Austin newcomers-what is the weirdest thing about Austin you notice since moving here? (Houston: school district, restaurant)

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Leaving Arizona

The first odd thing for me as we left the airport towards our new house was the sideways traffic lights. Why? ]

It is often necessary to haul large objects down the streets and roadways, such as when moving houses, HVAC equipment, chillers, etc. for large buildings, etc., etc. Hanging the traffic lights sideways all on its own increases the free clearance below the lights.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by cBach

Yes and the fact that people put architectural elements incorporating the Texas star is quite surprising to me. Examples include front doors with metal or glass etchings, keystones, large rocks in the yard, etc...

I don't understand why that is surprising. Growing up in Wyoming, the Buffalo is on the state flag and that image is also incorporated into all sorts of other decorative motifs, similar to the stars one sees in Texas.

[CptnRn]

One of the "weirdest" but much appreciated things I recall seeing after moving to Austin are the numerous "Drive Friendly" signs that can be found on most Texas roadways. I wish more people moving here practiced that...

[capcat]

^ Agreed.

Things that were different to me when I moved here were horned toads, carpet grass (St. Augustine), and people running to the window when it rained. Horned toads are no longer around here, carpet grass is on the way out, and I'm right there with everyone, running to the window when it rains.

[relocatetoxxxx]

when I said I am coming from out of town, lot of the folks used the same phrase "safe travels". It was an appropriate comment but I think that is Austin/Texas specific may be....

[TexasHorseLady]

Here's a link to the Texas pledge of allegiance and also to those of the 16 other states that have them.

[mamacatnv]

Originally Posted by Leaving Arizona

I've been here thirteen days, in the northwest part of Austin bordering Round Rock. The first odd thing for me as we left the airport towards our new house was the sideways traffic lights. Why?

The concept of distance is certainly different - the city I'm from is on a huge grid, where you don't have to get on a freeway if you really don't want to, which makes for nice alternate routes everywhere (granted, it's a level valley floor, not hilly like here). Everything here is at least 10-15 minutes away, and we're definitely in the city!

I also have to get used to every other street being some sort of highway. What does that buy, whether it's called FM-whatever instead of Old Settlers (it comes across as a criticism, but it's really a question)?

We've been here 3 years, I do believe the first thing we noted were the weird sideways traffic lights. Now we go to San Antonio once in awhile and they have "normal" vertical lights. No clue on this one

The numbered roads make me insane, I get tongue tied and confuse them all the time - no clue why my brain cannot process them the same as a named road but I struggle.

[mark311]

Originally Posted by Leaving Arizona

The first odd thing for me as we left the airport towards our new house was the sideways traffic lights. Why?

Here is an explanation from the city of Carrollton why they started to do it.

"In 1978, the City of Carrollton began changing the appearance of our traffic signals from a vertical mounted signal head to a horizontal mount. By doing this we provided more clearance over the roadway and a more pleasing look to our traffic signals."

City of Carrollton, Texas : Traffic Signals

[Leaving Arizona]

Originally Posted by mark311

Here is an explanation from the city of Carrollton why they started to do it.

"In 1978, the City of Carrollton began changing the appearance of our traffic signals from a vertical mounted signal head to a horizontal mount. By doing this we provided more clearance over the roadway and a more pleasing look to our traffic signals."

City of Carrollton, Texas : Traffic Signals

While I get the aesthetics and clearance issue, I can't help but think someone - or multiple someones - had far too much time on their hands one day and said, "Oooh! I know! Let's blow everyone's mind..."

[teasipmom]

Originally Posted by MacInTx

The Texas pledge of allegiance to the flag was legislated in 1933, according to this link to the Texas State Library.

Interesting. But I certainly don't remember reciting it in school like they do now (at least at the elementary level). Maybe that's a decision of the school district (we are in Leander, but I went to AISD when I was a kid).