Austin, TX -- Is it really where its at?!!! (Athens: lease, chapel)

[fil]

I agree with nativeDallasite said. He/she was pretty clear about their likes/dislikes.

And what most peoplle say, enjoy where you're at...Austin is not The City or Philly or other "high art/culture" locations. Since I left Philly, I miss the museums that have Georgia O'Keefe, Picasso, Monet, etc. and the theater there and on Broadway, but I knew a long time ago that would be lost leaving those areas.

Austin is made for folks that love music, live music, outdoor festivals, hiking, and water sports,


We have come to love Austin for the safeness compared to the larger cities and for the friends and the family atmosphere that is fostered here.

It simply sounds as if nativeDallasite likes it elsewhere.

From a work prospective, I do miss the fact that 400/500 Fortune 500 companies are in Atlanta (I read this recently in a marketing pamphlet from a company). The work options are plentiful there compared to Austin. I susect Dallas and Houston also offer the same flexibility and options.

[nativeDallasite]

Originally Posted by fil

It simply sounds as if nativeDallasite likes it elsewhere.

That's pretty much it. I don't dislike Austin, I just prefer DFW. I think it's amusing that people moving to Texas seem to be steered towards Austin by default when it may not be a good fit for them. Austin seems to appeal to a very specific set of tastes and I just don't happen to share those tastes.

[Txstar]

I also disagree with nativeDallasite take on things to do in Austin. I have really enjoyed the muesuems that I have been to in Austin so far, and I can't wait for the new performing arts center to be completed. Also when the 21c museum/hotel is completed then Austin will have a brand new modern art museum as well.

I really like Dallas, but one thing that sets Austin apart for Dallas is the natural beauty. Maybe that's why people also like to live in Austin.

[nativeDallasite]

Originally Posted by Txstar

I also disagree with nativeDallasite take on things to do in Austin. I have really enjoyed the muesuems that I have been to in Austin so far, and I can't wait for the new performing arts center to be completed. Also when the 21c museum/hotel is completed then Austin will have a brand new modern art museum as well.

I really like Dallas, but one thing that sets Austin apart for Dallas is the natural beauty. Maybe that's why people also like to live in Austin.

Austin had lots of natural beauty before a lot of it was covered up by mini-mansions and soulless office buildings. It's like a wavy Dallas now.

Austin does have some interesting little museums, but it really can't hold a candle to what's on offer in Dallas and Fort Worth. Sorry...but you're comparing apples to oranges. DFW is far and away superior to Austin when it comes to museums and exhibits.

[Txstar]

Your exactly right, how can we compare a metro of 6.5 million with a metro of 1.5 million?

I guess my point is that Austin's growth really did not start taking off until the 90's, so it will take some time for the "cultural scene" to catch up.

[PeacePlease]

It is sad about the scenery in Austin... Development and strip malls are moving in.. sigh. The good news is that it is still nice, and I would rather live with what we have today vs how it might look 10-15 years from now.

[PJ2483]

To all of you out there wondering what AUSTIN, TEXAS is REALLY like?.....I will tell you the pros and cons of living there that I personally experienced!

First the good stuff or the "appeal"

PROS:

-Awesome BBQ and breakfast tacos......I will prob. miss the most!
-City culture
-Restaurants
-Lakes (they are rivers in reality....
-Friendly people
-City pride
-Festivals
-no state income tax
--Decent cost of living
-High Tech

Ok..... now the reality of living in this city:

Cons:

-Worst traffic in the country for a mid-sized city...the reason for this was poor planning of the highways and the city was never projected to grow to the size it currently is and will become in the future! Furthermore, you need a car to go anywhere!
-High property takes (make up for no state income tax....don't let that fool you!)
-Low wages
-cookie cutter sprawl
-no ocean
-Sixth street is drunken college kids.....I guess that is cool if your that age!
-Oppressive heat and humidity
-Racial hate crimes
-The city will turn into a houston or dallas within five years and I hope the quality of life does not fall!....
-Huge influx of calafornians coming in and driving up home prices by buying manasions which increases taxes! No offense to anyone from cali, I do not blame you for going there.....due to the fact that you get much more for your money!

So there is a summary of my personal experiences! If I offended anyone.....I apologize, not my intentions whatsoever! I just feel in being honest with people who are looking for information! Like I said before, this town is what you make of it. As for me, I am moving back to the midwest to be closer to family, 4 seasons, great lakes, etc... Will, I miss Austin......yeah! However, Austin is not my home and I feel that is where I need to be! So....in conclusion....if you need a change from say..... the north, midwest, northeast or any cold climate or other warm climate for that matter...try austin! Just keep in mind that you will be in for a HUGE culture shock and that "the grass is NOT always greener on the other side!"

Sincerely and Respectfully,

PJ

[kenshin522]

Originally Posted by uniquegrl

I hear good things about Austin. Is this the best place to live if moving to Texas as far as crime, job opportunities, and education?

I was born and lived in Austin for 11 years of my life before moving to San Antonio... YES, it is overrated... It's a town for rich folk, and party'ers... I think it may be the homeless capital of the USA. We went back to Austin couple months ago and came right back here to SA because it is too expensive.. There is indeed a large music scene there... But there is a lot of other stuff too that some don't like .... For example... You cannot smoke in bars.. Cannot carry backpacks when school is out and basically pay way too much at local restaurants... Me being a big texmex food fan was awfully disappointed that simple enchilada plate ran about 10 dollars. And wasn't even worth it. Homeless people asking you for money constantly and the city is fine with that.. They actually "assign" the homeless people certain spots to panhandle...

I experienced a lot of discrimination because people think i look Hispanic. Not only were people rude at some stores but some people didn't think I spoke English. Most people would act like I wasn't even there and some wouldn't move when they could have so I could get through in a crowded sidewalk, though they'd move for others.

I loved the Lakes and especially the hillcountry which is slowly vanishing.
But I'd say besides visiting it, I wouldn't want to live there.

If you have money then the best place to live in austin in my opinon is Westlake Hills. Southside and Eastside Austin are ghetto and have not changed much since I originally moved away in 96'...

Don't mean to come across as racist or prejudiced but...

If you aren't white and/or rich, Austin is not the place for you.

[love roses]

I'm white and not rich and it's fine for me. Although, I do agree with the disappearing natural beauty to a degree, seeing lots completely razed of everything to put up McMansions and strip malls. Although, on the flip side of that, I respect the ones who don't cut everything down to build. And even with the boom here, it's still greener than Houston and Dallas overall.

[another_hot-day]

They can't cut every tree down to build. It's a city ordinance that they have to keep some trees.