Relocating to Austin from London, UK

[channingr]

Thanks everyone for helping us out, once we have some figures etc for living accommodation i think we will be a bit more clearer on areas etc...
We are really looking forward to come over next week to see it all for ourselves, we have done a lot of reading on the place and lakes and areas to view but it is alway good to be reassured by the people already living there!

For those that asked with what we are like and what we like doing, i love being outside and exploring new places, walks along rivers and lakes are my favourite. I would love to take up horse riding again and can only imagine this is possible out there? I love the countryside and although i said we come from London its actually a home town out side so have never lived in the middle of a city. We are undecided what we do in Austin, we don't want to miss out on the Texas life style if we live in a suburb?? we will definitely have a car to get around so maybe that will be the best of both worlds!

I have read a lot about the traffic getting in and out of the city in peak times, is this really awful?! do we have to bare this in mind when looking at neighbourhoods to live?

The guys already moved or moving to the UK will be of great help i'm sure, but i guess after our visit i will have some more direct questions you are able to help us with!
It's great to see how much everyone loves the place and how friendly everyone is saying you all are, it really is a relief!!!

[maadimom]

We moved here from Oxshott, Surrey last year. We are Americans, but hadn't lived in the states in 15 years. I think you will love it here if you come with the right frame of mind. Check out meetup.com as there are several Brit groups on there and you can find people that can relate to the things you need to know about. It is VERY different here, but also a lot is similar to what you are used to. Come with an open mind, and you'll fit in great!

[love roses]

It feels just as much like Texas here in the towns around Austin as it does inside of Austin proper, even more so depending on which town.

[TexasHorseLady]

OP, what do you like to do? What are your interests? Are you planning on renting or buying when you arrive, or renting and then buying? (I've had clients from the UK do both.) What's your budget? Do you have children, so schools might be important? (Of course, there are a plethora of private schools in Austin to choose from, as well.) Are you more interested in city life or outdoor life, or one of each?

Give us a better picture of you and we can give you a better picture of you in Austin.

Edited due to crossposting: Yes, horse riding is very much possible here - English and Western, driving if you prefer it, most any discipline and seat!

You will NOT miss out on the Texas lifestyle if you live outside of Austin proper. I'd recommend, however, living in one of the small towns outside of Austin to get the "real feel", depending on commute. With luck, you might even be able to have a horse on your place, or live in an equestrian community with trail riding friends.

I'd recommend looking at Georgetown, Liberty Hill (probably the furthest out you'd want to go but definitely a "horsey" community), Leander, some parts of Cedar Park, Elgin (VERY horsey community), Dripping Springs. These are spread out all around the Austin area and each has its special virtues and vices.

You will want to think about the traffic at rush hour if your husband is going to be working "normal" hours (whatever those are these days!).

Welcome to Texas! I loved London and England in general when we visited there briefly (though I confess Scotland was my special love - I suspect it was my genes talking ).