friendly town but hot
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8/12/2008
I've lived in Austin, moved away, and come back again. Like the town but the climate is getting to me so I'll probably move again.
The good: Very pretty town with lots of oak trees and hills. Cost of living is rising but still a lot cheaper than anywhere in California or most of the urban Pacific West. A lot of focus on the music and club scene and this town is great for under 40 singles and marrieds. Decent job market, esp. in high tech and the sciences. Good school (UT). No state income tax will raise your current salary by 10%. Housing prices are steady (2008) with an even buyer/seller market. Rents are reasonable unless you're looking for Hyde Park or 78704.
The bad: Divisive local politics which sometimes incapacitates the city government. Transportation infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired--no East/West highways until you are on the outskirts of town and inadequate North/South highways! This makes for insane big city traffic despite the relatively low population.
The ugly: No state income taxes means the gov. needs to get money from somewhere; super high property taxes and sales tax, lots of potholed roads, poor signage, non-sensor street lights. Homeless people on every major intersection. An island city of liberalism in a state sea of conservatives. Texas style development favoring business interests over beauty and practicality. And hot. Really, really, hot. The climate cycles about every three years--one year super hot, one year hot with stunning fall and spring, and one year rainy, cool winter, hot brief summer. You will run the air conditioning 24/7 in summer, most of spring and fall. In the cool year you'll run the heat 24/7. Electric and gas bills can easily reach $500/month for a 2200 sq. ft. middle aged house and just under $300 for a newer house.
lin | Austin, TX