Let’s be honest. What’s your take on Austin and newcomers? (Houston: college, live)

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

Originally Posted by Jame22

What gives you the belief that left-leaning is associated with a live-and-let live mentality? In general, leftism leads to a more powerful state and less individual rights.

Live and let live and leftism go hand in hand on some issues, such as is in favor of legalized abortions, legalized same sex marriage, in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana and other drugs, keeping religion out of politics, legalized prostitution, legalized gambling in all states, allowing panhandlers to accept donations at busy intersections, actually, live and let live is just about everything is legal as long as it's not hurting anybody else or invading somebody's personal space.

Live and let live and rightism go hand in hand on other issues, such as less taxes, less government power and intervention into people's personal lives, pull yourself up by your bootstraps - you're on your own mentality, less government help/benefits for the poor, to name a few.

[A-Tex]

I find the least tolerant people to be those virtue signaling self-congratulatory yard sign loving left leaners. They boast of their "live and let live" attitudes when what they really mean is "live and let live as long as you agree with me."

[mrsb9494]

Originally Posted by A-Tex

I find the least tolerant people to be those virtue signaling self-congratulatory yard sign loving left leaners. They boast of their "live and let live" attitudes when what they really mean is "live and let live as long as you agree with me."

hahahah so true so true

[EggemAustin]

Personally I find "live and let live" to correlate more closely with maturity than political leanings. But YMMV and I'm sure there's someone who'd argue that political leaning correlates with maturity too - where greater maturity equals agreement with that person's leaning, of course.

There's a lot to think about and also a lot to read on CD about schools and that's worth some attention before you plunk down money on a house. For whatever reason most of the discussion seems to be a year older or more. (Anyone know why CD school discussions have dried up? Or am I not seeing some?). If you're thinking about private, you should know that finding spots can be challenging -- the population growth has outpaced school development I guess -- and that the application cycle for many is ending now (Jan/Feb) for the fall school year start. Not that there aren't exceptions or people who get in last minute over the summer, but it's something to be aware of. Of course, if you're thinking public, that problem goes away.

I lived in Austin in 98-2000 and again since 12. Both times I found the people and culture friendly and open. It's a bit more workaholic now but that's true in a lot of places and in my experience it's nothing like the "higher maintenance" cities I've been in and around. As far as moving, I've done it several times in my adult life and the drill is the same: stay open, stay friendly and accepting, and expect a couple years before you feel settled with a network of friends -- longer if there's not a social system to pull from. (Here, ours has been our kid's school community.)

Wish you well in your adventure

[Frodo2008]

Originally Posted by riaelise

Avoiding traffic isn't our great goal in life, because if it were, we'd have to move to Smithville. but the increased traffic sucks, especially to many natives. And I'm talking about local traffic, not just traffic going into Austin. I don't set foot in Austin other than during work hours, but nowadays I have daily stoppage at various points along my route. And I'm not the traffic, because I take public transit. My car is off the road, at least in Austin.

Yes that is correct. You will never have to worry about traffic in Smithville. Smithville is the real life version of Mayberry.

[luksky]

After being on this forum for the past ten years, I can tell you that the attitudes and opinions on this forum and the “real Austin” are two different things.

If you want to really know Austin you have to get out there where the real Austin resides. This forum is just an Austin playground.

[pop251808]

Originally Posted by A-Tex

Yet they care very much how you think.

I don't think so.

[ManaMist72]

Moved here from CA a few years ago, and our take so far is:

1. People are extremely friendly, welcoming, and embracing of newcomers. We have never once experienced any comments or slights from anyone. The chat forum is definitely a stark contrast to meeting people in person.

2. People are not flakey or unreliable & seem to be up for anything. They are great about showing up to birthday invitations for kids and other fun gatherings we’ve put together with a whopping 90%+ yes attendance on most occasions. In CA on the other hand, we had less than half show up to birthdays, and people flake on plans or show up late to dinner parties we had planned without giving notice.

3. Summer is as hot as you would expect, and seems to last into October, but that shouldn’t be a shock to anyone pondering a move here. I grew up in tropical/hot weather, so it wasn’t as jarring a transition, and I can run comfortably in 90 degree weather. (Everyone has varying levels of heat tolerance).

4. Allergies are terrible, but seem to hit some people harder than others. I’ve heard about the 5 year rule, but of our entire family, I won the lottery with Cedar fever during our first AND second Winter here. I also suffer from horrific Spring allergies right now. (Into our 2nd year). I have definite plans to see an allergist this year.

5. Traffic is awful, but compared to other major cities, it’s not that bad. Traffic is very relative to where you used to live.

6. Property taxes are outrageous. We are very concerned about how we are going to pay these 5-10 years from now when there seems to be no end in sight to property tax increases.

I think above all, the only way you can truly know if a place is right for you is just taking the plunge toward moving. You can visit several chat forums, gather as much info as you can, but in the end, you have to experience it for yourself, and immerse yourself into the city to really get the best feel for it.

Good luck with your decision!

[WhatTheFox]

Originally Posted by ManaMist72

2. People are not flakey or unreliable & seem to be up for anything. They are great about showing up to birthday invitations for kids and other fun gatherings we’ve put together with a whopping 90%+ yes attendance on most occasions. In CA on the other hand, we had less than half show up to birthdays, and people flake on plans or show up late to dinner parties we had planned without giving notice.

This is so true!

[Snowpacked]

Anyone coming here now is imposing. We are struggling to manage the people invading the area now and it's not particularly appealing.