Just moved to Georgetown and we LOVE IT HERE!!! Some advice for newcomers... (Austin: transplants, live in)

[jabon]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

How long ago did she live here?!?

Only 6months, then she had to move back bc of her job

[leorah]

"Bad traffic" is a relative thing. We lived near Boston for many years. Returning to central Texas and experiencing the effects of recent population growth was somewhat shocking--traffic was much worse than we remembered it. However, our commute from Georgetown into Austin is not as bad as the commute we had from our suburban MA home into Boston. I-35 at rush hour can be difficult, especially of there's an accident, and there are well-known bottlenecks where a slowdown is almost assured no matter the time of day. The toll road is usually faster. Back roads can be a good option but as new developments are built, these roads become busier too. The infrastructure just isn't keeping up with the increased population growth. Depending on where you work you can make smart choices about where you live to make your commute and accessibility to shopping and entertainment easier.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by jabon

Only 6months, then she had to move back bc of her job

I think the question was "when" did she live here.

[Austin-HomeGirl]

Welcome to Texas. Georgetown is a great place to live. I love the square!
Your point about extensive research is spot on.

[neon52]

Originally Posted by jabon

How is the traffic during rush times? We're also looking to relocate and we were looking into California for a LONG time but i seriously hate the traffic in LA and SO expensive so we recently looked into Austin. We're coming from a smallish town of (80-90K people) so traffic is not an issue here. I myself have never been to austin, but my fiance has. My sister used to live there but they both say traffic isn't that bad.

jabon: I am also looking to move to Austin from LA. I have heard that I-35 can be as bad as I-405, but not at 2 am. Only around peak hours.

[Jimmyp25]

Originally Posted by MommaLike

The food here is OUTRAGEOUS. Outrageously good!!! There are so many unique restaurants everywhere, you will never eat at another gross national chain. I don't know why Applebees even exists down here! Just too many options to choose from! You will find BBQ everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. Like if you're not watching where you're going, a BBQ restaurant will smack you in the face. And it is GOOOOOOOOD. Same goes for tacos. The taco is king and I am his loyal subject.

I have lived here for two years and can't agree with you on this.....Can you please point me to these OUTRAGEOUSLY good restaurants that are not chains other than mexican or texmex, and or bbq??? Not that I don't love those , but some good diversity in the food area would be great.

[BijouBaby]

Restaurants aren't the thing I like most about GT, but we're happy here!

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Jimmyp25

I have lived here for two years and can't agree with you on this.....Can you please point me to these OUTRAGEOUSLY good restaurants that are not chains other than mexican or texmex, and or bbq??? Not that I don't love those , but some good diversity in the food area would be great.

Try Asian Cuisine.

Try The Hollow.

I would say try Eats on 8th, but they burned and it will be a while before they are open again.

Haven't been there but I've heard good things about Scott's Oyster Bar. Likewise Blue Window Cafe.

[Rynldsbr]

Originally Posted by jabon

How is the traffic during rush times? We're also looking to relocate and we were looking into California for a LONG time but i seriously hate the traffic in LA and SO expensive so we recently looked into Austin. We're coming from a smallish town of (80-90K people) so traffic is not an issue here. I myself have never been to austin, but my fiance has. My sister used to live there but they both say traffic isn't that bad.

Austin area has approximately 2M people now, so lots of traffic is inevitable. Traffic here is bad during rush hours and that is generally picking up around 7 am and heavy by 7:30 in most areas. it stays pretty heavy until around 9:00 am and then things are decent until 4:01 when all the government workers are leaving the city. Afternoon pretty much stays busy from 4:01 until 6:00 or 6:30 and then calms down again.


I35 is the demon in this whole thing. As the primary N - S route through the metro, and one of a limited number of crossings over the river, it sucks. It almost always sucks. One car in distress or one accident and it sucks even more. general rule of thumb is to avoid I35 whenever possible. Supposedly a very large construction project on I35 north of Austin up to Georgetown will happen in a few (likely more) years and it will be a nightmare.


Others: If you look at 183, it gets really bad during rush hour but otherwise not too terrible. Hwy 71 near the airport seems to be a perennial work project with lane closures and traffic pattern changes daily. 290 is busy in the morning and evening but not too bad except where it joins I35 where it sucks.

[Jimmyp25]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Try Asian Cuisine.

Try The Hollow.

I would say try Eats on 8th, but they burned and it will be a while before they are open again.

Haven't been there but I've heard good things about Scott's Oyster Bar. Likewise Blue Window Cafe.

Ill check it out....


They are missing major ethnic foods out here big time. A lot of restaurants out here , I fully never understand. They are busy , yet they taste crappy and are lacking flavor. Yet people pile in and throw money at them.

Im looking for some real greek food. Real Pizza , and real Polish dogs and or Italian beef.

A Portillos is much needed here. That I do know.