Austin, TX Reviews


449 Reviews



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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 Reviews
Get to know Austin with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Austin

Austin is way overrated! It's nothing more than an - 7/2/2010
I'll be honest with everyone and say Austin isn't all it's hyped up to be. Yes, it's a friendly city, but it does absolutely nothing for me. I'll gladly state why I dislike Austin.

1.) IT'S HOTTER THAN HELL MOST OF THE TIME. The only real season here is summer. The spring and fall last all but a month, and the winter is maybe two weeks. Summer here begins about mid-April and goes all the way into November. Not to mention, it's super humid like a swamp, and the air is thick enough to swim through.

2.) AUSTIN ISN'T AS LIBERAL AS EVERYONE THINKS IT IS. Yes, it's progressive for a Texas city, but that's not saying much. Trust me; I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for three years, and there's no comparison between the two. Need I remind everyone Austin is the Capital of Texas, one of the most backward states in the Union? Most of those right-wing radical politicians live here and not Dallas nor Houston. Needless to say, Austin is one of the most racially Read More

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So much to do among so many friendly people - 6/26/2010
Austin is a great place to live because of the culture and the people. All year round there are running races, festivals, street fairs, and musical events to attend. The community is made up of mostly transplants, and this results in a very friendly feel. Everyone is open-minded and happy, maybe because of all the sunshine. There is also a lot to do in the outdoors both within city limits and just beyond. There are so many trails and interesting neighborhoods to run and bicycle in, the lake to canoe and kayak. One of the coolest things about Austin lately is the increase in food trailers. You can get anything from donuts to organic/vegan food to bbq from trailers all around town...yum. Plus, there's is always amazing tex-mex. Read More

Caution: Austin is very overrated and overhyped by - 6/21/2010
I've lived in Austin, and the way many in the media and elsewhere describe Austin, they will have you believe it is somehow magically exempt from the intense Texas heat, sprawl, strip malls, and cookie-cutter subdivisions that people often complain of when referring to the other Texas cities. I don't know why this is, but please just be aware of the puff-piece articles and exaggerations. The media and the Austin-boosters love to put Austin on a pedestal (while at the same time trash-talking about the other major Texas cities), so just be aware and don't come with unrealistic expectations.
Many of you may move to Austin from cities they disliked in other states, and so will say good things about Austin because it's different from cities in other states. That's fine. But since you haven't lived in Houston or Dallas yet, just don't let yourself get brainwashed by the naysayers in Austin who say Austin is the only worthwhile place in Texas and the other cities are terrible in one Read More

Caution: Austin is very overrated and overhyped by - 6/21/2010
I've lived in Austin, and the way many in the media and elsewhere describe Austin, they will have you believe it is somehow magically exempt from the intense Texas heat, sprawl, strip malls, and cookie-cutter subdivisions that people often complain of when referring to the other Texas cities. I don't know why this is, but please just be aware of the puff-piece articles and exaggerations. The media and the Austin-boosters love to put Austin on a pedestal (while at the same time trash-talking about the other major Texas cities), so just be aware and don't come with unrealistic expectations.
Many of you may move to Austin from cities they disliked in other states, and so will say good things about Austin because it's different from cities in other states. That's fine. But since you haven't lived in Houston or Dallas yet, just don't let yourself get brainwashed by the naysayers in Austin who say Austin is the only worthwhile place in Texas and the other cities are terrible in one Read More

The Climate in Austin, Tx - 5/22/2010
Everyone knows the saying in Texas," If You don't like the weather, just give it a minute and it will change" Well that certainly is true. It can be cold and rainy one day and the next day it is hot and sunny. If you like heat and humidity, then this is the place for You. If you like a city with the 4th worst commute in the US IH35, then this is the place for You. Unemployment is high right now, very tough to get a job. But all in all, plenty of things to do Read More

Austin has a healthy range of options, depending o - 4/28/2010
The middle of town can be really pricey (the closer you get to town lake and the local highway "Mopac" aka "Loop 1"), but there are a variety of neighborhoods that are suitable for singles and single-income families wanting to build equity instead of renting. The farther you go out, the more house you get for the money... but commute time can increase with local traffic. East of interstate I-35 has seen a resurgence of activity, particularly with the redevelopment of the old Mueller Airport land.  Read More

Austin is Unique - 4/14/2010
It is an oasis in Texas that brings in many different elements together. It truly has somthing for everything for Read More

I Love Austin, TX! - 4/8/2010
I moved here to Austin from Baltimore, MD in 2002, and I have to say this is the best place I have ever lived! Yes, I have allergies, but it is all worth while to be able to raise my children in a friendly, fun and beautiful place! People are friendly, there is always something to do, live music to hear every night of the week! There is some traffic, but nothing like I experienced living in Baltimore. I was amazed when I moved here, that if you use your turn signals while driving, people will actually let you over! I also love that there are a lot of walking trails and the parks are gorgeous. If you are a friendly person who wants a great place to live, come on Read More

Don't Move here. - 3/24/2010
Austin is becoming overcrowded and expensive due to all the high paying jobs. It is far too popular of a place for some crazy reason. Like jobs. It is amazing with all the influx of people that it still has such low unemployment and you can get $120K/yr jobs here in Technology with companies that are hiring.

There are far more beautiful cities. And cooler temp cities. San Diego for example. You just can't get a job there, so who cares? I like Telluride too. And Lake Tahoe. And Boulder. Just can't get a job there.

I do live at Steiner Ranch on UT's golf course. My house is very affordable, and nice. There are no houses like it's price range within 75 miles of the city at my price range in San Diego or San Francisco.
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Former New Yorker loving Austin, TX - 3/16/2010
I moved here from the Bronx back in 2000 and at first, compared everything without really trying to accept what Austin if for... Oh, NY has this, Austin doesnt have this... etc. etc.. Once i realized the beauty of Austin, i would say it will be hard for me to move anywhere else...

First - a brief background: I'm a male asian working in the tech industry (i know.. i know)..

Here are some of the things i absolutely love about Austin:

-The people are great - i dont think Austin represents Texas as a state as i've been to Houston, Dallas and the remote areas as well. I've met some great lifelong friends here and have had some great experience with random people in concerts, parks etc...

Housing prices - moving from NYC? C'mon! There's not even a comparison.
I have friends who make 300k a year in NYC and i live better than them! Seriously... i know its crazy but houses here are still affordable and you dont have to take a 2nd job Read More

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