03-29-2012, 08:09 AM
16 posts, read
36,020 times
Reputation: 15
My family and I are thinking about a huge relocation to the Austin area, in the areas of Cedar Park/Leander/Round Rock/Liberty Hill. Currently we live in the Chicago area, and we're so sick of the urban-ness, and the extremely high cost of living.
We have 5 small children, 6 years and under, and want more rural, quiet, slower pace of life with a family-friendly community, and bye-bye to Midwest winters.
The Austin area seems too good to be true.
The houses we looked at that were comparable to ours were 4x the size! We bought our house for $222K, it's barely 1000 sq. ft., on less than a 1/4 acre lot, no back yard, on a busy street. The same price seems to fetch a beautiful home in Austin. The schools seems nice. Everything we've heard (other than the extremely hot summers- which would be a welcome to us) is absolutely positive about Austin and the surrounding areas.
So this cynic, city-born Chicago girl wants to know...What's the catch?
This all seems WAY TOO GOOD to be true? Are you all for real? Or we just pipe dreaming up here in the freezing Midwest?
03-29-2012, 08:22 AM
355 posts, read
923,295 times
Reputation: 324
Obviously you haven't been here during the summer...
03-29-2012, 08:24 AM
Location: Houston (Bellaire)
285 posts, read
568,174 times
Reputation: 524
It is far from a perfect place, but Austin will probably suit you well.
03-29-2012, 08:25 AM
16 posts, read
36,020 times
Reputation: 15
No, I've never been further than Iowa, I'm embarrassed to say.
03-29-2012, 08:30 AM
Location: Central Texas
20,958 posts, read
45,410,702 times
Reputation: 24745
It gets hot in the summer. Sometimes VERY hot, though last summer was a record-setter that some folks seem to think is "normal". It all depends on what you can cope with. Some folks have no problem and even go running in the heat; others hole up in AC and complain endlessly. Me, I rely on AC, but we have window units (1930 or so house) and high ceilings and normally don't turn even them on until late June/early July. But I've lived here all my life so I'm acclimated.
03-29-2012, 08:32 AM
Location: central Austin
7,228 posts, read
16,105,799 times
Reputation: 3915
Have you looked at Peoria! It has much of what you want -- smaller, more rural atmosphere (especially in the towns around it), good schools, lower cost housing, etc. But you won't have to completely uproot yourself and your family. Don't underestimate how important nearby family can be. It is a LONG drive between Chicago and Austin, around 30 hours. And I guarantee that there are so many things that you are taking for granted right now -- that you think are generic America -- but that are actually regional-upperMidwest -- that you will miss in Texas.
03-29-2012, 08:34 AM
16 posts, read
36,020 times
Reputation: 15
Thanks Texas Lady! So, it seems that it's not a fairy-tale, huh? It's all true. Wow!
03-29-2012, 08:36 AM
16 posts, read
36,020 times
Reputation: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by
centralaustinite
I guarantee that there are so many things that you are taking for granted right now -- that you think are generic America -- but that are actually regional-upperMidwest -- that you will miss in Texas.
I'm curious. Like what? (not being flippant! generally truly curious about what you mean)
03-29-2012, 08:42 AM
Location: Central Texas
20,958 posts, read
45,410,702 times
Reputation: 24745
For what you're describing, I'd say Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Pflugerville, Georgetown or, south, Dripping Springs.
East of I35 - as to why some agents are telling you that, I don't know without knowing which agents told you that. Could be that they are concerned about foundation issues (the soil east of I35 is Houston black, or black gumbo clay, and if the foundation isn't done correctly in the first place, that can cause issues, but it's not like every builder does it incorrectly, or that every home has foundation issues - and those that will, this last serious drought pretty much made obvious, it would seem). Could be that they have the perception that east of I35 is the "wrong side of the tracks" because in downtown Austin, it once was, and to some extent still is, though it's gentrifying fast and property east of I35, even near downtown, is becoming highly desirable. But if you're looking for small town living, that's not going to be an issue for you. It's also more small town/rural than urban, outside of Austin proper, and that scares some folks.
