Starting to doubt my move here, help! (San Antonio, Austin: best cities, real estate)

[rynetwo]

Originally Posted by Azure110

And where do you back up this claim with? The urban core of SA is NOT 2 million+, at least not from a residency standpoint.

We are not talking about the core.

We are talking about areas of continuous development. In this population calculation it leaves out all of Wilson County, Medina County, Atascosa County, New Braunfels, and Seguin.

An urban area is a location characterized by high human population density and many built environment features in comparison to the areas surrounding it. Urban areas may be cities, towns or conurbations, but the term is not commonly extended to rural areas such as villages and hamlets

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_area

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Chaka

lways takes time to establish strong relationships in a new place. I've moved quite a few times, so for others for whom this is a first time move they may be surprised by it. Give it time, it'll happen, but you also have to work to make that happen. There are no shortage of young, professional, educated, single people in this city. They just may not be hanging out in the same suburban places.

I agree. We keep going back to the "urban core," though. Even for me, with a masters and a full time job, living in that area was impossible cost wise. I think this is what many people come up against. 20-30 somethings can find good employment here, no matter the industry (tech, medical, social services, etc). But with salaries bring relatively low affording a $1200/ month loft in Southtown is not attainable. People are able to afford $800 in the medical center, brook hollow or the Perrin bietel area (I say those areas because I have friends that meet our definition of young, educated professionals). It's harder to run into someone with common interests and to make organic friendships that way.

I generally think we're on the same page here, I'm just stating the things I've seen and may be happening to new residents.

[L210]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Y'all can throw all the facts out but you can't invalidate someone's personal experience (as Chaka did say). This board isn't just about facts, it's about sharing personal experience and the OP is not alone in their experience.

Some people get really offended if you say anything negative about their city as if the person insulted his or her mother. San Antonio is not perfect, and it's not going to be a good fit for everyone. That applies to any city. Some of the people who defend San Antonio don't even live in the city or even in a city that's surrounded by San Antonio. Some of them don't even live in Bexar County. They've chosen to move far out to the suburbs. For some reason, San Antonio or the municipalities inside it weren't a good fit for them either.

Nothing anyone says here is going to change the reality of someone's personal experiences. If you can, find a place that will be a better fit and be happy.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

I agree. We keep going back to the "urban core," though. Even for me, with a masters and a full time job, living in that area was impossible cost wise. I think this is what many people come up against. 20-30 somethings can find good employment here, no matter the industry (tech, medical, social services, etc). But with salaries bring relatively low affording a $1200/ month loft in Southtown is not attainable. People are able to afford $800 in the medical center, brook hollow or the Perrin bietel area (I say those areas because I have friends that meet our definition of young, educated professionals). It's harder to run into someone with common interests and to make organic friendships that way.
.

The person who originally prompted my response said he/she earned 6 figures.

Alta Vista, Tobin Hill, Government Hill, Dignowity Hill, even Manhcke Park have apartments for much less than the new lofts. When I was a young 30 something pulling in a very low salary (this is what happens in non-profit), I moved to a place people thought wasn't so nice. Turned out to be the best community in which I've ever lived. As long as you'll only live in a brand new complex with all the new amenities, you're stuck in the suburbs.

[Azure110]

Originally Posted by rynetwo

We are not talking about the core.

We are talking about areas of continuous development. In this population calculation it leaves out all of Wilson County, Medina County, Atascosa County, New Braunfels, and Seguin.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_area

It is so hard to understand your statements. If you want to use your rose tinted glasses and use whatever data that works in your favor to make San Antonio proper look bigger, better, etc....by all means go for it.

Not all of us can be fooled into thinking San Antonio is the next best thing since sliced bread though.

[Paka]

Hey guys, take a chill pill. Not only does he have you guys all stired up, but he has moved on to other much more exciting things to post on....(check out the OP previous posts)....he has hit every topic EXCEPT SA since he posted this! Quiting a job, kissing a woman, all kinds of stupid stuff!

[beaste]

Originally Posted by Paka

Hey guys, take a chill pill. Not only does he have you guys all stired up, but he has moved on to other much more exciting things to post on....(check out the OP previous posts)....he has hit every topic EXCEPT SA since he posted this! Quiting a job, kissing a woman, all kinds of stupid stuff!

