From Augusta, GA to Austin, TX? (Houston, Happy: best cities, apartments, renting)

[starsweet]

Hello folks.. I am a pharmacy student in Georgia, grew up mostly in the humid as hell "city" of Augusta (otherwise known as Disgusta).. it is extremely close to the Savannah River so you can imagine. I have heard of Austin as one of the best cities to live. I am thinking of moving there after I graduate. I have a couple of questions though.

How is the humidity? One of the reasons I want to get away from Georgia is the HUMIDITY.. it's unbearable. I actually used to live in Ft. Worth when I went to elementary school. I remember it being really dry there, am I right? (I used to get nosebleeds because of it in kindergarten, lol). Anyway from what I remember I loved the weather in Ft. Worth and was hoping it would be somewhat similar in Austin?? I am really into the mediterranean weather sort of thing (low humidity, sunny and warm but not unbearably hot like being in an oven).

Also I am single in my late 20s, what would be a good area to live in where I am relatively close to the center of town so I can go there easily when I want to, but not really live downtown?? I will most likely be working at a hospital or a retail chain, so I'd want to live close to wherever I work.. where are the hospitals at? I know the retail chains are everywhere, but so far I'm looking into Costco. Thanks so much for any advice.

[HappyTexan]

Been to Savannah and lived for years in south Florida. We watched the humidity more than the temperature

Austin is much drier compared to where you are. I came from 85-90% humidity (Florida) to Texas (50% or lower) and noticed the difference right away..it's a drier heat. Austin may be a tad bit more humid than Ft. Worth as the humidity does increase as you go south and once you hit Houston it is really noticeable.

People who move here from places with lower humidity though will feel the opposite.

[Moonlady]

I agree with Happy -I grew up in Virginia and Florida and Austin's humidity is much more tolerable. There's a period in May and June where it gets uncomfotable, but the usual weather pattern is that it starts to dry up towards the end of June and stays that way until October. I say "usual" because we had a very unusual year in 2007 where it rained all summer. That's not typical.

The two main hospitals here are St David's and Seton. St David's has a location central (30th and I-35) and South (S 1st and Hwy 71) and Seton has a location Central (38th & Lamar) and one NW (183 and Duval). The north Costco location is near Seton NW and the other Costco is SW. Overall, I'd say the SW part of town would keep you close to downtown and close enough to St David's and the Costco south. The NW part of town, IMO, is probably not as good for 20's and single.

[starsweet]

Originally Posted by Moonlady

I agree with Happy -I grew up in Virginia and Florida and Austin's humidity is much more tolerable. There's a period in May and June where it gets uncomfotable, but the usual weather pattern is that it starts to dry up towards the end of June and stays that way until October. I say "usual" because we had a very unusual year in 2007 where it rained all summer. That's not typical.

The two main hospitals here are St David's and Seton. St David's has a location central (30th and I-35) and South (S 1st and Hwy 71) and Seton has a location Central (38th & Lamar) and one NW (183 and Duval). The north Costco location is near Seton NW and the other Costco is SW. Overall, I'd say the SW part of town would keep you close to downtown and close enough to St David's and the Costco south. The NW part of town, IMO, is probably not as good for 20's and single.

Thanks moonlady and HappyTexan!! You really have allayed my fears somewhat with the humidity.. My first choice was southern California (and Austin, my second choice) just because of the weather, but then I came on this board and noticed all the Californians leaving for Austin. LOL! I guess I can deal with a little humidity those 2 months.

And thank you for telling me exactly where the hospitals and Costco are.. is that SW area a nice and safe area? Also, if I decide to buy a house, is that an area where the homes will appreciate well? Can you recommend some good neighborhoods?? Oh I may also work at a Target (haven't decided, but if I do retail, it will be Costco or Target), I assume there's a Target around there too since they are everywhere? Haha.

[gigi927]

The area for you that immediately jumped to my mind were the apartments at the Hill Country Galleria that are brand new (if you're looking at renting). It's a beautiful area, you'd be able to walk to restaurants and shopping, and you'd be pretty close to the Costco and Targets on the SW part of town, too.

The alternative on the N side of town would be near the Domain shopping area - they are building similar housing up there and you'd be less than 10 minutes from "Costco North." I'd think that if you're not into living downtown, choosing one of those two general areas would be great for you. Good luck!

[starsweet]

Thanks gigi, I looked at those online, they look veeerry nice but maybe too expensive for me.. but I'll definitely keep that area in mind!! I was wondering if that area has mostly chain type stores or local stores? I like a mix of both, I'm not really into all big box retail, especially when it comes to restaurants..