of the yuppie type. You can see this as you drive north and start leaving behind the mom & pop businesses in favor of name brand shopping center staples and chain restaurants. It'll be interesting to see which way the east side leans since it appears to be the next area ripe for development.

[achtungpv]

Twange and readymade,

Come on, the anti-family values are perpetrated by the conspiracy behind the War on Christmas and fluoride in the drinking water.

[twange]

Originally Posted by julrey

I think I was pretty clear in my OP that my intention was to discuss what could be done to retain some degree of the bohemian side of a gentrified area ASSUMING the inevitability of the process.

I think it's two things:

1.) A broader range of housing options, aesthetically as well as economically. I adore the funky little South Central Austin neighborhoods but $450,000 for a tiny cottage? Please. And that's what's happening in East Austin right now(the perceived bad, scary area over I-35). There aren't really any options that artists, musicians etc...can afford. That's a sure way to whitewash a neighborhood. There's no reason that some developers couldn't build some decent, attractive, affordable housing for those who don't make six figures.

2.) Grants/Zoning/regulations that encourage and help keep small businesses competing. Some will complain about free markets, subsidies, regulations etc...but if the city can subsidize(tax abatements) large corporations to come here, why can't they do something to keep these little places around.

I think economic diversity is really the key ingredient to keeping an area from becoming "anywhere USA".