Thinking of Relocating. Tired of the filth, crime, and graffiti (Austin: employment, neighborhoods)

[sb8636]

- I am white and my wife is Korean. We have never had any problems here. There are many mixed Asian/white couples and families in Austin, and I have not heard about bad experiences.

- Allergies can be an issue, obviously it highly depends; varies from person to person. For myself, I find that if I am getting enough sleep then for whatever reason (immune system I guess) I don't suffer from allergies. As other posters have implied, allergy medicines seem to be improving these days but you would know more about that than me. Luckily my wife does not (yet?) suffer from allergies; she moved here relatively recently.

- Highly agree with the sentiment posted by Mr. Hound - 1) live in a good-school area relatively near your job. 2) 1/2 acre is probably too much (and is a lot to maintain as well) but you can find good lots over 6000 ft2 for sure.

- There is definitely less graffiti in Austin than in LA itself. In general, 311 will clean up most graffiti quickly. However, you should know that property crime levels aren't exactly low, though vary widely by neighborhood and even street. My bike was stolen a few months ago despite being U-locked.

- There are very good venues to do Crossfit and powerlifting as well as weightlifting. For powerlifting, Hyde Park Gym is a great place. Even most of the YMCAs around here have caught onto the trend and increased their number of deadlift bars/plates, squat racks, trap bars, etc. There are several Crossfit gyms that appear good as well, though I am not into Crossfit so cannot really go into detail there.

[dbsteel]

Being in your position as a pharmacist, you can live just about anywhere..... small, big, north, south. I would consider looking at other options than just jumpin on the "Let's move to Autin" bandwagon based on what you've researched. There are penty of cities out there not as growing and not as hectic that are good places to raise a family. Its heading towards being a huge city.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by dbsteel

Being in your position as a pharmacist, you can live just about anywhere..... small, big, north, south. I would consider looking at other options than just jumpin on the "Let's move to Autin" bandwagon based on what you've researched. There are penty of cities out there not as growing and not as hectic that are good places to raise a family. Its heading towards being a huge city.

Obviously, based on national trends, not all states - and therefore, not all cities - are equally desirable.

[dbsteel]

Originally Posted by scm53

Obviously, based on national trends, not all states - and therefore, not all cities - are equally desirable.

No kidding..... which is why I said to maybe look elsewhere. Yet another magazine article

[EzPeterson]

Originally Posted by dbsteel

No kidding..... which is why I said to maybe look elsewhere. Yet another magazine article

For a city and area you disliked so much, you sure do seem to focus on it a lot.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by dbsteel

No kidding..... which is why I said to maybe look elsewhere. Yet another magazine article

Pretty obvious you didn't read it before opining. Texas was one of the places that was viewed favorably.

[creepy]

Don't Move Here.

The articles are listing us as the place to move to and it is hurting us. We are all being manipulated by the greedy.

Thanks.

[dbsteel]

Originally Posted by scm53

Pretty obvious you didn't read it before opining. Texas was one of the places that was viewed favorably.

I read it. I've seen the articles everyone posts, favorable and no. My point is, its "one" of the places, and a lot of the reason why Austin is getting bombed by peopple moving there sight unseen is articles just like that, which may or may not be any more than one guys opinion. I was giving my opinion. I'm all for the guy checking out Dallas and Houston too.

[oldasndood]

Originally Posted by sb8636

- I am white and my wife is Korean. We have never had any problems here. There are many mixed Asian/white couples and families in Austin, and I have not heard about bad experiences.

- Allergies can be an issue, obviously it highly depends; varies from person to person. For myself, I find that if I am getting enough sleep then for whatever reason (immune system I guess) I don't suffer from allergies. As other posters have implied, allergy medicines seem to be improving these days but you would know more about that than me. Luckily my wife does not (yet?) suffer from allergies; she moved here relatively recently.

- Highly agree with the sentiment posted by Mr. Hound - 1) live in a good-school area relatively near your job. 2) 1/2 acre is probably too much (and is a lot to maintain as well) but you can find good lots over 6000 ft2 for sure.

- There is definitely less graffiti in Austin than in LA itself. In general, 311 will clean up most graffiti quickly. However, you should know that property crime levels aren't exactly low, though vary widely by neighborhood and even street. My bike was stolen a few months ago despite being U-locked.

- There are very good venues to do Crossfit and powerlifting as well as weightlifting. For powerlifting, Hyde Park Gym is a great place. Even most of the YMCAs around here have caught onto the trend and increased their number of deadlift bars/plates, squat racks, trap bars, etc. There are several Crossfit gyms that appear good as well, though I am not into Crossfit so cannot really go into detail there.

Thank you very much. That was a very informative post! I appreciate that you would take the time.

[dell2645]

Moved to Austin from the east coast two years ago. Love my multicultural community that Westwood High School provides. Totally understand what you mean about California. Recently spent a few weeks there on vacation. It was not the Cali I remember from the 80's. Is now overcrowded, overpriced and a lot dirtier than I remember. Kids could not wait to come home and they are well traveled kids - Miami, NY, NJ, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, London. They couldn't figure out why I loved Cali so much as a kid.

One of the top high schools in texas with several Korean clubs including Kpop dance, Korean drums, etc. Also the HQ of Mu Sool Won is right down the street from the school. Korean "Hana" market is a 15 min drive just east of loop 1. Great area but very competitive and challenging school system.

One thing in Texas that you may not want is a large piece of land. The property taxes are high and if you plan to have grass or plants you could be looking at $400 - $600 a month during the summer for watering. Summer can be really hot. If you are financial able and are accustomed to lower square footage you may want to consider a small home here and a getaway place somewhere cooler that you can escape to in August. NM or CO come to mind. You can rent out the vacation property for the rest of the year.

Dallas is also a consideration. Affordable housing, good schools, jobs, etc. Would not consider Houston- the humidity would be a killer for someone coming from S. Cali. Good luck with your move!