Sounds like it wouldn't scare you, though.
What exactly are you looking for? If you love to garden, or want horses, you'll find better soil for that east of I35, though there are pockets west of I35 that will do - you just have to find them, and they have to be for sale (or your agent has to be able to talk the owners into selling
).
What kind of price range are you looking at? Prices are likely to be lower closer in east, though you can still find good deals west, just more likely to be a bit further out. What size community do you have in mind?
As for employment, jobs are still hard to find but we're in better shape than a lot of places. A lot depends on your industry, of course.
03-29-2012, 08:46 AM
Location: Pflugerville
2,211 posts, read
4,850,901 times
Reputation: 2242
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Magpie425
My family and I are thinking about a huge relocation to the Austin area, in the areas of Cedar Park/Leander/Round Rock/Liberty Hill. Currently we live in the Chicago area, and we're so sick of the urban-ness, and the extremely high cost of living.
We have 5 small children, 6 years and under, and want more rural, quiet, slower pace of life with a family-friendly community, and bye-bye to Midwest winters.
The Austin area seems too good to be true.
The houses we looked at that were comparable to ours were 4x the size! We bought our house for $222K, it's barely 1000 sq. ft., on less than a 1/4 acre lot, no back yard, on a busy street. The same price seems to fetch a beautiful home in Austin. The schools seems nice. Everything we've heard (other than the extremely hot summers- which would be a welcome to us) is absolutely positive about Austin and the surrounding areas.
So this cynic, city-born Chicago girl wants to know...What's the catch?
This all seems WAY TOO GOOD to be true? Are you all for real? Or we just pipe dreaming up here in the freezing Midwest?
The reason our properties are cheaper is because we have a large property tax rate to offset our lack of state income tax. We also have a lot of wide open spaces, so it's generally cheaper to build new, then buy old (this is the opposite of Chicago where there is only so many places left to build, and it's cheaper to rehab). Add to that the appreciation you see on homes. Since it's usually cheaper to build, most people are not going to pay a premium for your house unless it is very well located. Where as in Chicago people can reasonably expect their house value to increase at a steady clip each year, in Austin, that is not always the case.
The trade off is no public transportation (at least in the areas you mention) so increased cost for having to buy 2 cars, and insurance on both of them. The weather can be oppressive. Also, while you may be tired of the "urban-ess" of Chicago, a lot of people are surprised at how old it gets having to drive 15 mins to get anything done. 15 mins to pick up your kids, 15 to the store, 15 to go mail a package, etc etc. Things are not centrally or conveniently located, and that can be a cultural shock to some..some don't care at all however.
I recommend you research property tax in Texas. You would be surprised how much your mortgage payment might be on a cheaper house. Maybe equal or close too what you pay in Chicago.
