Greenville SC vs Austin TX (rent, buy, theatre)

[loose cannon]

Im torn between moving to Greenville SC or Austin TX. Austin obviously has a lot going on culturally and socially but maybe it's too big of a step. Greenville is a quaint town that seems to have been revitalized and it is close to Athens GA and Atlanta. Also, It is easier to vist PA since a plane ride from Atlanta is an easy hr and a half max. I also can conveniently visit my friend in Florida during the winter. Your views?

[Jammie]

Greenville. You mentioned a few good reasons why it'd be a better choice for you and I think you should go with that.

[carolina moon]

Greenville QUAINT thats a first for me lol, actually its a very cosmopolitan city lots .....Brits French German etc. was named the city with more engineers than any other in the USA. What do you do workwise ? We have Theatre, Ballet, Symphony, Art Museums, Plus an excellent hospital system. Close to the mountains and also the beaches, restaurants galore you name it we have it. and all the upscale stores you find in mostly larger cities. But dont tell anyone we have too many moving here already ..........

[dullnboring]

I'm not sure where you're moving from, but generally, while it is a large city, the layout and vibe of Austin is one that doesn't necessarily suffocate or feel overwhelming. It's not like moving to New York or Los Angeles, so I think that adjusting to Austin, if your worry is going from a smallish city to a big city, shouldn't be that difficult. Now, if there are other worries in moving to Austin, largely in moving further away from friends and family and that is what you refer to as it possibly being too big of a step, then that I can understand.

With that said, I would recommend Greenville for the very reasons you listed. It just seems like it would be a better fit. However, don't be afraid of Austin.

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

Im torn between moving to Greenville SC or Austin TX. Austin obviously has a lot going on culturally and socially but maybe it's too big of a step. Greenville is a quaint town that seems to have been revitalized and it is close to Athens GA and Atlanta. Also, It is easier to vist PA since a plane ride from Atlanta is an easy hr and a half max. I also can conveniently visit my friend in Florida during the winter. Your views?

My vote goes to Greenville for the reasons you mentioned and it's closer to the mountains. Austin is too HOT. I know Greenville can be hot too, but not as long as in Austin.

[Danimal]

There is one stark sifference between Austin and Greenville. Austin is one of the most liberal towns in the country, Greenville is one of the most conservative. This may or may not be important to you, but idealogy plays a big part in both cities. Greenville is heavily influenced by the ultra rigid Bob Jones University. It has also become sort of a beacon for evangelical Christians looking for a utopia of like minds. Conversely, Austin is full of techies, hippies, and a very famous music scene. Hope this helps.

[deeptrance]

Danimal is correct (and I love the "alternative" stuff about Austin so I'm not critiquing it.) Another major difference is that Greenville has easy access to one of the most gorgeous areas of the country, the southern Appalachians. I like Austin's weather MUCH more than the SE, cuz you get more consistently humid hazy weather and we have more air movement and clear skies dotted with beautiful big clouds, but other than that, you've got incomparable natural beauty at your doorstep in the Carolinas, whereas we just have a whole lotta Texas at our doorstep. Nothin' but miles and miles of Texas!

[friendnc]

Originally Posted by Danimal

There is one stark sifference between Austin and Greenville. Austin is one of the most liberal towns in the country, Greenville is one of the most conservative. This may or may not be important to you, but idealogy plays a big part in both cities. Greenville is heavily influenced by the ultra rigid Bob Jones University. It has also become sort of a beacon for evangelical Christians looking for a utopia of like minds. Conversely, Austin is full of techies, hippies, and a very famous music scene. Hope this helps.

Actually, the "Christians looking for a utopia of like minds" thing is not true. The same could be said about SF/Berkeley, just from the liberal side of it, right? Yes, Bob Jones U. is in Greenville, but doesn't have the influence you suggest. I'm very familiar with the area and have MANY friends there. Actually, there's a nice mix of liberal/conservative ideas there. No one feels they have to compromise or hide who they are, liberal or conservative. Sure there are a good number of Christians there, and they're great people. But there are others of a more liberal view point there as well, and they're just as nice. It's better to not buy in stereotypes from either side. It cuts both ways!

Having said that, I'd highly recommend Greenville for the reasons you memtioned. Beautiful area and nice 4-season climate. It's convenient to both Charlotte and Atlanta. Both have excellent airports. If I'm not mistaken, I think the cost of living is a bit lower in Greenville as well. Good luck!!

[deeptrance]

Originally Posted by friendnc

If I'm not mistaken, I think the cost of living is a bit lower in Greenville as well.

I'd bet my bloated Austin rent that you're right about that part of your post!

[tony123]

I have to also disagree with the comments of a "Christian Eutopia" ruling Greenville. There is a large population of Christians (I'm one), But, if you choose, you can live a life that is not effected by that at all.