Describe Austin for me... (Santa Fe, Miami: rent, school, university)

[krmb]

Hi,

I'm tired of living in this tiny city in Alabama, and I want to move. I was seriously thinking about maybe moving to the North, but, from what I've gathered by hanging out on the New York forum, it's not the best idea for my budget. I want to go somewhere where there is a bustling arts scene and where I can dramatically improve my communication skills, through guilds for comedy or acting, and finally "get out." Does Austin fit the bill? I'll be honest, it wasn't even on my list of choices originally. My dad is from Texas, and I've been to the state many times. I thought I would at least inquire, though.

More info:

I will probably have a master's degree in ESL Teaching before I make the move.

Culture is what I need. I need to be somewhere where I can meet many artistic people and create until my heart's content. I want to be able to join established acting or comedy guilds, and I want to learn how to get along with many different people from all walks of life.

I make a little less than the average teacher working as a substitute teacher and private tutor.

As I mentioned before, I'm not the best communicator; this is the area I want to improve. I want to learn how to entertain my students and persuade people with grand presentations. I want to become a master of small talk and make people feel at-ease and familiar with me.

I definitely want to go to school; it's a great place to meet new people, find job leads, and network. I can probably even apply for in-state tuition since my dad lives in Texas.

What do you think? Does Austin fit the bill?

[ImOnFiya]

Yes, but you're going to work hard for the rent and trying to meet the creative contacts you need. You need to join as many artist organizations, meetups, and listserves as you can.

[MedicalPartisan]

I can't describe it for you because I don't live there; nor have I ever visited. I have, however, done an extensive amount of research and am certain this is where I want to be with the exception of one small (huge) problem; the heat. I live in Pensacola, FL so am I somewhat used to the heat. Here, though, we have four seasons. While "fall" is very short here, we still get one. I don't so much mind the heat as long as I get a winter; something Austin doesn't seem to offer.

Check out this quote from a blog I read.

I moved here in June, 2011, which was the start of the hottest summer on record in Austin. We had 85 days of high temperatures of over 100 degrees, and 27 of those days were consecutive.

Many will tell you you need to ensure you are okay with this type of weather as it is a huge factor in moving there. I have not visited yet but I plan to. I'm not certain I'll love that much heat all the time. The issue is that, based on my extensive research, Austin is everything I want. From the music scene, night life, restaurants, nature, and people, to the decent cost of living and medical job opportunities. Seriously, Austin is everything I want. I just hate that it's so hot for so long. I don't know what to do.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by WDaleHerring

I don't so much mind the heat as long as I get a winter; something Austin doesn't seem to offer.

Hmmm...lows in the mid-twenties for the next two nights...that's ALL the winter I need!

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by kmb501

Hi,

I'm tired of living in this tiny city in Alabama, and I want to move. I was seriously thinking about maybe moving to the North, but, from what I've gathered by hanging out on the New York forum, it's not the best idea for my budget. I want to go somewhere where there is a bustling arts scene and where I can dramatically improve my communication skills, through guilds for comedy or acting, and finally "get out." Does Austin fit the bill? I'll be honest, it wasn't even on my list of choices originally. My dad is from Texas, and I've been to the state many times. I thought I would at least inquire, though.

More info:

I will probably have a master's degree in ESL Teaching before I make the move.

Culture is what I need. I need to be somewhere where I can meet many artistic people and create until my heart's content. I want to be able to join established acting or comedy guilds, and I want to learn how to get along with many different people from all walks of life.

I make a little less than the average teacher working as a substitute teacher and private tutor.

As I mentioned before, I'm not the best communicator; this is the area I want to improve. I want to learn how to entertain my students and persuade people with grand presentations. I want to become a master of small talk and make people feel at-ease and familiar with me.

I definitely want to go to school; it's a great place to meet new people, find job leads, and network. I can probably even apply for in-state tuition since my dad lives in Texas.

What do you think? Does Austin fit the bill?

You will probably be able to find what you're looking for here, but as others have said, you will have to work your butt off to survive.

Do not move here assuming you'll be able to attend the University of Texas. Admissions are extremely competitive. Also, don't count on in-state tuition. You're an adult and won't be a Texas resident until a year after you've lived here.

[MedicalPartisan]

Originally Posted by OneTimeUse

Nothing is ever as bad, or good, as the Internet says it is.


I'm in Pensacola every 4-5 weeks - if you can handle that heat and humidity, you can handle Austin. Oh, and the winter thing, we've already had 6-7 days with lows in the 20's, highs in the 40's.

Really? Wow! It was around 70 degrees on Christmas. This is a "funny" () pic that was going around local's Facebooks and the news recently.

[MedicalPartisan]

Also, following local bloggers (who dedicate their blogs to Austin and its culture, of course) is a great way to obtain some knowledge and just get a feel for what for what goes on locally. Here are a list of blogs that I follow; there are many more.

Republic of Austin
365 Things Austin
The Austinot

There are a few that I like better but I don't have access to my bookmarks at the moment. Just Google it. Furthermore, I've put this playlist of videos together on YouTube. It's just stuff that interests me and may have no significance to you. I will add more over time. Moving To Austin.

[TXEX06]

I would look into Chicago.

[riaelise]

Eh, I think New York City would be your best bet. I was (formerly) a creative person and despite the higher cost of living, NYC has the better opportunities and a lot more creative types than Austin. That drawback is, as you stated the higher cost of living. Austin, though, isn't the cheapie city...but you'll struggle less here than in New York.

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by kmb501

Hi,

I'm tired of living in this tiny city in Alabama, and I want to move. I was seriously thinking about maybe moving to the North, but, from what I've gathered by hanging out on the New York forum, it's not the best idea for my budget. I want to go somewhere where there is a bustling arts scene and where I can dramatically improve my communication skills, through guilds for comedy or acting, and finally "get out." Does Austin fit the bill? I'll be honest, it wasn't even on my list of choices originally. My dad is from Texas, and I've been to the state many times. I thought I would at least inquire, though.

More info:

I will probably have a master's degree in ESL Teaching before I make the move.

Culture is what I need. I need to be somewhere where I can meet many artistic people and create until my heart's content. I want to be able to join established acting or comedy guilds, and I want to learn how to get along with many different people from all walks of life.

I make a little less than the average teacher working as a substitute teacher and private tutor.

As I mentioned before, I'm not the best communicator; this is the area I want to improve. I want to learn how to entertain my students and persuade people with grand presentations. I want to become a master of small talk and make people feel at-ease and familiar with me.

I definitely want to go to school; it's a great place to meet new people, find job leads, and network. I can probably even apply for in-state tuition since my dad lives in Texas.

What do you think? Does Austin fit the bill?

So many better places I can think of for you:

NY
Miami
Seattle
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Santa Fe
Chicago....

Chicago may be the best considering interest in comedy. As a matter of fact, put Chicago at top of your list, but gap, NY, giant chasm, everything else I listed, the distance between here and the moon, and then Austin.