Insight on the city for a culinary grad (Austin: apartment, how much)

[mvales18]

So I'm a recent culinary school graduate. I currently live in New Jersey and there's not much for me out here in the Baking and Pastry field. I'm looking to relocate to Austin in hopes of more opportunity. I'm wondering if anyone can help me, give me some information about Austin and the food scene. I hear it's great and all but I'm talking employment. Is there much out there in the pastry field? Preferably bigger companies, hotels, whole foods, and what not. I know they exist but are they looking? Also, say I don't find the job I'm looking for and I take a minimum wage job. Can I afford expenses? Expenses being driving/gas, apartment (rent, utilities), food....the necessities, the basics.

[cmaxmor]

Originally Posted by mvales18

So I'm a recent culinary school graduate. I currently live in New Jersey and there's not much for me out here in the Baking and Pastry field. I'm looking to relocate to Austin in hopes of more opportunity. I'm wondering if anyone can help me, give me some information about Austin and the food scene. I hear it's great and all but I'm talking employment. Is there much out there in the pastry field? Preferably bigger companies, hotels, whole foods, and what not. I know they exist but are they looking? Also, say I don't find the job I'm looking for and I take a minimum wage job. Can I afford expenses? Expenses being driving/gas, apartment (rent, utilities), food....the necessities, the basics.

Regardless of the food scene, I would strongly recommend NOT moving here unless you have at least 6 months living expenses. It will take a while for you to orient yourself, find employment, room mates and figure out how much money you need. There is a culinary school here already that pumps out graduates. Currently the trend is towards food trailers. Your guess is as good as mine as far as how long that will last.

[centralaustinite]

LOTS of culinary school graduates here! Lots of all kinds of graduates (business, law, marketing, as well as every type of social science and humanities students too). Hence, Austin has always been a low-wage town with over-educated people dishing out yogurt or serving drinks. Without a network here, your chances are very slim.

[mvales18]

Thanks! I definitely forgot about the culinary schools in the area and they could easily pose a problem. I'm working on building a network but who knows how that will go.

[JohnHenrySDM]

To answer your second question: the cost of living here is very reasonable and you could definitely get buy with a lower paying hourly job.

[spelrod]

Minimum wage and living alone? No.

Living with a roommate in the suburbs? Doable.