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I live in NC (Raleigh/Durham) and frequently travel to Austin for business. Why am I not all that impressed? Maybe my expectations were a bit skewed by all the hype. I'd rather live in RDU, Charlotte, Houston or Dallas...count me as not impressed. Not hating on the place, but the hype about it being some order of magnitude more exciting than Raleigh or Charlotte is a bit much.
I live in NC (Raleigh/Durham) and frequently travel to Austin for business. Why am I not all that impressed? Maybe my expectations were a bit skewed by all the hype. I'd rather live in RDU, Charlotte, Houston or Dallas...count me as not impressed. Not hating on the place, but the hype about it being some order of magnitude more exciting than Raleigh or Charlotte is a bit much.
Having spent equal time in the research triangle and Austin, to me, Austin offers a far (far) more interesting and dyanmic living experience. Austin flirts with some of the things I like most about cities- Some of the edginess of Wicker Park, some of the 'it' factor of Portland, lively nightlife, GREAT music, and a fluid yet undeniable culture. I absolutely cannot say the same about Raleigh, and even less so Charlotte.
So while I state it as fact, of course it's driven by my own opinion. But, I'd guess a majority of this country would agree.
Austin is THE most overrated I have ever been to. And I've been to many. Parts of it are nice and somewhat vibrant but that east side all the way from the airport is terrible. The summer weather is worse. Plus, it seems to cater only a certain demographic. RDU or Charlotte for me. Not even close.
I agree, I prefer clean cities with diverse economies. Raleigh provides a nice balance of scenery and neat historic areas of interest throughout the region. Raleigh is also affordable and not run down looking.
Are you gonna answer my smoking question? How many times have you been to Austin?
Are you gonna answer my smoking question? How many times have you been to Austin?
The fact is Austin blows Raleigh to smitherines. It's not even close!
From a family and coporate base, Austin is more like Charlotte. But for nightlife, food, edginess, and coolness (like music), Austin wins easily. Anyone who claims otherwise is not being honest with themselves.
That said, I DO think Austin is overhyped. Plenty of other places almost just as cool, just not as hyped, so not overrun with growth.
That said, I DO think Austin is overhyped. Plenty of other places almost just as cool, just not as hyped, so not overrun with growth.
Exactly. The overhype, overrun growth, lack of infrastructure, one dimensional culture, overpriced housing, and diminishing black population in the city is not for me. I have to go back for a convention in December. I keep an open mind, but I don't see my mind changing.
Exactly. The overhype, overrun growth, lack of infrastructure, one dimensional culture, overpriced housing, and diminishing black population in the city is not for me. I have to go back for a convention in December. I keep an open mind, but I don't see my mind changing.
The diminishing black population in Austin is very noticeable. I was on Rainey street last year and saw ZERO blacks. I am not even lying. I saw hispanics though. Why is this? Am I missing something?
The fact is Austin blows Raleigh to smitherines. It's not even close!
From a family and coporate base, Austin is more like Charlotte. But for nightlife, food, edginess, and coolness (like music), Austin wins easily. Anyone who claims otherwise is not being honest with themselves.
That said, I DO think Austin is overhyped. Plenty of other places almost just as cool, just not as hyped, so not overrun with growth.
I think you're blinded by that anti-NC thang. Well, I'm a Black....don't care for Austin. Give me Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, Dallas or Houston. Both Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte are underrated in many aspects of diversity, food, nightlife, coolness, etc. I think people will stick with stereotypes to the end but when you live in these places, it's absolutely an incorrect image of what they are and have to offer.
Maybe if I were to live in Austin it might change my perspective but both RDU and Charlotte have equitable/more venues (jazz/soul), events and other things suited for what I like to do. And both Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte are located on the east coast with access to northeast corridor, mountains and beaches.
Last edited by Big Aristotle; 08-22-2018 at 05:19 AM..
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