Austin, TX Reviews


449 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
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

Property Tax Cost are Huge - 2/26/2007
Having moved (retired) to Austin from Lafayette, LA, I was in for sticker shock of Property Taxes. For thirty years in Lafayette my property taxes were never more then what I pay now in Travis county in just one month!And you would think I would get nice (free) roads/highways for that,no. If you want the nice ones, you pay, the Toll Roads just opened up here, so add about $50 per month in additon to my property taxes for nice roads...Austin is a beautiful area, no doubt, just very Read More

Start Your Review of Austin


Great place to live - 2/20/2007
Eventhough traffic is becoming a problem and housing is still Read More

Austin rocks!! - 2/3/2007
I went to U.T.back in the 90's, and continued to live in Austin for three more years because I loved it so. There is a tremendous music culture, something for everyone. Where else can you jog around a beautiful downtown city at sunset and feel safe. The food is great and can be found at all hours of the night. A trip out to the Oasis on Lake Travis at sunset, will make you never want to leave. The economy at the time i moved, was not the greatest for a struggling college student, but now there's opportunity for all. If I can break my Ohio bound husband free, we will move our family there to grow up around the nature and cultural meca that austin Read More

Love it here! - 1/17/2007
We relocated to Austin about 4 months ago. The cost of living here is so much lower than the west coast! It is green, clean, and there are lots of things to do. I don't know why people post that Austinites are not friendly... I have not met a grump yet, and my neighbors are terrific! However, if you don't like sitting in horrendous traffic, this is not the place for you! I have lived in San Diego, and spent time in Los Angeles. Believe me... the traffic here rivals L.A. on a GOOD day. Also, there is a ridiculously serious lack of signage. Get a map! Otherwise... it's Read More

A Great Place to Live - 1/16/2007
Austin is a big,vibrant, bustling, laid back city with a more "liberal" slant than other large Texas cities. It is true that driving can be difficult but that seems universal these days.
Lots to do for young and old; great recreational facilities e.g.Town Lake and trails for foot and bike traffic. A world class city without ego. We love Read More

I love austin - 1/15/2007
Relocated my family from san jose ca, 6 months ago And would have to say it was the best decision we ever made. We sold are 2 bedroom 1 bath condo for 390,000 and purchased a 2000 square foot home in a nice area in round rock for 140,000. If you are skilled with credentials and have good references you will have no problem a getting a job. My overall opinion Austin is head and shoulders above san jose in everyway. I ask any san jose citizen how there salary stacks up to a median home price of 776,000 that is 40 years old and the roof is ready to cave in, and you will see that it does not equate no matter how great the weather Read More

Response to M from 12-13-06 - 1/14/2007
I'm surprised to hear that I'm ignorant. Just like a typical liberal, you believe everything that you read. Yes, this site says that "Austin" leans toward the democrated side. But as informed as you are you know that Austin also includes the surrounding areas ( Round rock, Leander, Cedar Park...) that are overwelmingly conservative, that's over 60% republican. But I'm sure you knew that being the intellectual that you are. I have no problems with democrates as long as they don't try to convert Austin to what they made of California and New York. They should just except Texas for what it is an live peacfully. This is a great place to raise children and I like the fact that when my children get off in December it's called Christmas Break and not winter break. I like when people say Merry Christmas and not happy holiday. This is why I live here and I hope it doesn't change. If that makes me ingnorant, then I guess I Read More

Ecclectic Austin, busting out at the seams, transp - 1/14/2007
I have lived in Texas most of my life and have resided in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Nashville, Tennessee. I re-located to Austin in 2005 and realized I should have been here all along.

Here’s my $4.20 worth about Austin.

Good Vibrations! … The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” is true and it’s all for good reasons. Austin IS different than any other city because of it’s “counter culture” attitude that still lingers from the “glory days” of the 70’s and 80’s. Watch the movie “Slacker” and you’ll learn a bit about the Austin counter culture. Diversity is the norm and is usually embraced by most Austinites. It is by far the most progressive city in the state, like an island of blue in a sea of red, but is still a safe place for conservatives! ;)

Downtown … This is one of the things that makes Austin so great. Downtown Austin is beautiful and alive with music (6th Street), arts, restaurants, coffeehouses, shops, elegant hotels, the beautiful Read More

Any comments re outdoor activities and sceneries - 1/9/2007
Are the lakes good for swimming? Any rock climbing, hiking area ? Read More

transpotation - 1/9/2007
transpotation very poor in Read More

Overview
Compare Austin, TX
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Austin, Texas to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.