How to experience "Austin life" in 4 days?

[TexasHorseLady]

Actually, the suburbs are more unique than those who don't spend time in them realize. Each was a community in its own right as long as or almost as long as Austin (Round Rock, for example, was established in 1851 as Brushy Creek but renamed later), and developed their own identity separately from Austin, and in spite of the Austin Monster seeming to gobble them up, that identity still remains for those who look for it. But that's something for you to do when you live here.

[usernamenottaken]

Visit Central Market on N Lamar on the grocery store list. When I came out for the house hunting trip I just randomly drove everywhere. If I was in an area I thought "felt nice", I dropped a pin on my map and made a note and then looked up more details later when I got back to the hotel. Covered a lot of ground.

[RooCeleste]

Not to be a downer on the fun stuff (which there is plenty of -- no worries there), be sure to drive the routes you would likely be driving to work from wherever you're considering living, during the hours you would be driving, especially if it is anywhere near traditional rush hour. (ie Round Rock to downtown, Cedar Park to East Austin, whatever the case may be). That will give you a good idea of what you will be getting into.

[Rynldsbr]

Lots of good advice so far. Look at the grocery stores, drive the possible commutes, and take a trip down to Zilker Park. I have to agree with TexasHorseLady that you may also want to look at a few of the burbs and what they have as a separate identity.

While in Round Rock, check out the old downtown. Very nice restaurant options, craft brews on tap, and an identity all its own. Check out the kids park which is a lot of fun for the little ones and has a nice hiking/biking trail as well.

Know that Pflugerville recently approved a long-term plan to develop a large area off 130 near FM685 and will be a growing community for the next ~10 years. Housing stock there will be interesting to watch. Georgetown has Southwestern University and a lot of beautiful old homes on tree lined streets in the older sections of the city. May be nice to know there is more than just new subdivisions in some areas.

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by Rynldsbr

Georgetown has Southwest University and a lot of beautiful old homes on tree lined streets in the older sections of the city. May be nice to know there is more than just new subdivisions in some areas.

It's Southwestern University, not Southwest University.

[Rynldsbr]

Originally Posted by A-Tex

It's Southwestern University, not Southwest University.

Fixed - Thanks.