Possibly relocating to Abilene (Dallas, San Antonio: low crime, home, to buy)

[prsimpson01]

I need more information on Abilene, Texas, as my family is seriously considering relocating there. We currently live in Austin where the the cost of living is too high, and we cannot afford to buy a home in a desirable location without a major commute! I would like information on Abilene, such as the people, schools, crime rate, etc., I love Austin's laid-back culture and open-minded attitude! What can I expect from Abilene? Thanks!

[James2496]

Abilene has good schools, less expensive housing, crime rates vary from one area of town to another. It is a good family-oriented city. We have lived here quite awhile and really enjoy the city. Commuting times are short. There are lots of good local and chain restaurants and stores. You won't have as much of a variety as you do in Austin, but you will be able to take care of everything you need here. Populated areas are close. Dallas/Ft. Worth area is only about 2 to2 1/2 hours away--to the western edge of the metroplex. Austin is about 4 hours. Wichita Falls, Midland/Odessa, Temple/Killeen, and Waco are all about 3 hours away. Specific questions? Feel free to send me a private mail.

[James2496]

Abilene is a conservative city, and I am a liberal. I have not had any problems with that difference.

[Chickenriddle]

I was born and raised in Abilene & moved to Austin a few years back. If you like Austin, you will hate Abilene. It is very conservative and in my humble opinion, a veritable breeding ground of intolerance, bigotry, narrow-mindedness, and ignorance to the point of militant anti-intellectualism. The place is crawling with self-important religious zealots and holier-than-thou ignoramuses. In spite of being a product of the Abilene school system, I did spend most of my adult life there as a business owner. I mention that to draw a distinction between my disgust for that town and the less logical scorn being cooked up in meth labs that dot the countryside. Before settling on Abilene, I recommend that you consider setting up camp next to a monkey cage in the zoo nearest to your current location, San Antonio perhaps. If you find yourself comfortable in the company of loud, &*%-flinging chimps, then you will find paradise there. There are a few really nice people in Abilene, but it is unlikely you would ever cross paths with them. Just my opinion.

[TT Dave]

Abilene is a LOT more conservative than Austin, that's for sure!...LOL. So if you are looking for a place that's very similar to Austin this may not be the place for you. I'm a conservative and have known and worked with many people over the years that are liberals. Some of them complain about the conservative and/or predominately Christian atmosphere here but none of the people I have known have suffered any sort of actual discrimination because of their political leanings. I've lived here most of my life and I enjoy it. Abilene may not be the most exciting place to live but the people here are friendly overall and it's a nice place to live and raise a family.

[WillysB]

Originally Posted by TT Dave

Spoiler

Abilene is a LOT more conservative than Austin, that's for sure!...LOL. So if you are looking for a place that's very similar to Austin this may not be the place for you. I'm a conservative and have known and worked with many people over the years that are liberals. Some of them complain about the conservative and/or predominately Christian atmosphere here but none of the people I have known have suffered any sort of actual discrimination because of their political leanings. I've lived here most of my life and I enjoy it.

Abilene may not be the most exciting place to live but the people here are friendly overall and it's a nice place to live and raise a family.

I've often said Abilene is a great place to raise a kid, but you wouldn't want to live there.

[James2496]

There is a paradox in Abilene. As I told you, I am very liberal. Yet, the conservatives in the town accept me. I think it has to do with the fact that I am not a member of a very conservative church. Because I belong to a liberal church, the conservatives that I know (and that is nearly everyone I know) do not try to change me. My church is open and tolerant. As I said, my wife and I are very happy here even though we are both very liberal leaning.

[The Continental]

Abilene is laid back, but not open minded. Schools you'll want the Wylie district. The southside of town is pretty good as far as low crime. Has Austin really gotten that expensive though?