? Small safe town or burb to work and live in 08 economy. Visiting (employed) job seeking wants Texas tips! (San Antonio: for sale)

[bewisengentle]

Can you suggest towns or burbs that would be good to visit in an upcoming job/housing exploratory trip? I'm en route to AU and will be visiting the locale..

I'm targeting areas with with the following characteristics:

1) Some white collar jobs that are likely to survive the 08 economy and beyond.
2) safe housing- particularly shared housing in case the economy really goes bust. Renting from a homeowner with a garden would be keen (:
3) nice people. I'm friendly - down to earth- and independent-- that's why I'm drawn to Texas. It sounds like the Texas type.
4) some good outdoor rec/hiking/walking areas (could be lakes, rivers, parks, hills, trees)
5) some older singles (30-60).

Me:
I'm middle aged, educated but not snobby at all, no kids, and a conservative free spirit-also a Christian. I work fulltime (marketing) and have been aiming for sales. I'll flex my job targets with the economic demands.

I'm thinking somewhere between or in Austin and San Antonio- but I'm open a little in either direction No. So. Ea. Wst!

I'd really appreciate your Texas Tips!

[love roses]

Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander and Cedar Park (North and East or West of 35, doesn't matter) or maybe Dripping Springs area, Buda...I don't know, there are tons of nice little towns around here that fit that but IMO/experience these towns fit what you ask

The reasons I say those towns above are because they are close to lakes and rivers, near different types of jobs (medical and tech and education being some big ones). A few of them have nice town centers/old downtowns, ca. 1800's, their own interesting things to do unrelated to downtown Austin, such as symphonies, theatre, festivals, sports and other outdoor events, they tend towards conservative and free spirited also. You'd find like minded friends, no doubt

[HappyTexan]

San Antonio and Austin are different enough that you will want to visit both.

[bewisengentle]

Thanks HappyTexan and Love Roses!

[bewisengentle]

If I add country western dance places and second hand shops -

to the above criteria (someplace with outdoorsy features -hills, lakes, river, parks etc, for an older (40's) female-Christian, free spirited thinking,who rents in safe but not snobby places, works in white coller jobs typically and does not want to drive more than 20min to work--

By the way-- I need to learn line dancing! Sounds like a good activity for free spirited middle aged single, doesn't it (:

What places come to mind?

[TexasHorseLady]

I'd recommend Georgetown to fit all of your requirements. The others will meet some of them, but I'm not sure about the others, so I can't really speak to that with confidence.

[texastea]

I was thinking Georgetown, too.

[bewisengentle]

Thanks everyone.