Is Austin really as liberal as it's made out to be?

Question

I'm considering moving to Austin from Los Angeles, to take advantage of the lower cost of living and family-oriented environment. However, I'm really concerned that, despite it's reputation for being a liberal college town, that it still is quite conservative comparted to L.A. For example, will we stick out if we don't go to church every Sunday? Will my kids definitely grow up to have thick Texas accents? Is there a growing dislike for Californians given the recent migration wave into Austin? Any other negatives I should be aware of? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I live in Austin and find it to be a liberal haven -- and I moved from Chicago! I wouldn't say it's as liberal as San Francisco, though. Most people here are migrants from other states and a younger crowd because of University of Texas. There is a nice dollop of culture here, although the snobs from Dallas and Houston like to stick their noses up at us. If you like live music you'll definitely want to live here! The only problem is that the job market can be very tight, depending on your career.

Not many people in Austin have thick Texas accents, although I have picked up saying "ya'll" and "I'm fixin' to do this or that."

If you want a really liberal town, Austin is a good candidate. Politically, it's the blue spot within a red state. To give you an idea, we had to vote on banning gay marriage in the state constitution a year or so ago. Travis County (in which Austin sits) was the only county out of 200-something counties whose voters chose not to ban it. (This does not mean to imply we're as gay as San Francisco, it's just an example.) There are an over-abundance of anti-Bush bumper stickers driving around, and Bush/Cheney stickers are a minority. Can't say that for Houston or Dallas, though.

Answer 2

Ease up on the stereotypes. Very few people in any Texas city have what I would call a "thick" accent (out in the sticks they do, but remember, there are hicks in all 50 states). And not everybody in Texas goes to church, especially not in Austin, which has a large outspoken atheist population. Texans also drive cars, and do not get to work on horses. I recently moved to Minnesota, and people are shocked that neither my wife (who lived her whole life in Texas until now) nor I have accents. I lived in Austin for about 10 years. It's a great town, I tell people it's the most un-Texas of Texas cities. It is rather liberal, but like others have said, that's in comparison to the rest of Texas. There is a lot of emphasis on protecting the environment, protesting at the Capital, etc. It actually got a bit old. One thing I'd caution: Austin is not what I would describe as a "family-oriented environment." There are not many parks or anything for kids, Austinites are generally pretty young, many are recent college grads. You'll find more to do for young singles and professionals than you will for kids. Lotf of drinking and partying. My wife and I lived there in college and as young adults, then we moved back later in life when we had a baby. We found that the town was not nearly as appropriate, given our place in life, as it had been before.

Answer 3

I have never heard anything bad about Austin, liberal or conservative.

There are too many people in that town for you to "stick out" if you don't go to church, trust me, nobody would know nor care if you went to church or not, I don't think they're going to waste their time worrying if you were there or not.

No, just because you live in Texas doesn't mean your kids will have Texas accents (if you lived in England would they have a British accent?), they will speak as they have learned from you.

The only other advice I would have is do not go there thinking that people are uptight, liberal, whatever, they're people, just like you.

It is a great town, have an open mind.

Answer 4

I moved here from San Bernardino 1 1/2 years ago, we do not go to church every Sunday, we don't stick out like sore thumbs either. Most people are nice and treat you nice. Yea there are liberals here, just ignore them. Downtown can be a little weird the saying goes (Keep Austin Weird) I say( keep the weird downtown) we actually live in North West Austin kids go to Round Rock Schools, because we are so far from downtown. I haven't come across anyone who dislikes Californians. A lot of people do dislike the people from New Orleans though.

Answer 5

I'm a born and bred Austinite, and I can tell you Austin is definately liberal. A cross-dresser running for mayor barely makes it in the newspaper, so I doubt anyone's going to crucify you for not going to church (although I can give you a list of liberal churches in the area if you'd like). The only reason I have an accent (and only when I'm tired) is because I spent a good deal of my childhood in east Texas. Austinites don't have accents. Austin has a great culture about it. I'm sure you'll love it. :) Click on the source link for more info about Austin life.

Answer 6

As a former Austin resident that has since moved to Philadelphia, I can tell you that it's very liberal--but only in comparison with the rest of Texas.

I consider it to be a middle-of-the road American city, with lots to offer for all. You're not going to stick out if you don't go to church and people in Austin seemed to be more concerned by Dallas and Houston transplants than ones from California.

Best of luck with your decision!

Answer 7

Sounds like we're in the same boat! I'm doing the same as you in terms of feeling out Austin vs. L.A. Great question.

FYI -- Texas doesn't necessarily have thick accents. But once you catch "ya'll", it's very hard to get rid of! =)

Answer 8

No, Austin is not that liberal... actually I found it to be very conservative and some people where kinda racist. It seems that people of the same race hang together there. Once, my friend and I were walking across the street and some guy yelled out of his car, "Get out of the way n-----". I was so suprised b/c I never heard that before... I felt so bad for her and I was mad! But then again, there are jerks everywhere! We just experienced that in Austin.

Answer 9

yes they are very Liberal... my family has lived there since 1954..and have seen it grow..and expand and its busting out of its seams... 6th street was a gravel road and there was nothing but cantinas full of cantineras that hispanic males would go see ..and to listen to good spanish music..live or by juke box to drink a ice cold beer from the bottle Falstaff Blue Ribbon...
but now ..its still as beautiful as it was then,...and the people are just as friendly..Come on Over and expeience the other world..

Answer 10

No its a blue island in a sea of red politically speaking of course.