Please register City-data.com
Data:
Median household income ($)
Median household income (% change since 2000)
Household income diversity
Ratio of average income to average house value (%)
Ratio of average income to average rent
Median household income ($) - White
Median household income ($) - Black or African American
Median household income ($) - Asian
Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino
Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Median household income ($) - Multirace
Median household income ($) - Other Race
Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($)
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($)
Races - White alone (%)
Races - White alone (% change since 2000)
Races - Black alone (%)
Races - Black alone (% change since 2000)
Races - American Indian alone (%)
Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000)
Races - Asian alone (%)
Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000)
Races - Hispanic (%)
Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000)
Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%)
Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000)
Races - Two or more races (%)
Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000)
Races - Other race alone (%)
Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000)
Racial diversity
Unemployment (%)
Unemployment (% change since 2000)
Unemployment (%) - White
Unemployment (%) - Black or African American
Unemployment (%) - Asian
Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino
Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Unemployment (%) - Multirace
Unemployment (%) - Other Race
Population density (people per square mile)
Population - Males (%)
Population - Females (%)
Population - Males (%) - White
Population - Males (%) - Black or African American
Population - Males (%) - Asian
Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino
Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Population - Males (%) - Multirace
Population - Males (%) - Other Race
Population - Females (%) - White
Population - Females (%) - Black or African American
Population - Females (%) - Asian
Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino
Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Population - Females (%) - Multirace
Population - Females (%) - Other Race
Coronavirus confirmed cases (Apr 26, 2024)
Deaths caused by coronavirus (Apr 26, 2024)
Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Apr 26, 2024)
Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Apr 26, 2024)
Daily increase in number of cases (Apr 26, 2024)
Weekly increase in number of cases (Apr 26, 2024)
Cases doubled (in days) (Apr 26, 2024)
Hospitalized patients (Apr 18, 2022)
Negative test results (Apr 18, 2022)
Total test results (Apr 18, 2022)
COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Sep 19, 2023)
COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Sep 19, 2023)
COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Sep 19, 2023)
COVID Vaccine doses administered (Sep 19, 2023)
Likely homosexual households (%)
Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000)
Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%)
Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000)
Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%)
Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000)
Cost of living index
Median gross rent ($)
Median contract rent ($)
Median monthly housing costs ($)
Median house or condo value ($)
Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($)
Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($)
Median house or condo value ($) - White
Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American
Median house or condo value ($) - Asian
Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino
Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace
Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race
Median resident age
Resident age diversity
Median resident age - Males
Median resident age - Females
Median resident age - White
Median resident age - Black or African American
Median resident age - Asian
Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino
Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native
Median resident age - Multirace
Median resident age - Other Race
Median resident age - Males - White
Median resident age - Males - Black or African American
Median resident age - Males - Asian
Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino
Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native
Median resident age - Males - Multirace
Median resident age - Males - Other Race
Median resident age - Females - White
Median resident age - Females - Black or African American
Median resident age - Females - Asian
Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino
Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native
Median resident age - Females - Multirace
Median resident age - Females - Other Race
Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes)
Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000)
Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%)
Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000)
Marital status - Never married (%)
Marital status - Now married (%)
Marital status - Separated (%)
Marital status - Widowed (%)
Marital status - Divorced (%)
Median family income ($)
Median family income (% change since 2000)
Median non-family income ($)
Median non-family income (% change since 2000)
Median per capita income ($)
Median per capita income (% change since 2000)
Median family income ($) - White
Median family income ($) - Black or African American
Median family income ($) - Asian
Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino
Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Median family income ($) - Multirace
Median family income ($) - Other Race
Median year house/condo built
Median year apartment built
Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%)
Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%)
Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%)
Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%)
Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%)
Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%)
Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%)
Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%)
Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%)
Average household size
Household density (households per square mile)
Average household size - White
Average household size - Black or African American
Average household size - Asian
Average household size - Hispanic or Latino
Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native
Average household size - Multirace
Average household size - Other Race
Occupied housing units (%)
Vacant housing units (%)
Owner occupied housing units (%)
Renter occupied housing units (%)
Vacancy status - For rent (%)
Vacancy status - For sale only (%)
Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%)
Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%)
Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%)
Vacancy status - Other vacant (%)
Residents with income below the poverty level (%)
Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%)
Children below poverty level (%)
Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%)
Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%)
Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%)
Poverty status for native-born residents (%)
Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%)
Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%)
Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%)
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace
Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race
Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI)
Air pollution - CO
Air pollution - NO2
Air pollution - SO2
Air pollution - Ozone
Air pollution - PM10
Air pollution - PM25
Air pollution - Pb
Crime - Murders per 100,000 population
Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population
Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population
Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population
Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population
Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population
Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population
Crime - Arson per 100,000 population
Crime - City-data.com crime index
Crime - Violent crime index
Crime - Property crime index
Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average)
Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average)
Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average)
Crime - Property crime index (5 year average)
1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton)
1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole)
1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore)
2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush)
2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry)
2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush)
2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama)
2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain)
2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama)
2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney)
2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton)
2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump)
2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden)
2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump)
2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other
Ancestries Reported - Arab (%)
Ancestries Reported - Czech (%)
Ancestries Reported - Danish (%)
Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%)
Ancestries Reported - English (%)
Ancestries Reported - French (%)
Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%)
Ancestries Reported - German (%)
Ancestries Reported - Greek (%)
Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%)
Ancestries Reported - Irish (%)
Ancestries Reported - Italian (%)
Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%)
Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%)
Ancestries Reported - Polish (%)
Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%)
Ancestries Reported - Russian (%)
Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%)
Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%)
Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%)
Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%)
Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%)
Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%)
Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%)
Ancestries Reported - United States (%)
Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%)
Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%)
Ancestries Reported - Other (%)
Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%)
Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%)
Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%)
Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%)
Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%)
Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%)
Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%)
Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%)
Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%)
Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%)
School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%)
School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%)
School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%)
School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%)
School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%)
School Enrollment - College undergrad (%)
School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%)
School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%)
School enrollment - Public schools (%)
School enrollment - Private schools (%)
School enrollment - Not enrolled (%)
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
Median number of rooms in apartments
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%)
Density of houses
Urban houses (%)
Rural houses (%)
Households with people 60 years and over (%)
Households with people 65 years and over (%)
Households with people 75 years and over (%)
Households with one or more nonrelatives (%)
Households with no nonrelatives (%)
Population in households (%)
Family households (%)
Nonfamily households (%)
Population in families (%)
Family households with own children (%)
Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses
Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses
Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses
Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses
Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses
Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses
Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses
Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses
Mortgage status - with mortgage (%)
Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%)
Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%)
Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%)
Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%)
Average family size
Average family size - White
Average family size - Black or African American
Average family size - Asian
Average family size - Hispanic or Latino
Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native
Average family size - Multirace
Average family size - Other Race
Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%)
Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%)
Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%)
Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%)
Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%)
Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%)
Place of birth - Born in other state (%)
Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%)
Place of birth - Foreign born (%)
Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%)
Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%)
Housing units in structures - 2 (%)
Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%)
Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%)
Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%)
Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%)
Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%)
Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%)
Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
Renter moved in on average (years ago)
Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%)
Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%)
Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%)
Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%)
Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%)
Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%)
Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%)
Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%)
Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%)
Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%)
Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%)
Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%)
Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%)
Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%)
Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%)
Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%)
Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%)
Means of transportation to work - Walked (%)
Means of transportation to work - Other means (%)
Working at home (%)
Industry diversity
Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%)
Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%)
Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%)
Most Common Industries - Construction (%)
Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%)
Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%)
Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%)
Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%)
Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%)
Most Common Industries - Utilities (%)
Most Common Industries - Information (%)
Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%)
Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%)
Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%)
Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%)
Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%)
Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%)
Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%)
Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%)
Most Common Industries - Educational services (%)
Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%)
Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%)
Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%)
Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%)
Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%)
Most Common Industries - Public administration (%)
Occupation diversity
Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%)
Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%)
Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%)
Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%)
Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%)
People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%)
People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%)
People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%)
People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%)
People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%)
People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%)
People in Group quarters - State prisons (%)
People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%)
People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%)
People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%)
People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%)
People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%)
People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%)
People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%)
People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%)
People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%)
People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%)
People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%)
People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%)
People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%)
People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%)
People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%)
People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%)
People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%)
People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%)
People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%)
People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%)
People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%)
People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%)
People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%)
People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%)
People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%)
People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%)
People in Group quarters - On base (%)
People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%)
People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%)
People in Group quarters - Military ships (%)
People in Group quarters - Group homes (%)
People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%)
People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%)
People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%)
People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%)
People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%)
People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%)
People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%)
People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%)
