clueless about moving to Austin (Dallas, Spring: crime, Home Depot, transfer)

[Lindsay_Marie]

Hello

Looking to relocate to Austin, visiting there in about a month to take a look, kinda want to go with some knowledge.

I currently live in FL, Space Coast, about 15 minutes away from the beach. I am from a NJ suburb.

I am a single girl in my mid twenties and I looking to relocate. Tired of the small town mentality of this part of FL, miss being near the city don't necessary want to be completely in it.

Any suggestions about the suburbs of Austin? I am looking in Dallas maybe too. I work for a major retailer with very good transferring ability to either area. I just dont know where to focus on in Austin.

Like I said I want to feel safe, I am ok with quiet, I have cats, dont want to be in the heart of the city but close enough to get there.

I grew up in NJ was there till I was 20 so I have experienced and love being able to take a train or other some other public transportation to NYC.

I have been in FL for a few years, understand heat and ridiculous humidity. lol.

Any suggestions or help would be really appreciated. Thanks!

[lemonlime22]

While intellectually I know Austin is a "city", when I see people referring to it as such, I always think, "CITY?!" Because to me, it's an overgrown town...

There are really only 2 malls where you could work (I'm guessing it's Macy's or Dillard's) either Barton Creek Mall or The Domain. The only way to get to either one without a car is a bus. And boy, I'd hate to be dependent on these buses...

Come and see what you think...

[TexasHorseLady]

There's Lakeline Mall, too, of course - Macy's and Dillard's (if such is, indeed, the company you're speaking of - if not, give us a hint) are both there.

However, transportation here is not going to be anything like New Jersey (my son lived in New Jersey and NYC for a few years, so I'm vaguely familiar with what you're talking about).

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

There's Lakeline Mall, too, of course - Macy's and Dillard's (if such is, indeed, the company you're speaking of - if not, give us a hint) are both there.

However, transportation here is not going to be anything like New Jersey (my son lived in New Jersey and NYC for a few years, so I'm vaguely familiar with what you're talking about).

If it's Dillard's, don't forget about the one at Hill Country Galleria. It may work, as the OP said she didn't want to be right in the middle of town, but close enough to get there. Not much in the way of public transportation, however.

[eepstein]

I wouldn't even consider Austin. Dallas would be the choice hands down.

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

If it's Dillard's, don't forget about the one at Hill Country Galleria. It may work, as the OP said she didn't want to be right in the middle of town, but close enough to get there. Not much in the way of public transportation, however.

[Lindsay_Marie]

I work for a big box home improvement store, nothing in a mall.

[sinking]

Originally Posted by Lindsay_Marie

I work for a big box home improvement store, nothing in a mall.

There is a Lowes and Home Depot every 1-1.2 miles here. You could be close to a store no matter where you live.

Safe, quiet, and close enough to the city? I would check out NW Austin/Cedar Park.

[HappyTexan]

The suburbs of Austin will be closer to where you are now in FLA in city type.
I'm familiar with that area..Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach area in Brevard County?

Dallas is more of a big city with better transportation and more big city type of activities.

[atlanta hope]

The heat is different here than from Florida -- here it's more dry heat and less humid. That said, I prefer the heat here.

I agree with LemonLime, Austin is more of a town than a city, so it depends on what you're looking for. I like to be more in an over-grown town than a big city choked with pollution, traffic and crime (I'm referring to my experience of Atlanta) and while people here complain about the traffic, I don't really mind. I'm assuming that Dallas has some traffic issues as well.

So really, you'll have to visit both to see what fits your lifestyle the best.

[drshdw]

South Congress/Clarksville/Barton Springs/etc. No reason to live in the suburbs if you're single and mid 20s..and trying to get away from the small town feel.