Gotta love the HNR posts.

[mm4]

Originally Posted by Azure110

And where do you back up this claim with? The urban core of SA is NOT 2 million+, at least not from a residency standpoint.

Why do you keep pushing this line as if Greater SA residents outside of the SA city boundaries but in its 8 county San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA don't participate in its workforce or economy, or social life holistically.

[Down in a Hole]

Originally Posted by Paka

Hey guys, take a chill pill. Not only does he have you guys all stired up, but he has moved on to other much more exciting things to post on....(check out the OP previous posts)....he has hit every topic EXCEPT SA since he posted this! Quiting a job, kissing a woman, all kinds of stupid stuff!

Wow, you are quite the stalker, thats just creepy. Yes I quit my job, not I haven't kissed a woman, don't know where that came from..the only stupid stuff I see is what you have posted here.

[Down in a Hole]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

Friends and dating: you need a hobby or two. Cycling, volunteering (somewhere that doesn't take community service "volunteers" because those are not the friends you need), some sort of hobby that will get you out there with a group of like-minded people. That's the best way to make friends. Worry about the friends first, the dating later. Even church might work for meeting women, some churches have great singles groups or events.

Employment: Devote a certain amount of time to your job search every day or every week...register on the state workforce website so you can see their job listings, get used to checking the job ads on the same websites (not craigslist) every day or every week, if you know someone who works at the place you want to work, ask if you can put them down as a reference.

Originally Posted by TXEX06

I agree with Hedge. You need to join a group/club. Whether that is crossfit, yoga, cycling group (I see hundreds of cyclists on their Tuesday night ride), San Antonio Sports Social Club, or a gym. Even join a foodie group or beer group! Volunteering at Fiesta, Culinaria, or any other event. Join Beethoven's and be part of their social society. Take part in young professionals mixers and happy hours. The list can go on.

I've made great friends and dated some amazing women doing a few of the things I've just said. This isn't counting all the coworkers I've befriended. From my experience married coworkers hook you up with the best women. Good luck!

Thanks to the both of you. I am active on meetup, but so far the events range from Yay! to meh...I went to one and it was just for ice cream and it was not good. The people were not nice and had negative attitudes so I left the group. Looked for something this weekend and there doesn't seem to be much, but I will keep trying

Originally Posted by chud

Wherever you go, there YOU are.


Yeah, avoid the call centers. You don't want to build up a resume with a lot of call center jobs on it.

Try taking a vacation from dating for a while and pursue your own hobbies and interests. And travel. You'll be glad later that you used your time in that way.

I do want to travel, and I have already told myself that I will not work at any call center.

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

I think based on your degree and preferred employment field that volunteering within organization that you would like to work with would be a good step. See if any of those organizations you applied for need volunteers. (I think that's a possibility with an MPA?). That would get your foot in the door and get to know the people you would like to work with. Also what is keeping you in SA outside of maybe a lease? If there's nothing that is keeping you here spread your resume a bit further north and south. I won't advocate for you to uproot yourself for Austin or south Texas, but there are other areas in and around San Antonio that might work.

San Antonio is a hard city to make friends in, and this is coming from a Native San Antonian. When I check facebook many of the peope I was acquainted with are still very close to people they were close to in middle school and high school. It's kind of odd. I will fourth the getting involved in organizations and volunteering. Also consider the SA Sports and Social Club scene. They can place you on a team that would get you into a group. I know some people I worked with in the past that are now very close to the people they met through kickball. I will also second the church reccomendation. I made some great friends through the church I went to, and that wasn't even a large mega church like CBC or Oak Hills or Cornerstone.

Dating,yes. It's a problem in San Antonio. I have no advice there. I dated some big time losers in San Antonio and online dating was my go to. I avoided huge losers by waiting until a few weeks of several exchanges of messages before going on actual dates. That weeds out the people that just want to get laid or have other agendas (like traveling? Like let's go get a drink because I'm in town for a night?)

Yeah, I blocked someone today as a matter of fact, it is just getting old. I keep getting the, "I wish people wouldn't play games" and what do they do? Play games..sigh..