moving to austin (Charlotte: to rent, neighborhood, university)

[phillychc]

I'm seriously considering moving to Austin after a brief visit. I liked the downtown area. How easy is the transition for someone from the Northeast, and how friendly are the people? Whats a good area to rent? I drive but would like a walk friendly neighborhood.

[centralaustinite]

Ask msaloff, it can be hard for northeasterners, mainly because I think that folks tend to take for granted the great things that their region has and they assume that everyplace is similar!

Tell us what you like about Austin and maybe we can tell you if the city is a good fit.

Austin is a great big town or small city in the southwest, just 50 years ago it was a real small town even with the university and city government so infrastructure that takes decades of huge capital investment is either non-existent or just getting started: museums, cultural institutions, public transportation in particular.

Yes, we have museums and wonderful cultural institutions but the valid comparisons are to Charlotte NC, Phoenix AZ, Little Rock, AK, Madison WI, San Jose, CA.

We are not a smaller warmer Philly.

good luck!

[phillychc]

Thanks. Definitely loved the hot sunny weather. Philly can be humid, rainy dreary and dark for days if not weeks on end. Pretty much had it with the weather. Drove across country and spent some time in Austin. Seems like a friendly unstuffy city. I like the fact that its big and open with wider streets. Of course the cultural scene is a plus.

[orbius]

I think Austin is a little more stuffy than you think. Lots of self-absorbed people willing to step on people and with a polite exterior thats about an inch deep. Though of course they're only one type of people here, but a growing minority. Also I think people suffering through these unending 100+ degree days might argue with you about the quality of the weather. I have to say its a bit of a downer not having real seasons here. Theres nothing like having it 80 degrees and sunny on Thanksgiving to ruin the mood.
It is a great town however, lots of outdoor things to do, lots of music, nightlife, etc. I do have to say however when you've been here for 3 years of so the city starts to feel 'small'. Some people love that big city with a smaller town feel vibe but some people miss the vastness and diversity of a true metropolitan area.
Not trying to talk you out of anything Austin is a great town with many positive qualities, just trying to create a more balanced picture of the city.

[phillychc]

thanks for the insight. I dunno, what do I prefer, 80 and sunny on thanksgiving or rain, dark and dreary? I've spent a lot of time traveling and over 20 years in Philadelphia. Think I'm ready for a change. Definitely will miss the new england fall (wont have easy access to that anymore), but I'm still trying to decide. Have also considered the New England area, but the winters are brutal and the snow is definitely no joke. thanks again.

[hoffdano]

Those comfortable days on Thanksgiving are rather nice for us. We can enjoy time before or after dinner on the patio.

Sometimes we can jetski in November or February. Pretty fun to do actually.

I don't know who Orbious hangs out with. But the vast majority of people in Austin are friendly nice to be around.

The cheesesteaks are probably not as good as what you're used to. But I bet our BBQ or Mexican food is much better!

[Schnaiy]

I agree with Hoffdano on the food: You will find the best BBQ here (many to choose from to suit your taste) and Mexican food to die for at very reasonable prices.

I guess Orbius and I have come across the same type of people in our work and community situation
he wrote:
I think Austin is a little more stuffy than you think. Lots of self-absorbed people willing to step on people and with a polite exterior thats about an inch deep.
Sadly, that is a truth for me. It is reassuring however, as I hang out on this forum that there are indeed some very nice people in Austin, I just hadn't had the pleasure of meeting them face-to-face yet. So I will not give up on trying. Lately, I've stayed indoors due to the heat, but also because I was a little dejected about not meeting people I could engage in some deeper discussion other than talking about how hot and dry it is here!