Looking to relocate to Austin (Portland, Jefferson: condos, houses, neighborhoods)

[Counter-Culture]

So I'm might be moving to Austin soon. I'm currently living in Jefferson City, MO
So I would be trading one capitol for another .

I'm a Computer programmer at the Capitol here currently and am curious what the developer scene is like there? I've also got Portland on my list as well because of the vibrant developer community there. Its pretty much dead here.

My last concern is that I currently own a house on about a acre in town and while Jefferson City is a LOT smaller. I would rather not be forced to live in Yuppyville and by the that I mean houses exactly the same and with a backyard just big enough for a kiddy pool. What areas should I be looking in for this kind of real-estate?

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by Counter-Culture

So I'm might be moving to Austin soon. I'm currently living in Jefferson City, MO
So I would be trading one capitol for another .

I'm a Computer programmer at the Capitol here currently and am curious what the developer scene is like there? I've also got Portland on my list as well because of the vibrant developer community there. Its pretty much dead here.

My last concern is that I currently own a house on about a acre in town and while Jefferson City is a LOT smaller. I would rather not be forced to live in Yuppyville and by the that I mean houses exactly the same and with a backyard just big enough for a kiddy pool. What areas should I be looking in for this kind of real-estate?

It does not sound like you are describing what most people think of yuppyville, it sounds like you are describing what most people think of the suburbs. You need to give a price point for meaningful suggestions.

[Counter-Culture]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

It does not sound like you are describing what most people think of yuppyville, it sounds like you are describing what most people think of the suburbs. You need to give a price point for meaningful suggestions.

175-250k. Just a figure of speech pardon me, didn't mean to offend.

[drshdw]

Originally Posted by Counter-Culture

175-250k. Just a figure of speech pardon me, didn't mean to offend.

You'll be living in the suburbs.

Use this http://www.trulia.com/for_sale/Austin,TX/x_map/

[Jennibc]

I wasn't offended, it's just most people when they think of yuppyville, think of urban, upscale neighborhoods and those homes might look alike in the sense that they are condos downtown, but houses exactly the same with postage stamp sized lots are typically in the 'burbs. Which, unfortunately, is what you will get at that price point.

You might be able to find some rural land that you could put a trailer on for that outside of town. Or perhaps if you are willing to deal with a commute you could end up in one of the neighboring small towns.

[hoffdano]

Depending on what kind of skills you have, the developer scene in Austin ranges from ordinary to outstanding. The best work for developers is ALWAYS with companies that develop software for a living. That means vendors, which Austin has many of.

Developing software for a bank or a state agency is not so special most of the time.

I think Austin is a great spot for senior level programmers that work in C, C++, C#, .net, databases, networks, operating systems. For ordinary Java skills Austin is highly competitive (over supply of people).

[Counter-Culture]

Awesome, Thanks for the responses exactly the info I was looking for.