Moving from Los Angeles (Dallas, Austin: best city, apartment, condo)

[movingeast11]

I've lived in LA my whole life and recently was laid off my job and want to move to Texas. I need help deciding which city would be the best fit for me. I hate LA traffic, hate high taxes in CA, and hate how expensive housing is in LA - a 2 bedroom condo in a good part of LA costs 400-500k. I want to be able to live in a big 3000 sqft house.

About me:
- Single 29 years old
- Moderate political views
- Have about $115k saved up in my bank account
- Have a masters degree in computer science from UCLA and 6 years experience. Would be looking for a software developer job at a large company.
- Good nightlife would be nice, but that isn't as important to me as affordable housing and good prospects for finding a job in my field.

Which city would you all recommend for me?

[Willsson]

Start packing, make a plan. Try living in an apartment for your first six months to get a feel for the area.

Start with Dallas... Uptown Dallas - Main

Large homes will be north bound from there.

[sxrckr]

Originally Posted by movingeast11

I've lived in LA my whole life and recently was laid off my job and want to move to Texas. I need help deciding which city would be the best fit for me. I hate LA traffic, hate high taxes in CA, and hate how expensive housing is in LA - a 2 bedroom condo in a good part of LA costs 400-500k. I want to be able to live in a big 3000 sqft house.

About me:
- Single 29 years old
- Moderate political views
- Have about $115k saved up in my bank account
- Have a masters degree in computer science from UCLA and 6 years experience. Would be looking for a software developer job at a large company.
- Good nightlife would be nice, but that isn't as important to me as affordable housing and good prospects for finding a job in my field.

Which city would you all recommend for me?

I think you'll like any of the major cities in Texas, but you won't be able to get away from the traffic (though it won't be as bad as LA.)

[TXRyan23]

Judging by your education and experience I'd suggest Dallas.

[RooCeleste]

Have you thought about finding a job FIRST and then moving where the job is?

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by RooCeleste

Have you thought about finding a job FIRST and then moving where the job is?

I second this.

[movingeast11]

Originally Posted by RooCeleste

Have you thought about finding a job FIRST and then moving where the job is?

Well I don't have a job in LA either right now since I was laid off and cost of living is lower in Texas so why not move before finding a job? Also, I'm sure most companies don't like to interview candidates from other states and then have to pay for moving expenses. I also have a good amount of savings to last me a while. Looks like I'll be checking out Dallas first based on all your recommendations.

[ShaneSA]

Look at Austin also for the IT jobs and Dell computers. Austin might also fit your profile better.

[TT Dave]

Based on your education and criteria, Dallas or Austin would probably be your best choice. Both are great cities for single professionals.

[neddy]

Best city for you is the one that has the new job you took! Not so sure Austin is the place either..lots of misdirection about how great the job market is and Austin is more costly than the rest of the state. Not CA costly but still money will last longer other places. Any places you visit in Texas right now are not going to be showing the best foot since this huge drought is going on over most of the state.