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Objective as possible - 8/31/2009 |
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| I've lived here for 11 years, hope this helps: Austin's economy is supported mainly by high-tech companies, the U. of Texas and the State Capitol. If you're in high-tech, some serious money can be made here. There is a high quality of life, mostly on the west side and if you can afford it. You can do outdoor activities almost all year long due to the warm and sunny weather. Hiking, bike trails galore, a fantastic city park system, LOCAL restaurants abound, and a great nightlife downtown. With that being said, the joke is "once you're over 30 there's nothing to do in Austin." An exaggeration yes, but lots of truth to that. It is a COLLEGE TOWN, even though the population of greater Austin area is 900,000. If you're under 35 yrs. the singles scene is fantastic.
Traffic all over the Austin area is heavy. Central Austin does not have the streets and thoroughfare's to handle the influx of population this town has seen in the last 15 yrs. As far as I can tell, there is no way to fix it (widen streets, add lanes). You would have to knock down buildings and historic homes to add lanes to help ease the traffic situation and i don't see that happening. Central Austin schools (or Austin proper) have very poor ratings. Most families live in the suburbs for the better schools, but the parents have nightmare commutes from these suburbs.
The lakes and Hill Country to the immediate West of the city are very nice and take only a few minutes to get there.
No State Income Tax. BUT, property taxes are high. For instance on a $180K condo or home you will pay $4,000 per year in property taxes.
Austin is a fun, hip, conscious, eclectic town (central Austin). Just be aware that we do not have pro sports, symphony, theater or ballet at the level of a more substantial city such as Denver, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Philly etc. More importantly, it is SERIOUSLY hot here in the summer from July through October 15...not a dry heat. The allergies are the worst in North America (documented fact).
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| austin tx - 1/6/2008
new to austin, its fun. good for kids. tries too hard to "stay[read more...]
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| Austin quality of life is good - 1/4/2008
Having lived in Austin, TX for seven years I have found that the overall quality of life is good: low home prices, low cost of living, several rivers, lakes, parks and recreational areas, liberal[read more...]
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| Austin as a pace to live - 12/31/2007
Austin is a good Tier-3 city. Decent economy, friendly people and lots of outdoor activities. But it is growing fast and out of its seams. I have lived here for over 9 years. Cost of living may have[read more...]
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| Looking for a place without Asthma - 12/17/2007
Austin is a good place to live at. However, my boy is having a lot of issues with[read more...]
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| Life in Austin - 11/13/2007
I moved to Austin in 1970, when I was 18, and moved to San Francisco in 1989. I still have many friends in Austin, and recently went back to visit. From what I have seen, Austin has a better quality[read more...]
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| The truth about Austin, Tx - 10/31/2007
If you are set on living in the state of Texas, Austin should be at or near the top of the list of places to live. Austin is not what it used to be and sadly is looking more and more like Houston. [read more...]
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| South Austin culture - 10/27/2007
I've lived in all parts of Austin since I came here to go to school in 1980. There are interesting neighborhoods all over the place, however as a whole South Austin is keeping the 'real' Austin alive[read more...]
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| The Beautiful City of Austin, Texas - 10/23/2007
This city has so many different places to spend time. If you're an outdoor person, consider the lakes, hike and bike trails, parks, and breathtaking views. The nightlife is incredible with bars,[read more...]
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| Austin Rocks - 10/23/2007
I don't know what wrong with the other people that left comments on Austin, but I think that Austin is the best place I've ever lived. The people are really laid back and friendly. There are tons[read more...]
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| HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PLACE TO LIVE - 10/17/2007
Austin - stay away unless you got lots and lots of money to spend. Houses are getting bigger and bigger and gated communities dot the landscape everywhere, which means BIG BIG hefty property taxes to[read more...]
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| Quality Austin - 10/4/2007
Austin is a city with overall appeal. With its mixture of music, arts, food, outdoor activities, universities, and aire of acceptance for all people, Austin is a great place to live. Due to rapid[read more...]
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| Austin Great place getting worse - 10/2/2007
Great place to live, however becoming too crowded not very good planned growth. Turning more and more into Houston, losing its one of a kind feel it once was so proud[read more...]
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| Possible Relocation - 10/2/2007
I'm may be relocating to Austin,TX and I would like some feed back about the area, things to do, education and housing.[read more...]
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| Evenly divided politics - Blues, reds, greens, etc - 9/26/2007
From what I've seen, Austin has its share of liberals, moderates, indies, and republicans and neo-cons- tree-huggers, you name it. A lil bit of everything. A very activist community when it comes to[read more...]
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| It's all about what you make it... - 9/24/2007
I once referred to Austin as a 'warmer Columbus, OH', but my outlook changed since then. This place has more potential and is growing very fast. A good place to pursue education and find a decent[read more...]
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| No basements. Dry grass. Fire ants. High property - 9/24/2007
Being from up north I'm used to having a basement. Apparently there are no basements here in Texas. Something I have to get used to. In that repect, I feel like I'm missing about 500-800sqft of a[read more...]
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| About 10-yrs behind on roads... - 9/24/2007
After 1 year of living here I noticed that this city is growing VERY FAST. TOLL ROADS is the main issue right now. A TR or two or three would help clear congestion cutting thru the city; but TXDOT[read more...]
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| Two seasons: HOT, and NOT HOT! - 9/24/2007
Moved here last year from Ohio and I liked having season changes; winter to spring, summer to fall. I do NOT miss the Ohio winters tho!
Here in Austin, TX (the ATX they like to call it) It is warm[read more...]
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| Austin is not what I expected - 9/21/2007
After living here a few months I'm considering returning to California. There is not enough opportunity for me professionally. As a teacher, I was even turnrd away from the substitute orientation[read more...]
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| Austin Overall Cost of Living - 9/19/2007
Having moved here one year ago from Nevada and prior to that California, I have to seriously question the accuracy of Sperling's statement that Austin's overall cost of living is 17.1% lower than the[read more...]
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