Austin ExPat Escape Plan - 2018 Version (Greenville, Detroit: home, income, property taxes)

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by ScoPro

Kerrville.

Back a few years ago, My SO and I scouted out Kerrville and took a few drives out there. It just didn't "hit" me. I think it should, on paper, but there was something "too sleepy" about it. Thus the challenge of a small town vibe once we're use to the big(er) city offerings.

Last night was a typical Austin TX BS Hassle that triggers the mixed feelings about Austin. We wanted to go to dinner at Juliet then head over to Saxon Pub to dance and hear Damn Torpedos (Tom Petty tribute band).

Forgot about the 5:30 closing of Barton Springs Rd for Trail of Lights, got tangled up at Bee Cave/Mopac exit, no way to get northbound on Mopc to escape, had to U-Turn under Mopac, then head to Ben White to Lamar then North. Traffic was bad as usual. Never made it to Juliet, so went to a Italian joint near Saxon instead and got seats at the bar/counter (reservations were booked - no walk-in tables). That was pretty nice actually.

Then turns out Saxon was sold out (first time that's happened for this band) so couldn't do that either.

Walked across to One 2 One, and found out Patrice Pike was playing later, but we didn't want to wait 1.5 hours, so we called it a night and went home at 8PM as we assumed all movies and other options would be packed or sold out as well. So much for a spontaneous date night in Austin.

On the one hand, there is a lot do do in Austin, on the other, you have to work for it and remember to plan meticulously, it's hard to be spontaneous because of overcrowding, bad traffic, impossible to remember what roads are closed where or when.

Steve

[Antny12]

It’s funny to read the people that moved away all these years ago still checking in on Austin forums. I mean it must have a special place in your heart to have to come back years later to brag about your great new city lol.

[walker1962]

Originally Posted by Austin97

I love how austin is growing so look forward to the things to come.

But I think santa fe would be great for you. We have friends that just moved to kansas city and it is very nice as well.

A lot of it would depend on what type of activities you like to do

Beachwise, go towards the gulf coast east of the mississippi. Buy the land and build a cheap home. If it gets destroyed you will still have the land.

FYI, Santa Fe housing is MORE expensive than Austin. Also you will get some real winter there as well.

[walker1962]

Originally Posted by neddy

My brother and his wife say Ft Collins reminds then of a 90s Austin. One of his kids goes to the college there. Staying in Texas I like the Tyler area or Kerrville

Colorado is more expensive than Texas in general. But I do like Fort Collins. Its only 50 miles north of Denver and not quite as expensive.

[walker1962]

Lake Buchanan sounds good as right now, the area nearby really is undeveloped. however, I think over the next 20 years, that will change not only with Austin growing north (See new $1 billion dollar Apple campus to be in far north Austin/Williamson county and new Chanel Plant). but Killeen/Copperas Cove moving southward to be close to Austin amenities and the lake.

[10scoachrick]

Steve, I've got a nice little house in Highlands, NC for sale. Special deal for the CD real estate guru!!

[Westerner92]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

For my 50+ peers and comrades at or nearing retirement, what is your escape destination when you finally hit the Eject button on the ever evolving Clown Rodeo Austin has become?

My criteria,
College town that ain't cool enough to be pricey just yet.
Southwest Airline airport less than 1 hour drive away
State Capital a plus, just for the variety of demographics
Traffic tolerable
Lots of outdoor "active lifestyle" options.
Not too far north.
Lower risk for Hurricane, Tornadoes, Forest Fires (statistically western Montana, but that's too far North.)
Would rather stay in the US.
No scooters.

It sounds like you’re looking for a smaller version of Austin. Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the “next Austin” I’m convinced. If I had a family of my own, I’d consider it. It won’t be “discovered” by coastal types for at least a decade or two.

Retirement sounds nice. I’m legitimately just hoping my 401(k) and civilization as we know it are around by the time I reach that age.

[LookingatFL]

austin-steve

You might like Athens, GA

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by walker1962

FYI, Santa Fe housing is MORE expensive than Austin. Also you will get some real winter there as well.

santa fe's median is a bit less than austin and the cost of living is less.

property tax is about .75%
income tax is about 5%

[orngkat]

Austin will always by home in my heart. My kids and friends are still there etc so I do check to see what's going on from time to time.