Finding out about Austin (home, job market, good schools)

[moving00]

My husband and I currently live in the DC area and we are wondering about a move to Austin or a nearby city to it. Is the area mostly a place for college and post college students or do people stay around to raise families? DC is very transient and it is hard to make lasting friendships, we would prefer an area that has more of a home feel to it. Also, what nightlife is good for people in their early 30s? We are not too much into the bar scene.

[Jennibc]

The Austin area is very family oriented. Lots of people stay here after graduating from UT and try to make it their home. We live in a suburb about 11 miles from downtown and there are kids everywhere aged from 1 up to about 15.

Because I am in my forties with a kid and husband, I have very little nightlife to speak of so I cannot help you on that front. Perhaps someone else can weigh in here.

[TexasHorseLady]

Yes, Austin is definitely a family-friendly city.

As for what there is in the way of night life, let's turn that around a bit. What DO you like to do? There's lots here, from restaurants to concerts to outdoor events to plays to art galleries to museums, and more - what's your preference?

[shankaupas]

I'm now in my mid 30s with kids. My husband and I stayed here after graduating from college many moons ago. We enjoyed the area so much that we decided to stay here indefinitely. Austin is not a small college town. Maybe it was once. Austin and the surrounding areas now total more than 1 million people. Alot of people come and go as the economy and job market fluctuates but for the most part, I think people come and stay. Austin is very kid friendly. And since the weather is moderate most of the year, there are many many outdoor activities for the kids to participate in. As for nightlife, it all depends on what you are after. Austin is famous for it's music scene and every night, there are venues where you can go and watch live music. There are clubs and bars in the downtown area that cater to all different ages.

[hoffdano]

I agree with THL.

One thing we do not have is pro sports. No Redskins. Just minor league baseball and of course the near-pro Longhorns.

But night life is abundant with an emphasis on music.

I think Austin is an excellent place to raise a family. You can also choose the urban loft-$$ life if you want.

Excellent safety here and good to very good schools.

FWIW - I lived in Fairfax VA from 1966-1975. I left the area when I was 16 for Texas.