Why I Can't Wait to Leave Austin (Houston, Dallas: apartment, rental)

[10scoachrick]

Remember folks, the OP's SO(I hate that term) HAS the job...that was the reason for the move. As tricky as it is, I doubt a huge number of couples both have employment lined up before a move.

[Austin97]

did you ask here about cultural arts jobs? Im pretty sure we would have told you there is very little in the way of art in austin.

[Shredding_Gnar78]

buh bye! tell your friends at home

Lord knows i've been trying to figure out the exit strategy

just like a tumultuous love affair.. I just can't quit you baby.

[robertsacamano]

For those of you who want to move here because it's just so cool. Things you should consider before you come:

1) Salaries, even for highly qualified professionals, are depressed for even Texas. Do some research on indeed.com like this: Director MBA marketing software Salary in Austin, TX, San Jose, CA, Chicago, IL, and New York, NY | Indeed.com

It's simple supply and demand. There are so many very talented people here already and more coming every day. IF you get the job, expect to take an Austin discount.

2) Housing is becoming worse every day. To live centrally with children is impossible bc the schools are pretty bad. Tarrytown and West Lake are untouchable for 95 pct of people. Rentals may exist but expect to pay big $$.

3) People love to talk about "lifestyle" but consider the following - traffic is worse than it's ever been and better than it will ever be again. Sure, running on Town Lake every morning is awesome but unless you get there at 6 or live within walking distance, expect to be stuck in traffic either on the trip there or the trip home. Are the restaurants and bars awesome? yes. Absolutely. If you have a very active social life and want to party, be here.

[zhugeliang1]

Austin has changed a lot in just a few years. Lived there back in 2005 and appropriate housing was not hard to find but now it is hard to find with so many wanting to live there now.

[hoffdano]

Undoubtedly there will be a time in the future where housing is not so tight. We have cycles like most places, though not as extreme as California. Maybe if the national economy were better - people wouldn't be trying so much to move here.

[robertsacamano]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

Undoubtedly there will be a time in the future where housing is not so tight. We have cycles like most places, though not as extreme as California. Maybe if the national economy were better - people wouldn't be trying so much to move here.

Without a doubt. When I moved here a dozen years ago, most of the apartment complexes were giving away free months of rent. That said, once you move here and put down roots, it's really hard to leave whether you want to or not. So, the vast majority of the people who come and spend more than a couple of years here are probably not going anywhere.

And so, the issues of traffic and jobs remain.

[usernamenottaken]

I have a friend who just had to fork out 6 months rent in advance for a house in Avery Ranch, after spending hundreds on applications elsewhere to no avail. I'm now afraid we will be stuck in our "temporary" apartment forever.

[robertsacamano]

Originally Posted by usernamenottaken

I have a friend who just had to fork out 6 months rent in advance for a house in Avery Ranch, after spending hundreds on applications elsewhere to no avail. I'm now afraid we will be stuck in our "temporary" apartment forever.

Seriously?? I am renting my house tomorrow.

[centralaustinite]

"Cultural arts field?" Hate to tell you but finding a job that pays decently in the arts is likely to be a hard slog almost anywhere.

Your story does not surprise me. I know dozens of people in the same boat. And not dissimilar to what I experienced 20 years ago. You need skills and connections to find real employment here.

So what is the plan? Have you considered changing fields?