Austin
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3/24/2007
I have visited Austin pretty much every summer since I was a baby. I went to undergrad hear from 1996 to 2000 and am finishing up my second masters at UT. I have lived here since 2003 and am about to move. I have seen Austin change over 30 years. I must say that Austin does have a good publicist, because when I tell people I'm from here, they gush about how great it is. But it is no better or worse than any other middle size city bursting at the seems.
1. If you live in the city limits, you need to think about crime. Living near campus or where students are can be harry. Students tend to be easy targets. Certain areas of Austin are a little rough, but I grew up in rough neighborhood, and they could be a lot worse (Southeast Austin, North Rundberg, parts of East Austin). Cost of living has become more exurbant in the past 10 years.
2. Democrate, Republican, they are all pretty much different heads on the same beast. Just remember to wave when someone lets you over in traffic and slow down when a funeral passes (you will get a ticket if you don't--its a Texas rule) and you will be fine. We have our ultra conservatives and ultra liberals, and personally I try to avoid both.
3. Live music is fine, but sometimes I wonder what the huge deal is. There are some good bands, but no more or less than any other (college) town. I personally try to avoid the music festivals. We do have some great musicians that come through.
4. Traffic bad because of city planning; public transportation worse.
5. Things to remember: This is a college town. You are in the bible belt. There are a lot of trucks. Just acclimate.
6. You will start using y'all...and your relatives will laugh at you.
7. Its not as diverse as people make it out to be. The city council is very adept at avoiding issues of racial tension or diversity.
I, personally, am leaving Austin because it is not the place for me. I do not deal with heat, and I have outgrown this place. With that said, I have lived places that I have considered worse (California, specifically the Bay Area--beautiful state, but had some harrowing experience with people that I met concerning "behavior" around my sexuality, race, and what not. And frankly my life is too short to constantly argue about politics).
Hope that gave a clear picture
Ammie
Ammie | Austin, TX