Question for those who live in texas?

[Techenigma]

I currently reside in California, quite near L.A but I have been eyeballing Austin, TX as a possible move to spot.
I have read quite a bit on it and have researched here and there and I still want to take a trip down and check it out for myself before making any decisions but I wanted to know if anyone on the boards here lived in Austin or had any opinions thereof.
I ask not because it will instantly make me feel better about it, but because those who live somewhere know the ups and downs far better than someone who doesn't. That and I think the California-Texas transition is quite the big jump. So anyone live in or near austin and have anything to tell me?

 

[kglueck]

I haven't lived in Austin since Fall of 1992, but I live just down the road a couple of hours and do still visit my parents there in Austin. I was born and raised there in the Austin area. it's a nice town...with the large influx of technology companies (electronics and computers), there have been a lot of californians moving there, but it's still ok. (Had to make a poke there as my brother moved to Oakland a while back...)

I'm not really sure what you're wanting to know specifically, so I'll just be general. Austin's nice and centrally located to it's close to all sorts of things...also has an awesome (and diverse) music scene...the nightlife (if you're into that kind of thing) is also quite good. It's got congestion, construction, and traffic like every other city.

Anyways, Austin's a great place...I enjoy visiting there, but I really enjoy the "laid back" place I live now...

There are several Austin residents on this board, tho...maybe one of them'll have some better comments. Lemme know if you have specific questions and I can see if I can answer 'em...

 

[Techenigma]

Dont really have any specific... just trying to find out if there is anything particularly bad about the place. I mean I live in L.A and all so I have the diverse people thing, but at the same time I live in a suburb of so I dont have the crime, poverty etc of the big city. I'm just trying to find out if I move down there if its middle of nowhere type thing, if there is a high crime rate, etc. If I should come up with anything specific I'll post up.
I hear it is a big college town... so lots of earlier twenties types? Also that is very liberal, hippie type... dont know if thats true. ??

 

[kglueck]

well, like any other town, there are negatives...I'm drawing a blank at the moment, tho. I wouldn't call it a college town, but then I live in a college town (College Station)...I'd say that UT does indeed influence a lot of Austin, but there's a lot more to Austin than just UT. But there are a lot of early twenties types as you call 'em. Austin is indeed probably the most liberal town in texas and yeah, there are some "hippie types"

 

[RL Lemke]

I live in Dallas, nearly 50, but have worked real estate from coast to coast. So, my perspective may be different than most people on this site.

There is a HUGE difference between California and Texas. A bigger difference than the difference between northern California and southern California.

1) Taxes: Texas has no state income tax. The property tax rate in Texas pushes 3% of value in many cities. In California I find that many are still able to hang on to the 1% of value property tax rate. California is very agressive about collecting every tax it can, even worse than the IRS. Texas is more laid back. Remember, in the 1800's there was an accounting note for deadbeats that one cound't collect from "GTT" which stands for gone to Texas.

2) Weather: When you live in a particular part of Texas, the weather is the same for everybody. Until you get out to west Texas, that weather is humid all the time, and HOT half of the year. In California, one can change weather by changing your location and elevation. IE: Coast = cooler, Inland = hotter. Lower Elevation = hotter, Higher Elevation = cooler. When I am motorcycling around California, I find that I have to be prepared for everything grom freezing ass cold to burning hot all in a days ride. In Texas, its just too darn hot all summer.

3) Attitude: As the song goes, Texas isn't just a state, it's a state of mind. You can sence it when you cross the stateline. Texas is the only state in the Union that can fly it's flag at the same level as the national flag. Texas was, and stiff feels like, a different country.

4) Housing Cost: There is no comparison, as homes in Texas are an excellent value. That is why we are receiving so many California corporate relocations.

5) Government Red Tape: No comparison here either. California is hostile to small business. Texas is business friendly.

6) Scenery: Texans have an affinity for the Hill Country, and think it is the best. However, there is no comparison, California has some of the best outdoor scenery in the world.

I can go on and on. But this is enough for now. Other than to say, I have found heaven on earth and it isn't in either California or Texas. I will be returning there in 5 years when my kids are out of school.