Retirees Moving from Houston to Austin -Need to Meet People

[madrone2k]

This is a joking comment, but perhaps has some truth to it: I wonder if Austin's population growth would be a lot less without so many Houstonians retiring there. :-)

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by Bestyears

Wanted to provide a quick update:
I spent the last week in Austin, exploring many of the neighborhoods discussed on here as well as others. Liked some stuff; didn't like some stuff -the usual. Then I went to Mueller, against my 24 year old daughter's advice, because, as she said, "OMG, Mom, it isn't real Austin, it's like Disney built it." I know, I know, I was 24 once too, so I went anyway. And I completely fell in love with it! I went on three separate occasions, late afternoon, mid-morning and early afternoon, and each time, there were so many people out and about -including lots of people my age.Two couples, empty nester retirees, were sharing wine on their porch and invited me up to talk. I love the idea of walking to a coffee shop or restaurant. We love to bike, walk and exercise the dog and there is TONS of opportunity for that.. It was the first time in my week there that I felt completely joyous about moving to Austin. The idea of nipping over to UT to take OLLI classes, nipping downtown midweek to have lunch with my daughter, heading out on our bikes with my husband all just seemed exactly what I was picturing. I would love walking outside to a farmer's market on Sunday, etc. etc. The bad part is, wow, it's pretty expensive. But if we sold the Hollows house, as well as the house we live in, we could do it. So now, fill me in. Is it too good to be true?

I think it's important to trust your gut, understand that there are always "unknown unknowns" that you may be failing to recognize and factor in, know your "must have" vs "nice to have"s, don't overthink it, then make a decision.

I always remember back in 1996 we left Travis Heights and bought a home in South Austin after our second daughter was born. After moving, we realized we really missed Stacy Park and the ability to go for walks there with a stroller. A year later that caused "walking distance to park" to become a "must have" when we decided to move again. We eliminated many great houses that lacked walkability to a neighborhood park. Eventually we bought 2 blocks from Dick Nichols Park in SW Austin.

Then, with the kids ages 1 and 4 it became such a battle royale to make the walk (as compared to our memory when we only had 1 kid) that we'd load them in the minivan and drive the two blocks to the park.

Point being, that our assumptions of what a "must have" lifestyle amenity is can be tricky and will change over time. Today, semi-retired, I value "walk to coffee shop" top of list. I do it now and then but not as regularly as I would think I'd want to.

Sorry, just a bit of a ramble. Mueller is a great fit for many people and if it checks enough boxes could be a great pick for you guys.

[DPatel304]

Originally Posted by Bestyears

Wanted to provide a quick update:
I spent the last week in Austin, exploring many of the neighborhoods discussed on here as well as others. Liked some stuff; didn't like some stuff -the usual. Then I went to Mueller, against my 24 year old daughter's advice, because, as she said, "OMG, Mom, it isn't real Austin, it's like Disney built it." I know, I know, I was 24 once too, so I went anyway. And I completely fell in love with it! I went on three separate occasions, late afternoon, mid-morning and early afternoon, and each time, there were so many people out and about -including lots of people my age.Two couples, empty nester retirees, were sharing wine on their porch and invited me up to talk. I love the idea of walking to a coffee shop or restaurant. We love to bike, walk and exercise the dog and there is TONS of opportunity for that.. It was the first time in my week there that I felt completely joyous about moving to Austin. The idea of nipping over to UT to take OLLI classes, nipping downtown midweek to have lunch with my daughter, heading out on our bikes with my husband all just seemed exactly what I was picturing. I would love walking outside to a farmer's market on Sunday, etc. etc. The bad part is, wow, it's pretty expensive. But if we sold the Hollows house, as well as the house we live in, we could do it. So now, fill me in. Is it too good to be true?

I enjoy the Mueller area, and I wouldn't say it's too good to be true. It does feel very cookie-cutter and master-planned, but, aside from that, it's got everything you appear to be looking for. What I love the most is how close it is to Downtown Austin and the east side, so it wouldn't be too hard for you to venture out to those parts of town.