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Denver annual rainfall is nearly 16 inches. IE is just over 10 inches, so yea that sounds like DESERT to me, coupled with hot weather and lots of brown topography.
^^ San Bernardino gets about 16 inches of precipitation a year like Denver, so no, it’s not a desert no matter how much you seem to think it is or you want it to be. You don’t get to the true desert until you get over the Cajon Pass or east past the San Gorgonio Mountains. It’s brown, but it’s semi-arid and has far too much influence from the Pacific Ocean for it to be a true desert.
Texas at the state level is a Red leaning government. But at the local level in big cities, its really blue. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso are Dem Leaning. Fort Worth, 30 miles west of Dallas and its burbs are Red-leaning but changing as Ted Cruz lost Fort Worth to Beto. Plano, Tx, just north of Dallas is red leaning but has re-elected an African-American as mayor and boasts some big corporate offices. There has been much irritation between the Governor and some cities over laws passed superseding local control, i.e., some see as hypocrisy because Texas at the state level gripes about Federal oversight
Phoenix is the better place for Pro sports. Austin sports revolves around the University of Texas, then the San Antonio Spurs 75 miles south, the Houston Astros AAA affiliate in suburban Austin, the U.S. Grand Prix in November and in the near future MLS Soccer is coming. Beyond that, Austinites follow Houston teams (2 1/2 hours southeast) or Dallas teams - 3 hours north. In terms of water recreation, Austin has a chain of lakes starting on its western boundary then heading northward for lots of water sports and great scenery. There's also a park built for artificial surfing northeast of the city.
Tucson, I've never visited but it appears greener than Phoenix but in terms of characteristics, San Antonio is like an inland San Diego, i.e. an economy reliant on tourism and military installations. Its more in size (1.4million residents) with Phoenix that lacking in big suburbs. It has a distinct latin flavor like Tuscon and its best scenery is to the northwest.
Tucson is a little bit higher than elevation and closer to the heart of the Sonora so yes, it is slightly greener.
Texas being red at the state level and blue in local governments sounds like most places. Cities are all liberal, only suburbs and rural areas are not, because conservatism and urbanism contradict each other like jumbo shrimp. States include rural areas certain local governments do not.
Arizona has done that too, ergo banning things outright against cities. Such as urban growth boundaries, and I'm sure if I looked into it I can find some more.
^^ San Bernardino gets about 16 inches of precipitation a year like Denver, so no, it’s not a desert no matter how much you seem to think it is or you want it to be. You don’t get to the true desert until you get over the Cajon Pass or east past the San Gorgonio Mountains. It’s brown, but it’s semi-arid and has far too much influence from the Pacific Ocean for it to be a true desert.
^ Climatically, the desert climate is well to the East of San Bernardino and Riverside
I'm not sure why we are arguing about the Inland Empire when this thread is supposed to be discussing Phoenix and Austin, it's as if people can't go two seconds talking about Phoenix without bringing up California it's ridiculous. San Bernardino is not a desert though, and I hope no one tries to hijack my thread again.
I'm not sure why we are arguing about the Inland Empire when this thread is supposed to be discussing Phoenix and Austin, it's as if people can't go two seconds talking about Phoenix without bringing up California it's ridiculous. San Bernardino is not a desert though, and I hope no one tries to hijack my thread again.
Take it up with the person who originally brought the IE up. I was only correcting the misinformation another poster was spewing
First of all, my personal preference is Austin, just due to the fact that I prefer the climate and am closer to family. Although, Austin is not far from Phoenix as far as heat during the summer months. Aside from that, I wouldn't mind living in either city.
Outdoor recreation: Either - Both metros offer a lot during of outdoor activities. Both are popular for hiking and mountain biking. I give Austin the edge in this due to the plethora of water recreation, making you able to enjoy the outdoor activities during the summer months. Those who prefer desert climate, landscapes, and mountains, may prefer Phoenix's outdoor activities more than Austin.
Amenities: Phoenix - Both offer the typical shopping amenities, museums, and such. Phoenix offers much more in the way of sports with just about all of the professional sports being located in the Phoenix area. Austin will get its first professional sports franchise with Austin FC in the MLS, in 2021. Both cities have a large college campus in its metro area. Although, Austin has two, with Texas State in San Marcos.
What is nice about Austin is it is within 3 hours of America's top ten largest cities, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. Austin is also only a 3 hour drive from the beach in Galveston or Corpus Christi. Phoenix is much more isolated. So there are many more Amenities within a short drive of Austin, than there are in or around Phoenix.
Affordability: Phoenix - Austin is a very expensive city both to own and to rent. I know you mentioned wanting to live in a walkable area. There are a couple in the Austin area, (downtown, inner East Side, West Campus, The Domain, Highland, and to a lesser extent Mueller and E. Riverside Dr.). However, these areas are expensive, with the exception of E. Riverside Dr, which is fairly reasonable overall. The housing market here is very expensive, especially for TX, with the average home price quickly approaching 400k. Sure the wages overall may be higher in Austin than in other areas, but it doesn't make up for the over-inflated COL. Phoenix seems to be much more affordable overall.
