Moving from Austin, TX to Colorado Springs, CO (Denver, Pueblo: university, living)

[Vision67]

The religious zealots in Colorado Springs are totally harmless. They mostly keep to themselves and they don't go out and try to convert the heathens.

If they want to do Bible Studies, who cares? I find them to be of good character; much better than average.

My only quibble is when they find out that you do not belong to their cult, they leave you alone. They feel most comfortable associating exclusively with their own tribe.

On the whole, they are a more positive than negative influence on the society.

[Bill Carson]

I was born in Colorado Springs and my wife was raised in Austin.

On the surface, people may think that Colorado Springs and Austin would be similar. After all, the cities are of about the same size, both are heavily dependent on the technology industries, both are located along interstate corridors, and both are smaller than the large cities in their state. However, that is where the similarities end.

First of all, Austin is the home of the University of Texas, one of the largest colleges in the country. Secondly, Austin is the state capitol and many government agencies have their headquarters in the city. There are no large military installations within 50 miles of Austin.

By comparison, Colorado Springs has the military bases, but no large university presence (the Academy is about 1/10th the size of UT) and no bureaucratic agencies.

Ironically, even though Austin is undoubtedly more politically and socially liberal than COSP, I would be willing to bet that church attendance is higher in Austin.

[Postal]

Originally Posted by Bill Carson

but no large university presence (the Academy is about 1/10th the size of UT)

And USAFA can't even be compared with a normal university. When discussing schools in the terms you are, I wouldn't even consider it in the mix.

I wonder if the best way to put it is that COS is a conservative area of a liberal state where Austin is a liberal area of a conservative state? Or am I drawing too much of a conclusion for the rest of CO based off Denver/Boulder?

[Bill Carson]

Originally Posted by Postal

And USAFA can't even be compared with a normal university. When discussing schools in the terms you are, I wouldn't even consider it in the mix.

Agreed.

I wonder if the best way to put it is that COS is a conservative area of a liberal state where Austin is a liberal area of a conservative state? Or am I drawing too much of a conclusion for the rest of CO based off Denver/Boulder?

No, I think that's right--you put it well.

On another note, I find it interesting that people connect COSP's political and social conservatism with it's perceived religiosity. While the religious right would have us believe that you can't be both a Christian and a Democrat, in Texas it is presumed that everyone is Christian (that is, unless you are ethnically Jewish or Muslim).

[imisscarlsbadcalifornia]

My husband and I are considering a move to the Springs. Thanks to some of the folks on this forum we got some good input/advice and went down this past Sunday to check out some real estate and spend some time downtown, in Manitou Springs, and in Old Colorado City. We had lunch there on Sunday afternoon and didn't see a single bible study going on. The vibe in all three places felt like it might in any other small town to me. Though Manitou reminded me a great deal of Estes Park, another beautiful spot in Colorado.

I haven't lived in Austin but I've lived in southern California for a long time. I walked away, granted from just one day's visit, with a smile on my face and breathing a sigh of relief. If my husband takes the job there, I think we'll be just fine even though we are progressives who don't ascribe to any organized religion and prefer free thinking to any particular dogma. My husband lived in Austin for several years and loved it big time, except for the heat.

If you like some of the charm of small towns and have an entrepreneurial proclivity I think you might like at least a visit to what has been called the west side of town by the folks who know it far better than I do.

[MountainPharmD]

Originally Posted by Topaz

It was true when I lived there. I've never seen anything like it.

I have nothing against Bible studies, for sure, but it was the omnipresence in public settings and the VOLUME of them that amazed me. It seemed quite odd to me in the way they were being conducted, like the participants were showing off. Lots of loud personal testimonials.

When friends came to visit from out of town, they thought it was hilarious.

There is a strong religious presence in the Springs i.e. Focus on the Family. However in four years of working and playing in the Springs I never once noticed anything like this. When people ask me about living in the Springs I never mention anything about religion because its not an issue.

Like previous posters have said. They mainly stick to their own little cult groups and do not bother anyone.

[Bideshi]

Cult? Do you consider Christianity a cult?

[MountainPharmD]

Originally Posted by Bideshi

Cult? Do you consider Christianity a cult?

Absolutly.....

[Bulldawg82]

I am from Copperas Cove (just about 45 minutes northwest of Austin - thus the Bulldawg on my username & 82 for the year I graduated) and I love the Central Texas hill country AND I love Colorado Springs. As to which of the two are better, that is purely subjective. There are pro & cons to both. The seasons are different animals entirely. So if you like not-so-hot-&-humid summer, then CoS wins hands down (and of course, vice-versa if you don't). Winters are the same - if you like some cold & snow - CoS wins; and if you don't - Austin is the place. Just make a list of the things that float your boat and those things that you want in a place and then make your decision. I will be moving to Colorado Springs early next year by my own choice (and it helps when you have a good job offer) and I will be happy there because I need my 4 seasons. If my job took me to Austin - then I would be very happy there as well. Its kinda' like choosing between white or yellow gold

[treedonkey]

On the original post:
"Are there any trendy/Austinish areas in The Springs?"
There are plenty of nice areas in or near the springs. I would not call them trendy though, which is exactly what makes them nice (to me). If you want to be trendy, please stay in Austin or move to some other up-and-coming locale that seems cool to you.