What is Austin, Texas really like?

Question

Honestly, I've only been there once, and it's the ONLY city I've ever fallen in love with at first sight.

I've been to the state capitol, Sixth Street, and the walking trail/park along the lakefront. But I've also read about things like SoCo, The Drag, Second St., Blanton Museum, Austin Museum of Art, Barton Springs and Zilker Park, Mt. Bonnell, Mt. McKinney, the ACL Music Festival, SXSW, UT sports, etc.

So, I'm 21, currently live in Kentucky, and will have my B.A. in May. Austin appeals to me because it has something Kentucky doesn't seem to offer, an environment where people are laid-back, friendly, yet open-minded. I love live music and prefer hot weather (seriously), which ATX is known for.

So, how is Austin in terms of cost of living? Job market? Nightlife? Are the people really as friendly as they appear? Any other factors you want to chime in?

Thank you, and "Keep Austin Weird!"

I'm also single. It's my understanding that ATX's scene is something else.

Answer 1

from Kentucky?

You may think it's a little expensive.

the natives are friendly.

Answer 2

I have lived here 16 years, and it is a very nice place to be.

I moved here from Colorado and wasn't impressed at first. The 'liberal' and 'outdoorsy' aspects just cannot compare to Boulder. However, after being here for a few years we lost any real desire to leave, even when we had the chance to return to Boulder.

Cost of Living - I find it inexpensive, but I compare that to Denver, Chicago, Phoenix, and the West Coast (where I have friends and family). Compared to Kentucky, it might be expensive. You can still buy a 4 bedroom house in a good neighborhood for $250K (more the closer you are to downtown). Also, transportation is high because there isn't much of a mass transit system, unless you live within walking distance you can expect to go through a tank of gas a week commuting.

Job Market - There are jobs here, but there is also a lot of volatility in the market. Do your job hunting before you get here. Try to get here with a job already lined up, or at least with a couple of interviews. Another thing to consider is finding a job before you rent/buy a place to live, you don't want to end up living in George Town and working in Del Valle.

Nightlife - Pretty famous as a 'party town'. I was never too into it, but there is no shortage of bars/clubs and special events.

Friendliness - Yes, and no. We have made many friends since we have lived here. But, I personally have lived places that are friendlier.

Something I tell everyone is to get outdoors. The 'nightlife' is fun, but there is lots of camping, boating, fishing, mountainbiking, swimming, rock climbing, etc to do in and around Austin. Austin has a great weather much of the year and you can do these things pretty much 12 months of the year.

Answer 3

I've lived here since 1981 and would never consider moving. It's a young city with a great respect for nature. If you enjoy the outdoors and the heat, you couldn't pick a better place. The Hill Country area is to the west of Austin. It is a beautiful, hilly terrain with lots of open space.
Austin is a little pricey as far as rents go.
Great nightlife - 6th Street is more touristy than local, but there's plenty to do downtown besides 6th Street.
I think it's one of the nicest cities. People are so friendly.
My only hesitation is responding to your question is that I don't want too many more people coming because it's just perfect!
Good luck making your decision.

Answer 4

I don't know where git r done was driving, but I've been in Texas almost all my life (except for 4 yrs in Louisiana) and I love it. Louisiana is definitely poorer, especially the school system. They say the only schools worse than La. ones are Mississippi ones. Austin is absolutely beautiful, especially the hills in west Austin. Barton Springs is the natural cold springs, the water is about 65 degrees year round. You like hot, it's hot here, this summer wasn't too bad, but it's normally over 100 for a few weeks in the summer. And of course, ATX is the live music capital. I grew up there, love it, and live in Dallas now. I love Dallas too, lots to do here. Of course, git r done, there are poor parts of every city, so you must have only been in those parts. Can't judge the whole state by a few slums that you happened to drive through.

Answer 5

Just one thing you should definitely consider: Austin is full of new college graduates who don't want to leave Austin. As a result, the entry-level job market can be tough, and wages are lower than what you would probably be making in a different city. I'd recommend finding a job before you move and/or being okay with settling for less than your post-graduation dream job. I moved here shortly after graduating several years ago and I ended up having to work a few sh*t jobs at first, and am still making less than I would have had I not moved, but it was definitely worth it for me because I love the city so much.

Answer 6

I have lived in ATX since 1975 . It really sucks and I wouldn't come here.Just kidding, it is a great place to live, there is always so much going on and I usually miss a lot. If you have a job lined up would be a good thing.At one point we had the highest educated population in the nation and a I would bet we are still in the top ten. One thing for sure the traffic is really bad,but I drive in it everyday and it is just a part of life. You need to check out SOUTH Austin as it is on a different vibe than the rest of town. good luck.

Answer 7

Yes there are quite a few rec centers.. There's one in south Austin off South First street..

Answer 8

I would move to Austin in a hearbeat...I LOVE THAT CITY!!!!! Cost of living isn't too bad, just stay in the suburbs...nightlife is awesome and job market is average

Answer 9

I've lived in Austin for 18 years and all I can say about it is, it is a great place to live, and I plan on moving far far away soon. Lol.

Answer 10

I've been there and I liked it.

Southern + Texan meets college crowd was how I felt about it. People were very cool.

Every time I've been there there's been loud employment offers on buildings which about says it all. Plus the lookups I've done pretty much agree.

Heard cost of living is going up though. Traffic is messed up.

If I didn't have serious ties, I'd definately think about moving there.