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What BestPlaces Users Say about Austin
Austin, Texas is a rapidly growing city known for its vibrant music scene, outdoor activities, and booming tech industry. With a diverse population and a thriving economy, many people are flocking to this city to live and work. However, as with any place, there are both positive and negative aspects to living in Austin. In order to better understand the experiences of those who have lived in this city, I have gathered a variety of user reviews from BestPlaces.net.
According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, there are many positive aspects to living in Austin. One user, Grace, shares that "Austin has a great sense of community and a friendly atmosphere. People are generally laid back and open-minded, making it easy to make new friends." Another user, John, praises the city's job market, stating that "Austin offers a wide range of job opportunities, especially in the tech industry. I was able to find a job in my field within a few weeks of moving here." Additionally, user Lily highlights the city's vibrant culture, saying that "there is always something fun to do in Austin, whether it's attending a music festival, trying out a new restaurant, or exploring the city's beautiful parks."
On the other hand, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by users about living in Austin. One user, Mike, expresses his frustration with the city's traffic, stating that "the traffic in Austin is a nightmare, especially during rush hour. It can be stressful and time-consuming to get around." Another user, Samantha, mentions the high cost of living in Austin, saying that "rent prices and property taxes are constantly on the rise, making it difficult for some people to afford to live here." User David brings up an important issue, stating that "while Austin is a diverse city, there are also issues with gentrification and displacement of longtime residents in certain areas."
In conclusion, many user reviews on BestPlaces.net highlight the positive aspects of living in Austin, such as its sense of community, job opportunities, and vibrant culture. However, there are also some challenges and drawbacks mentioned, such as traffic, cost of living, and issues with gentrification. Overall, these user reviews provide valuable insights for anyone considering a move to Austin, allowing them to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision for themselves.
based on 449 ReviewsGet to know Austin with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Austin
Don't be fooled... - 10/9/2012
I went to Austin for over a year. I can say it is a fine place if you have money coming in and can afford a reasonable property but if you cannot, it can be a hard place. Renting prices are very steep, properties are poorly maintained overall and the bus system is the cheapest in the country but also one of the worse for a city of its size. Property tax is high! People claim it is a democratic city, which is totally untrue. I come from one of the most democratic areas in the US so this is how I am able to compare it. People are mostly friendly and easy to talk to but there is a problem with reverse discrimination big time and also homelessness. Many homeless people come to Austin because they are left alone and not kicked or thrown of the streets. There is something in the water (the locals tell you) that makes people crazy (perhaps too much barium). I also must point out that rates of self-abuse with drugs and alcohol as well as mental health disease are some of the highest in the
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Generally clean air and water in abundance - 9/19/2012
The thing I like about Austin and its microclimates. ..is there are more than just a few natural swimming areas...lakes, rivers and creeks,public pools that are spring fed.Also there are caves and crevices to be explored. This is the gateway to the hill country after all.
Too bad everybody else has heard of it too or has come here to go to college or go to SXSW and consequently moved here. It has brought the traffic and the rent prices to skyrocket and finding parking downtown is a miracle.
I like my little spot here but I know as a renter it won't last forever...looking for the next big
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Open-minded. - 8/20/2012
Austin is the ONLY city in Texas where I feel comfortable identifying myself as an Atheist. Whatever you're into is great by me: on Guadalupe, a Scientology church sits next door to a Baptist church. I'm not sure how many other cities you'll find that are quite so open
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The changed face of Austin - 8/15/2012
I have lived in Austin,Tx since 1976 after moving from Housten. What attracted me was the Berkley (as in California) environment, lake Travis, the weirdness, and a tight community. During the following years, Austin had grown in the worst way;High density in the hills around Austin, overcrowded freeways, imports from around the country that have created a lack of community, a city councel that should be districtly elected. Austin no longer is the charming village that it once
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Cost of Living - 8/7/2012
If you are a business that wants to move to Austin, I would first check this City's track record with the business community. I think you will find that your business would be better off in one of the surrounding communities where they welcome and support business. The City of Austin will committ to most anything to get you in but over time you will lose support. The City milks business for liberal gain. Cost of living in Austin is the highest in Texas which says something when compared to larger Cities like Houston, Dallas, etc....plus we are suppose to be a college town...far from it. This current Mayor and City Council supports a small fraction of this City using all business contributions to further their liberal agenda. Which does nothing but drive taxpayer costs up with no end in sight. We have been here 7 years, and the cost of living has risen over 25%, not to mention utilities (water & waste water) bills have all almost doubled, along with real estate values declining by
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Austin,Tx Don't believe the hype! - 8/2/2012
My wife and I moved to Austin, TX in 2010 from Houston, TX to start a new life, launch a business and checkout the music scene. Our experience started out very promising, we loved the laid back vibe and friendly atmosphere. Everything seemed great and our optimism was in full swing. We started our business in late January of 2011 hosting a launch party at a trendy south Austin warehouse. Soon after, we were invited to take part in a SXSW event in March by two gentlemen from Brooklyn, New York. Tons of free exposure, you couldn't ask for more as a new company. During the summer of 2011 we did the free beer and the hard punch thing, giving away so much to promote our business and sell our loyalty food cards. The card sold for $25, good for 1yr and 25% off of food purchases of $10 or more, 365 days a year, the best consistent discount in the country bar none at the time, born and bred in Austin, TX. In return for the businesses accepting the discount, my company shot free
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Austin Is Not For Everyone - 7/30/2012
My family moved to Austin from northern Florida two years ago for my husband's job. We were so excited, as Austin was at the top of every list we could find online. It was like a warm Portland! It was the greenest, most family-friendly, most affordable, most entrepreneurial, most healthy places in the whole US! I was born and raised in the northwest US, but I'd lived in Florida for 11 years before our move. I was most excited for the family-friendly and green aspects of the city. I pictured my family biking, swimming, walking around our neighborhood meeting other families. . . . We have two girls--6 and 4. I had expected the vibe to be laid-back, eclectic, artistic, funky, progressive, and warm-spirited. I was looking forward to new opportunities for my girls. In the city, we could get them involved in things not available in Florida. They could do anything! They could sing opera! They could hear live music every day! Sure, we were leaving a tight community of friends and
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Drought Concerns - 6/28/2012
The increased temperatures over the last several years coupled with the lack of rain have resulted in a significant drought in this area. Concern regarding availablity and quality of clean and safe drinking water may become a reality in the near future.
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Thanks for the warning, Colleen - 6/24/2012
Grrrrrl, feel better now:)Wow you really had a lot to say and I want to thank you for sharing. I am in my early 40's, single mom with a 4 yr old daughter and live in NYC. I am leaving NYC for a better quality of life for my daughter and I. I was leaning heavily on settling in Austin but your post has truly changed my mind. I believe every word you've written and I am not going there!!! Thank you sooo much for the
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