People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%)
People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%)
People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%)
People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%)
People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%)
Residents speaking English at home (%)
Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%)
Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%)
Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%)
Residents speaking Spanish at home (%)
Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%)
Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%)
Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%)
Residents speaking other language at home (%)
Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%)
Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%)
Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%)
Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%)
Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%)
Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%)
Class of Workers - Local government workers (%)
Class of Workers - State government workers (%)
Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%)
Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%)
House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%)
House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%)
Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%)
Armed forces status - Civilian (%)
Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%)
Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%)
Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2021
Fatal accidents locations in 2005
Fatal accidents locations in 2006
Fatal accidents locations in 2007
Fatal accidents locations in 2008
Fatal accidents locations in 2009
Fatal accidents locations in 2010
Fatal accidents locations in 2011
Fatal accidents locations in 2012
Fatal accidents locations in 2013
Fatal accidents locations in 2014
Fatal accidents locations in 2015
Fatal accidents locations in 2016
Fatal accidents locations in 2017
Fatal accidents locations in 2018
Fatal accidents locations in 2019
Fatal accidents locations in 2020
Fatal accidents locations in 2021
Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%)
Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%)
Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol
Alcohol use - Average drinks/week
Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much
Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%)
Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%)
Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%)
Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%)
Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%)
Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%)
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%)
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%)
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%)
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%)
Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store
Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores
Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out
Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods
Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%)
Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%)
Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%)
Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%)
Current Health Status - General health condition (%)
Current Health Status - Blood donors (%)
Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%)
Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%)
Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%)
Diabetes - Diabetics (%)
Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%)
Diabetes - People taking insulin (%)
Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%)
Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month)
Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week)
Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week)
Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month)
Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month)
Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%)
Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%)
Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%)
Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%)
Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%)
Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%)
Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night
Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%)
Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%)
Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%)
Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%)
Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%)
Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%)
Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%)
Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%)
Medical Conditions - People with gout (%)
Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%)
Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%)
Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%)
Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%)
Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%)
Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%)
Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%)
Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%)
Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%)
Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%)
Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%)
Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%)
Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%)
Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%)
Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%)
Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%)
Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%)
Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%)
Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%)
Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist
Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%)
Oral Health - People with gum disease (%)
Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%)
Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device
Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem
Oral Health - Average number of teeth
Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%)
Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%)
Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%)
Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%)
Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%)
Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%)
Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%)
Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities
Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos
Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer
Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%)
Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%)
Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%)
Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%)
Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%)
Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking
Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%)
Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%)
Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%)
Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%)
Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%)
Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%)
Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%)
Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%)
Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%)
Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%)
Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%)
Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%)
Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%)
Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%)
Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%)
Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%)
Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%)
Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%)
Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%)
Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%)
Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%)
Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex
Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+)
Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year
Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+)
Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%)
Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night
Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%)
Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%)
Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%)
Weight - Average height (inches)
Weight - Average weight (pounds)
Weight - Average BMI
Weight - People that are obese (%)
Weight - People that ever were obese (%)
Weight - People trying to lose weight (%)
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We have 5 small children, 6 years and under, and want more rural, quiet, slower pace of life with a family-friendly community, and bye-bye to Midwest winters. 
The houses we looked at that were comparable to ours were 4x the size! We bought our house for $222K, it's barely 1000 sq. ft., on less than a 1/4 acre lot, no back yard, on a busy street. The same price seems to fetch a beautiful home in Austin. The schools seems nice. Everything we've heard (other than the extremely hot summers- which would be a welcome to us) is absolutely positive about Austin and the surrounding areas.
This all seems WAY TOO GOOD to be true? Are you all for real? Or we just pipe dreaming up here in the freezing Midwest?
Sounds like it wouldn't scare you, though. 
