Has Austin peaked in popularity?

[HappyTexan]

Originally Posted by Rose Red

I agree that the lists are a big player in the reasons that people moved to the Austin Area. There's another reason that people may have decided to move. Hopefully I don't get slammed for being open and honest. We moved here almost 1 1/2 years ago. I was watching a episode of "National Open House" on HGTV. When I saw what you could get for your money in Texas vs. what we currently owned and the fact that I wanted to raise my daughter and not send her to daycare, my husband and I decided to move to Texas.

I wanted to be a SAHM The only way we could afford for me to be a SAHM was for us to sell our house and find a more affordable state. Found a real estate agent that specialized in relocation and bought a house in RR and love the area. Everyone thought we were crazy because we based our initial decision on a T.V. show, even the realtor thought it was interesting way to make a decision. But - here we are and we love it and our lifestyle. Funny thing - I've met a few other people that based there decision on the same show. Crazy - but true.

What does SAHM stand for ?

[artsyguy]

Yes those top 10 cities lists are tricky!

I read everywhere that Austin was great for gay people. Ugh, no it really isn't.
Thanks for nothing top 10 list.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

What does SAHM stand for ?

Ooh! Ooh! I know, I know!!!
Alex, what is 'Stay At Home Mom'?

[Rose Red]

Originally Posted by atxcio

I figured those shows were powerful. I know they must have driven huge sales for home improvement centers... I'm pretty sure I'd have done far less remodeling of my home if it weren't for those HGTV show my wife loves to watch. I could have let her keep it on Animal Planet, but then I'd be stuck with 8 dogs and 2 cats or something...

I also wonder how much they fueled the mortgage crisis. I mean, after watching show after show of some California couple buying a $700K shack and spending $50K to fix it up (materials only, mind you!) then selling it for $900K... it's no wonder so many people bought overpriced real estate! They'd been led to believe they'd be $150K richer in a year, and have a lot of fun on the way. Ouch.

Ohh yeah!! the mortgage crisis in CA - . I don't doubt people thought they could flip and get rich. The funny thing is is that CA charges a state income tax when you sell a house that you have owned less than two years. So the "TV flippers" don't tell that part of the story that they have to pay state and Fed taxes.

My opinion - The full story of the mtg crisis hasn't come out - it'll be a while yet.-- rolling down hill. I don't doubt that flippers and wanna be investors are a big part of the forecloure problem.