Lubbock VS Austin (West, Howe: fit in, transplants, home)

[BrandonR]

I currently live in Lubbock Texas and we have a reputation having friendly folks. Now Austin as well hasthe same rep but I really wanna know which city usually the most friendly? Are there any differences in the friendliness of these two places. I know these two cities have their share of rude snobs but generally is there one city nicer than the other?

[ericsami]

well the two cities are really not comparable in my book.

if you can and have the skills you will generally have better earning potential in Austin.

But your living expenses will far greater (especially housing)

Generally Most of Austin is probably safer than Lubbock.

Friendlyness: the Greater Austin is rather large, it is very possible to have douche neighbors or really friendly ones.

[Gorfml]

Ppl are nicer in Austin...

[Westerner92]

Well what some consider friendly or socially acceptable changes from place to place obviously, so it really depends on the situation. I've called both home before.

If you want to find someone's life story while you're waiting in line at the grocery store, Lubbock is better, though Austin's not bad. If you want to hold hands with a same-sex partner or have an unusual sense of style, Austin is much friendlier. People in Lubbock are warmer in general (especially if you fit into certain molds), but Austin is much more open.

[Komeht]

The friendliest people are in West Texas (something in the water there). But you'll find friendly enough in Austin.

[rr2005]

I agree that overall, people in West Texas are the friendliest. I spend some time in Austin for work, and people seem friendly enough. However, I wonder if that is changing as droves of transplants move in.

[txtroubadour]

Originally Posted by Westerner92

Well what some consider friendly or socially acceptable changes from place to place obviously, so it really depends on the situation. I've called both home before.

If you want to find someone's life story while you're waiting in line at the grocery store, Lubbock is better, though Austin's not bad. If you want to hold hands with a same-sex partner or have an unusual sense of style, Austin is much friendlier. People in Lubbock are warmer in general (especially if you fit into certain molds), but Austin is much more open.

I second all of this. I was born and raised in Lubbock and moved to Austin last year.

I would say the main difference is that people in Lubbock are more actively friendly while people in Austin are more passive. What I mean by that is that people in Lubbock are quick to strike up a conversation with a stranger, and if you talk long enough you'll probably figure out that you have some mutual acquaintance or connection somewhere. Lubbock has a small-town vibe where everybody knows everybody. That's one of the few things I miss about it.

Austin is very laid back and friendly as well, but more in a live-and-let-live kind of way. But as the above post said, there's no question Austin is the more "friendly" city in terms of acceptance of various lifestyles and beliefs.