Traffic: Phoenix, (probably) - Honestly, I have only driven through Phoenix a few times on I-10. But every time I have driven through, I have been stuck in traffic. I am sure this isn't a fair representation to traffic overall in Phoenix, but I haven't experienced typical traffic patterns there. I will say, Austin traffic sucks. Typical rush hour times are from 6:30am-9:30am, 11:45am-1:15pm, and 3:30pm-7:00pm. There is traffic in most places almost all day, every day, and if you have to drive more than five miles on a regular basis, you will experience heavy traffic more times than not. Even on weekends, traffic downtown is terrible up until 2:30am. There are no convenient ways to get around traffic either, like there are in Phoenix. Austin doesn't have a traditional grid, and aside from a very few arterial roadways, most roads come to an end, or turn in a different direction after a few miles.
Entertainment/ Nightlife: Austin - Austin by far is one of the most fun cities in the US. Many people call it overrated, but that is because they have only experienced Dirty 6th. Dirty 6th is fun, but it only represents a portion of nightlife in the city. There are many more concentrated areas across the metro that offer nightlife. Also, not only is there consistent nightlife across the area, but there is always live music somewhere, a festival going on, or an event to attend. Every weekend in Austin has something exciting to offer. Not to mention, there are a plethora of very good breweries across Austin, which has made the city be recognized as the top beer destination in the WORLD.
Economy: Austin - Austin, no doubt, since the turn of the century, been one of the hottest, if not the hottest city in the country for growth, job opportunities, and overall economic development. When you hear the word boomtown, the first city many people would think of is probably Austin. There are countless job opportunities in this city that pay well, from government, to IT, to corporate jobs, and even in construction. With that said, the job market is very competitive.
With all of that said, I know Phoenix has been growing quickly as well with many new job opportunities. Phoenix has gained 300,000 people in just 20 years, with the metro area gaining many more.
Overall: Either - The Phoenix metro area is over twice the size of Austin and will have more amenities overall. That is just the reality. But for a metro area of just over two million, Austin packs a hell of a punch and can hold its own against Phoenix. I think it will come down to personal preference. Both cities are mild in the winter months and just downright hot in the summer months. Even though Phoenix is hotter, Austin is more humid, making some days feel like you are living in a Sauna. The climates are also different overall. Austin is a green, lush city, with rolling hills, and with many creeks, rivers, and lakes nearby. Phoenix is a desert metropolis with mountains, canyons, and a beautiful desert landscape. Austin is more entertaining for those who enjoy nightlife, beer, and festivals. Phoenix is better overall for a family, or if you are laid back and don't like to get out much, as long as you can stand the summer heat. For the outdoor explorers, both are great options and it comes down to personal preference.
I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this but I just started reading this thread and had to stop to say that Phoenix is far from being isolated. A big perk of living there is the fact that you aren’t far from places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Rocky Point Mexico, Flagstaff, and Sedona. Maybe it’s just me but those aren’t bad places to visit at all.
I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this but I just started reading this thread and had to stop to say that Phoenix is far from being isolated. A big perk of living there is the fact that you aren’t far from places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Rocky Point Mexico, Flagstaff, and Sedona. Maybe it’s just me but those aren’t bad places to visit at all.
True.
I’ll add that I’ve never understood this concern with “isolation” when it comes to massive cities.
If Austin is so lacking that it needs Dallas and Houston nearby to bolster its appeal, then why are we bragging on it so much?
I’ve said this before on here, but I’ve lived in a city that many on C-D complain is too isolated yet I never got bored to the point of wishing there was another nearby midsize metro to go do basically the same stuff from a slightly different angle.
True.
I’ll add that I’ve never understood this concern with “isolation” when it comes to massive cities.
If Austin is so lacking that it needs Dallas and Houston nearby to bolster its appeal, then why are we bragging on it so much?
I’ve said this before on here, but I’ve lived in a city that many on C-D complain is too isolated yet I never got bored to the point of wishing there was another nearby midsize metro to go do basically the same stuff from a slightly different angle.
For me it's the ability to explore something new without having to buy a flight. A short drive or train ride to another city with a different vibe and culture is nice sometimes.
True.
I’ll add that I’ve never understood this concern with “isolation” when it comes to massive cities.
If Austin is so lacking that it needs Dallas and Houston nearby to bolster its appeal, then why are we bragging on it so much?
I’ve said this before on here, but I’ve lived in a city that many on C-D complain is too isolated yet I never got bored to the point of wishing there was another nearby midsize metro to go do basically the same stuff from a slightly different angle.
It was never said that Austin needs Houston or Dallas to "bolster its appeal". As a matter of a fact, having 3 of America's top ten metro areas within 180 miles actually hinders Austin's appeal overall, and has all but taken away the opportunity for the city to ever see any professional sports, international museums, a hub airport, theme parks, or other large metro amenities.
Overall, it is both a plus and a minus compared to a city that is more isolated. Mainly a plus. Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio are completely different cities than Austin is and you can have a totally different experience in any of these cities, all within couple hour drive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjfadaway
I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this but I just started reading this thread and had to stop to say that Phoenix is far from being isolated. A big perk of living there is the fact that you aren’t far from places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Rocky Point Mexico, Flagstaff, and Sedona. Maybe it’s just me but those aren’t bad places to visit at all.
I mean it is more isolated than Austin is. A 5 hour drive is a fairly long drive and probably too long for most people to make a day trip or just for an overnight stay in. 3 hours or less is usually a lot of peoples limit.
I will say, Phoenix is a lot less isolated than say, Portland, Seattle, or Denver, but it is definitely isolated compared to cities in TX, FL, CA, or all along the eastern US.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jessemh431
For me it's the ability to explore something new without having to buy a flight. A short drive or train ride to another city with a different vibe and culture is nice sometimes.
Exactly! Although, actually having the option of a train to Houston, Dallas, and SA would help significantly, haha.
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