Relocation advice

[sunseeker23]

Thanks again for all of the replies. Out of the three boards that I've posted the question to, you Austinites (if that's the right word) are definitely the most friendly and helpful!

Where would be the best area in Austin to stay when I visit to get a good feel for the city? Being a single female, what are the places I should avoid?

[TexasHorseLady]

I've lived in Austin and vicinity quite happily for 40 years, and I'm not bilingual, nor are most of the people I know (some of them are, but some of them are bilingual - or trilingual - in languages other than Spanish!). So it's not essential at all except for some jobs that might require it, but it would be specific to the job and the company in question.

If you really want to get a feel for Austin as Austin, with what you're looking for in a city, I'd advise staying south of 183, north of Ben White, west of 360, and west or just east of I35. There are pockets outside of that that have that "Austin vibe", but they're not as obvious unless you've lived here a while and that will give you at least a feel for what you're likely to find here. Right downtown probably isn't what you're going to want, though, if you want "Austin" and not just "urban" - it's changed a lot in recent years and doesn't have anywhere near the Austin feel that it used to, being more busy and crowded and more like a replica of other places than itself. At least, that's my reading of it.

I'd advise south of the river (Barton Hills, Zilker, Bouldin, SoCo) or Allandale/Crestview/Brentwood areas.

[TheyCallMeDerek]

Originally Posted by sunseeker23

Thanks again for all of the replies. Out of the three boards that I've posted the question to, you Austinites (if that's the right word) are definitely the most friendly and helpful!

Where would be the best area in Austin to stay when I visit to get a good feel for the city? Being a single female, what are the places I should avoid?

Austinites is correct!

Places to hang out to get a feel for the city might include: the cool shops and fooderies on south Congress (aka So Co), Huts Hamburgers, Barton Springs, The Oasis, Threadgills, Zilker Park, Flipnotics, The Continental Club, any of the great festivals going on around here at any time during the year...the list goes on and on. Others will probably post more great ideas.

[orangetravelerJP]

As for your question on being bilingual, it's certainly not a requirement. However, many people who are in the service or construction industry speak mostly Spanish. There are many times that I would have liked to be able to converse with a Spanish speaker who was working in my house (just to be friendly, to ask if the temperature was ok/would they like a glass of water/I'm just taking the dog for a quick walk and I'll be right back, or to ask a question about the work that they were dong) and I've been unable to do so. If you are bilingual, it may make these types of things easier or may make certain jobs more available to you because there are many people in Austin for whom English is not their first language & some employers may want to hire someone who is bilingual.

[sunseeker23]

You bring up a very good point, Veggiegirl26. I think I'll brush up on my Spanish un poquito (a little)