Is Austin getting too crowded? (West, Howe: how much, college, camping)

[inthecut]

This might sound obvious, but let me explain what I mean.......seems like Austin has been growing at about the same pace as Las Vegas the last decade.....most people seem to come here primarily for quality-of-life issues...though other things factor as well, it mostly comes down the QOL.......

That being said, does Austin at a certain point ever simply get TOO congested, too sprawlish, too big-boxy, too polluted, and all, and IMPACT those quality-of-life issues? How much exponential growth CAN Austin's metro absorb before it just gets so large and congested that it destroys the ambience that attracts residents in the first place? How close is it NOW to that point?

In other words, when does Austin just become like everyone else?

[txgolfer130]

The problem w/ that rationale is that you assume that Austin would be like everywhere else. Austin will ALWAYS be Austin. It can not be anything else (no matter how people try to change it), and if it is too congested, too sprawlish, then it's the fault of those who: 1.) Plan, 2.) Execute, 3.)Live there.

The biggest problem Austin has is the lack of planning and executing that plan for growth. Despite that, Austin will always still be in the Top 10 places, because it's Austin.

[llkltk]

I've lived in Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco. Austin is a SMALL town!

[eepstein]

I would say that point is not too far in the future. The Austin city council still refuses to improve the infastruture of this city with the knowledge that if you "don't build it, they won't come". People continue to come to Austin for a better quality of life. However, with the congestion, increased crime, and lack of amenities, it is just a matter of time before Austin starts loosing population to other cities who actually have more to offer.

Originally Posted by inthecut

This might sound obvious, but let me explain what I mean.......seems like Austin has been growing at about the same pace as Las Vegas the last decade.....most people seem to come here primarily for quality-of-life issues...though other things factor as well, it mostly comes down the QOL.......

That being said, does Austin at a certain point ever simply get TOO congested, too sprawlish, too big-boxy, too polluted, and all, and IMPACT those quality-of-life issues? How much exponential growth CAN Austin's metro absorb before it just gets so large and congested that it destroys the ambience that attracts residents in the first place? How close is it NOW to that point?

In other words, when does Austin just become like everyone else?

[love roses]

I think the atmosphere around the Lake (Travis) has changed quite a bit. A ton more development out that way and it doesn't really seem like the out of the way, relaxed place it was even 10-15 yrs. ago. We used to camp at Pace Bend Park and across the lake from it there was absolutely no development. Now it's just super Mcmansions as far as the eye can see. Not such a great camping experience when you have to worry about disturbing the residents or worrying that they can see EVERYTHING you are doing.

[HappyTexan]

You're right love roses..the lake doesn't seem as remote as it once did.

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by love roses

I think the atmosphere around the Lake (Travis) has changed quite a bit. A ton more development out that way and it doesn't really seem like the out of the way, relaxed place it was even 10-15 yrs. ago. We used to camp at Pace Bend Park and across the lake from it there was absolutely no development. Now it's just super Mcmansions as far as the eye can see. Not such a great camping experience when you have to worry about disturbing the residents or worrying that they can see EVERYTHING you are doing.

The owners of these McMansions are probably more worried that you can see everything THEY are doing .

Western Travis county is indeed growing - and not all of it is good. But to counterbalance that we have Mr. Wynn trying to get everyone to live downtown in a high rise.

For eepstein - you keep talking about Austin losing (not "loosing") population to other cities with more to offer. Which cities are these?

[jobert]

We are constantly complaining about sprawl on this forum, and now we are complaining about crowding. You either have one or the other. Which do you prefer?

[hoffdano]

If you are asking me - I live in Spicewood, just outside Austin, so I prefer less crowding. I like space around me.

I also don't like traffic - and I need to drive to work in the Arboretum area. So I absolutely would like to see Austin improve its roads and transportation infrastructure. I agree with the many posts that say Austin pretended for so long that it wasn't an issue - but it obviously is.

I don't think the solution is to try to turn Austin into a dense urban city. Those that want that lifestyle have that choice today. But the city can't ignore the needs of people who prefer a different lifestyle.

There really is no reason for Austin to abandon the Texas style and culture of live and let live. Because that is why millions of people live in this less packed state.

[Trainwreck20]

Heh....personally, the growth in Austin has afforded me more space and has resulted in less time in the car, as well. I can now do access almost everything I need fairly nearby, whearas I used to have to drive all the way across town for some 'one of a kind' stores. My commute is shorter than it has every been in my life, both time-wise and distance-wise (as long as you don't count college ).

I just find it an interesting assumption that everyone who lives in Austin has to commute to downtown. The increase in mass has allowed some pseudo city-center development in the suburbs, and I have less traffic issues than I have had in many years. I can now live closer to the hill county proper and still be close to work/amenities than I ever could before.

Now, there are some one of a kind things - Campbells hole, twin falls, Zilker park- that will see some strain and are very difficult to duplicate. And, of course, overall water supply .