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I haven't seen a solid comparison of these two cities in the last few years. It seems to me that they compare quite closely, with virtually identical:
- (low) tax environments
- climates that are warm/hot year round with no real winters
- metropolitan area populations of ~2 million and growing quickly
- racial / ethnic demographic breakdowns
As far as I can tell, Austin has the edge when it comes to:
- education (% with college degrees, quality of higher education, school districts)
- violent crime
- wages
- cycling infrastructure (at least in central locations)
- employment rate / growth
Whereas Vegas has the edge with:
- cost of living, particularly rent / housing
- climate (much sunnier, much less humid) with the possible exception of extreme summer highs
I would love to hear thoughts about anything I have missed or if you think I'm incorrect about any of this, I'm trying to differentiate between the feel of these two cities.
Cost of living Austin is no longer cheap and is the most expensive large city in Texas.
Diversity Vegas is quite the mini melting pot.
Climate (Neither have much of winter but Austin may get a bit colder more frequently and definitely wetter)
Austin is more my kind of place but Id still prefer to live in Las Vegas. LV *kills* Austin as far as shopping, dining and entertainment. LV offers way more international flights, LV is more diverse, and is really close to CA which is huge for me.
Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 18Montclair
Austin is more my kind of place but Id still prefer to live in Las Vegas. LV *kills* Austin as far as shopping, dining and entertainment. LV offers way more international flights, LV is more diverse, and is really close to CA which is huge for me.
I can't agree with this, especially if your entertainment preference is good live music.
- education (% with college degrees, quality of higher education, school districts): Both have good options, but Austin wins
- violent crime: Too soon
- wages: Las Vegas
-entertainment/live music: Las Vegas
- cycling infrastructure (at least in central locations): Las Vegas
- employment rate / growth: Austin
I would choose Las Vegas. It is more diverse, and well-rounded. I also like the proximity to California without California prices.
Eh, I know FAAAAR more people that go to Austin for entertainment than Las Vegas
Haha I personally dont recall ever knowing of a single person that's ever gone to Austin specifically for entertainment, recreation, leisure or tourism. Ever.
Otoh, thousands of people from all over California pour into Vegas every weekend if not every day just to party.
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