How would an out-of-state college grad fit in Ausin? (Austin: transplants, house)

[Do a Barrel Roll]

Good evening. I'm planing to graduate within the next year from college and wanted to know about the social scene for people from other parts of the country in Austin. I heard countless times how people from Austin are "socially liberal" and are populated w/ college grads, so that's why I'm considering this town as one of the places where I'll start my post-college life. I realize that even though I live in an area where there are a lot of college grads, many young grads who live in DC tend to have the stereotypical "yuppie" image, having an excessive ego, oozing with arrogance, being spoiled off & flaunting their parents' money, and are very cliquish with people whom they know from "beforehand;" this is regardless if they came from some other part of the country. My question is how would I, as a transplant from the DC area (or Northeast in general) be treated as an incoming individual by the inhabitants, and is it easy (with effort of course) to fit in with the crowd of the town? In addition, how is the general vibe of Austin's youth in reference to their personalities, hobbies, interests, hang-out spots, and openness to meet new people?

[WillysB]

many young grads who live in DC tend to have the stereotypical "yuppie" image, having an excessive ego, oozing with arrogance, being spoiled off & flaunting their parents' money, and are very cliquish with people whom they know from "beforehand"

If this is not you then you'll have quite a nice life in Austin.

Austin is young, hip, happening and politically liberal.

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[MJinAustin]

Although people say Austin is liberal, I think the area is pretty well-balanced and has a laissez-faire, live-and-let-live sort of vibe. (I mean Portland, OR has a militant liberalness to it where I think Reps and Dems spit on each other walking down the street, but in Austin a Rep and Dem can have a beer together.) There is a section of Austin (West) that has a lot of people who are concerned about what they drive and how big their house is, but the prevailing climate is laid-back.

[love roses]

I agree, it's more well balanced. No militant liberalism here.

[Do a Barrel Roll]

Originally Posted by WillysB

If this is not you then you'll have quite a nice life in Austin.

Trust me, this is the opposite of what I am, which is why I can't stand living here longer than I have to, along with having almost no social life (despite being in college).

Originally Posted by MJinAustin

Although people say Austin is liberal, I think the area is pretty well-balanced and has a laissez-faire, live-and-let-live sort of vibe. (I mean Portland, OR has a militant liberalness to it where I think Reps and Dems spit on each other walking down the street, but in Austin a Rep and Dem can have a beer together.) There is a section of Austin (West) that has a lot of people who are concerned about what they drive and how big their house is, but the prevailing climate is laid-back.

Nice to hear that. Even though I'm a moderate liberal, I would prefer the live-and-let live mentality over an extremist mindset of any agenda, even if it "favors" me. As long as someone who doesn't fit the "modern WASP/preppy/heartland image" can fit in.

[TexasHorseLady]

As long as someone who doesn't fit the "modern WASP/preppy/heartland image" can fit in.

Hey, this is the town where Leslie ran for Mayor twice, and got votes! (That's a very conservative outfit for Leslie, by the way.)

[mimimomx3]

It may be more liberal, but Austin definitely has its share of college grad, trust fund babies working 'internships' at their parents' friends' companies. It's expensive to live in Austin on a first job salary. Also remember that you'll be competing with UTA grads (and their network) for those jobs.

[txgal78]

I went to UVA, lived in Cville and Richmond, and had no problem moving down here!

[twange]

Originally Posted by mimimomx3

It may be more liberal, but Austin definitely has its share of college grad, trust fund babies working 'internships' at their parents' friends' companies

Oh, by all means. I would posit that many of them aren't even "working". Just hanging out and being hip. But, Austin's got that hipster buzz now, so here they come...

[belliot30]

Sure, Austin is a good new college grad fit. I graduated from school in IL and moved here immediately for my new job. I quickly found people to hang out with. There are so many different kinds of people here that I would expect you to have no problems. Honestly it feels like I meet more transplants than native Texans here .