Should I move to Austin or Seattle?

Question

I live in San Jose and it is mostly an international community, flowing veils, head garb, many languages, etc. I am looking for a city that is more American than international, but is still diverse. It is an earshot within fun nightlife, music, and restaurants, but also quiet clean suburbs. (BTW I am SWM, late 30's, straight. Most of my friends date and marry Asian girls here in San Jose because it is primarily an Asian community. I do prefer the SWF midwestern look).I do not mind clouds and rain - friendliness of the people and good feel for the city is much more important to me than weather. Both cities are always ranked high in quality of life, but it seems Austin is the new kid on the block and Seattle is more of a has been. But Seattle real estate is supposed to be on the rise for many years to come. Please provide suggestions/feedback to help me find a city where I can call home and have a sense of belonging for the long-term.

Answer 1

It really boils down to what you're looking for - the choice has to come from you. Both cities are awesome in their own way, but here's a few things to ponder:

Weather: Seattle is notoriously gray and rainy. "Mild" winters - around 45-50 degree highs - last months, with chill winds. And so you know, I spent two winters in the area, so I know how much it sucks to be gray-crappy-cold for more than a few weeks at a time. Austin is a very warm - sometimes too warm - place with summer highs topping near 100, but it's warm year round, and has a comparatively mild winter.

Girls: Seattle seems to be more 'multicultural' at first glance, and has a large population of Asians. If you're looking for the classic midwestern 'farmer's daughter', you cannot go wrong in Austin Texas - the town is overrun with them!

Cost of Living: No question, Austin.

Nightlife: Both cities are pretty comparable here. Because Seattle is larger, there are more options. Both cities have phenomenal live music scenes, and plenty of dive bars, as well as upscale entertainment. Seattle's nightlife culture is fairly more diverse in terms of theater, musicals, etc; but again, it's bigger, and ATX has no shortage of similar things to do.

Jobs: Seattle's perennial tech and finance industries are always hiring. Bigger city, bigger market. ATX is a tech city too, and the blue-collar market is not a strong as Sea-Town.

Housing: Austin still has beautiful suburbs and quaint neighborhoods that are relatively untouched by development. The cookie-cutting scene is not as abundant as it is in Seattle, but Seattle has more urban-style living arrangements available. But if you're looking to be within earshot of the action, Austin is the better choice, as the suburbs are closer to the main nightlife areas.

Public Transport: Is a joke in Seattle, but both cities rely heavily on busses. The monorail - when its working - is set to expand by 2008 or 2050 depending on who you talk to.

Politics: Some people joke that Austin is a piece of California that got lost. It's definitely a left-leaning city in a right-wing state. But Seattle is the winner for left wing politics. Why? WTO 99 - 'nuff said.

Friendly people: In Seattle? No. It's so hit and miss that the city at times seems cold. ATX has Texas hospitality with a laid-back western approach, so they win.

Traffic: It's funny to hear Austinites complain about traffic, they have no idea. Seattle is one of the worst offenders in the US, and may have even cracked the top 5 before.

Real Estate: Housing values in Seattle are about 4X that of central Texas. Depending on your job and budget, you can do pretty well out here, and the market is expected to flourish in the next decade.

Internationalism vs American: While both cities have diverse populations, Austin is much more a down-home American town at its core still. Seattle has Yankee pride, to be sure, but lacks the feel of Americana that pervades Texas.

Proximity to scenery: Seattle's prime location between mountains and waterways is almost unbeatable. Austin is near some great things to see and do, but pales in comparison to the abundance of outdoor activities in Seattle.

Now, to top of all that brain-food, I'll tell you my experience. I went to and through Seattle several times, and it never felt like a place I wanted to be long term, though I considered moving there several times. But as soon as I drove into Austin, practically without seeing anything of the city, I knew I could stay here for many years and be happy. It's very welcoming, and I plan to live out many wonderful years here.

I hope all this helps your decision - always a momentous and stressful thing to think about picking up and moving. I should know, I've done it several times.

Answer 2

I have actually lived in both cities in the last 7 years. I would choose Austin. The cost of living is WAY cheaper, people are friendly and there is lots to do. You can wear shorts for at least 1/2 the year, it is not over crowded. Traffic in Seattle is a nightmare!! and the cloudy days will drive you crazy. It always seems damp and dreary. Austin does have a good mix of different people. Not a whole lot of asians. but a mix of all I would say. Austin does tend to have a lot of tornado warnings. and thunderstorms, but other than that I would choose Austin hands down. You would be able to stretch your money SO much further. ( Seattle is typically only pretty for about 6 weeks out of the year, and if you look at tomorrows forcast, it is barely in the 70's, in July....

Answer 3

Funny, I am in between those two cities (among a few others). Austin real estate is still very affordable, especially compared to Seattle. Also, Austin is supposed to be a great community for young people and up and comers. My sister loves it there. We've also spent a lot of time in Seattle and the dreariness gets real old real fast. Seattle is great but I think Austin is a more homey place.

Answer 4

I say move to Austin. #1 The cost of living is cheaper, everything is way overpriced in Seattle as far as homes are concerned. The weather is awful, during the winter--can i say invest in the raincoat business here. Texas is a very diverse state, even more so toward the south. As far as the dating scene, it is how you make it no matter where you are. San Antonio is a hop and skip away from Austin-where the nightlife is great is both areas. If you are looking to nice weather, nice and affordable housing, go to Austin. I would in a heartbeat.

Answer 5

I'm a single Asian male in Seattle and I don't think dating is as bad as that. We have events and adventures singles club that gets you out doing activities or going to social functions so many singles can meet doing common activities together in a less formal atmosphere.
The sporting events and wine and brewery tours are great. The museums, sailing and bicycle clubs are all great things to do and meet women.

Now I've never lived in Austin, but I don't know anywhere you have mountains, both salt and freshwater boating and fishing, great technical jobs available and clean air all within a couple hours drive from the metropolitan area.

There probably aren't as many young blonde hotties running around as Austin might have. However, you might find the gals here more grounded and stable with better communication skills than there.

Answer 6

I would caution you that Seattle is a friendly city, but the dating scene is known to be a little difficult. That complaint has come from both men as well as women here. I'm not sure if the singles here are just more cautious or stand-offish or what the problem is, but I know lots of single people in the Seattle area who seem to have trouble hooking up.

If that little problem doesn't concern you, then yes Seattle would meet your needs perfectly.

Answer 7

Seattle

Answer 8

Seattle

Answer 9

Should I Move To Austin

Answer 10

Given those two choices and what you said, move to Seattle.