How Has Austin Changed in the Last 7 years? (Spring, Leander: house prices, neighborhoods)

[sepulcro]

I'm a Texas Hill Country native and UT alumnus who moved to the Central Coast of CA in Summer of 2001 (based upon the multiple posts about Californians in this forum, I went upstream).

I am looking at moving back to Austin within the next year or so, and would like to hear some comparisons between what it was like early in the decade and what it is like now. I'm looking for both good, bad, and neutral changes, please! I also don't care what part of the city; even if I'm not familiar with the neighborhood reference, it'll still be useful.

When I left, long-time residents I know were bemoaning the changed "character" of the city, and I'm sure the traffic is probably worse, so I'm looking for more tangible/specific things like:

Did the restaurants finally get off of the garlic mashed (sometimes just "smashed") potatoes and mint hibiscus tea fads? I don't have a problem with either, but the fact that everyone started to serve them got annoying.

Does 37th street still do the Christmas light show or did it become a victim of the economy (I remember one of the houses had the foot traffic going in the backyard and the rate at which the meter was spinning made my jaw drop) or other forces? [Okay, I cheated and looked online and was relieved to know this is still going on, although I see references to things being muted in comparison]

How are the panhandlers on The Drag?

[thedude72]

One of the trends I've noticed and, no offense to anyone from California.. I understand your reasons for leaving and moving to another state such as,(1.Fires (2.Flash Flood (3. Earthquakes
(4.Cost of Living(5.Traffic... If I missed anything? people from California feel free to add to this list please.

Most of the people who lived in California are accustomed to a certain lifestyle and the city that matches the needs of an average person from California is??? Bingo Austin,Tx

The rate of pay there is high compared to the rate of pay in Austin.The cost of living in California is also higher, so If that's the case why wouldn't a Doctor or specialist decide to live in Austin,and open his practice here. He can still charge the same rates for services he is accustomed to in California,and enjoy the lower cost of living in Austin,Tx. Apply this to business owners from California who move here and you can see how this raises the cost of living in Austin.
When one of my friends told me a doctor from California decides to buy land right next to his and pay 4 times what it is worth what do you think happened to his property taxes?

[atxcio]

The skyline has changed, a lot.

Traffic is worse, yes, but there are the new tollways up north which make getting to certain places much easier.

Garlic mashed potatoes? I guess that was a fad, haven't really noticed whether it is still around or not... restaurant options have improved.

The economy is a little more diverse here now; you left right at the cusp of the tech bust. Some of the biggies like Dell, Motorola and AMD have cut back significantly and are not employing half the city like they used to. The increased population seems to have brought in enough other diverse businesses to take up some of the slack.

Local environmentalism has declined over the years, but that's happened really since the 90's. Nothing like the SOS protests would happen today. That's really the Al Gore effect; it's not that people are not caring, it's just that they've been fed a line of bull that they should care about "the planet," when in reality they have much more power acting on local issues. So, you've got a bunch of people in Austin now that will scoff at using plastic grocery bags and demand bigger recycling bins, but don't bat an eye when a developer mows down a pecan grove on Barton Springs Rd, or illegally cuts down 200 old growth trees in Oak Hill.

[sepulcro]

Originally Posted by atxcio

Local environmentalism has declined over the years, but that's happened really since the 90's. Nothing like the SOS protests would happen today. That's really the Al Gore effect; it's not that people are not caring, it's just that they've been fed a line of bull that they should care about "the planet," when in reality they have much more power acting on local issues. So, you've got a bunch of people in Austin now that will scoff at using plastic grocery bags and demand bigger recycling bins, but don't bat an eye when a developer mows down a pecan grove on Barton Springs Rd, or illegally cuts down 200 old growth trees in Oak Hill.

Thanks, this helped out in a big way! It'll still be better than where I'm at now, but I'm sorry to hear that.

Originally Posted by thedude72

Most of the people who lived in California are accustomed to a certain lifestyle and the city that matches the needs of an average person from California is??? Bingo Austin,Tx

Oh no, I'm moving back to Austin to escape California! CA has some perks, but the only place here anywhere close to being worth its corresponding house prices is right near Yosemite, at least in my opinion.


Any positive changes that long-time residents have seen?

[HappyTexan]

The only positive change I can think of is more cross roads. Now you have a few ways to get somewhere as opposed to a single route before. I'm discounting the increased traffic though.

[austin-steve]

It hasn't really changed that much in the past 7 years. I agree that the skyline is different, the economy is slightly more diversified (not as tech heavy), some progress has been made on road infrustructure (though deminished by population growth).

The biggest change may be the boom of East Austin and the increasing cost of older homes in central neighborhoods, relative to housing price increases citywide. In some areas of Austin, such as Leander, there are homes that don't sell for a lot more than they did in 2001. In Central Austin, prices have doubled in some areas, especially East Austin.

Other than that, I don't think there is any big change you'll see or notice with regard to living here.

Steve

[TexasHorseLady]

I'd disagree. There's been quite a bit of change as the growth has accelerated. But you'll still be able to find Austin in there somewhere. (It's always there, it just moves around a bit to go back into hiding periodically until those who know it seek it out.)

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by sepulcro

Any positive changes that long-time residents have seen?

I kind of considered the newer skyline, more restaurants, and diversified economy positives.. but here are a few more little ones:

* Town Lake is now called Ladybird Lake, and the trail has undergone lots of improvements over the past few years.

* There is a brand new park off the trail, adjacent to the Palmer events center (on the former site of the City Coliseum) City of Austin - Austin Parks and Recreation Department: Butler District Park

* The old Palmer Auditorium transition is complete and the resulting Long Center is a much needed arts venue Long Center for the Performing Arts

* Many more direct flights out of our airport now -- JetBlue has been a great addition. At least for now, you can also get cheap direct flights to Mexico daily through VivaAerobus.

* There are lots more options if you want to live downtown.

* The convention center and flagship Whole Foods downtown (2002 and 2005, I think)

* The stadium at UT has expanded by about 15K seats total, and a ridiculously large jumbotron (dubbed Godzillatron) was added. Parking on game day has improved enough to keep up, with additional parking garages.

* We've added a fantastic new winery (and restaurant) just outside of town, near the Salt Lick - Mandolas Estate Winery

[sepulcro]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I'm looking forward to coming back home!