How is Austin
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3/7/2007
I am responding to all those who are wondering what it's like to live here. I hear the allergies are awful, but my family seems fine except for the occasional hayfever over ragweed or other. I was terrified of "cedar fever", and the fear was worse than the effect. My mother who is allergic to everything and deathly allergic to mold, was fine here (apparently the healthier air wasn't as bad as the pollution of dry Phoenix on her). There are tons of outdoor activities (running, biking, climbing, spelunking, lakes, fishing, bird watching, hiking in woods, etc). I think the weather is personal opinion. I found the summers somewhat hot, but spent every day outside where I could never have done 1/2 that in dry Phoenix. Winter is great, and better than the 100 inches of snow back east. There were some sticky days, but the cool breezes and clear starry skies at night were to die for. Cost of living isn't bad, but property taxes are high (the key, make enough money to where the high property tax is offset by not having state income tax). Here, the prices of housing are steadily, slowly increasing. The economy is growing (unlike some areas). The music scene is great and the art scene is exponentially growing. My husband or I tell each other that moving here was the best decision. The only drawback I find is that getting good contractors work done is a pain in the ****. However, we have found good quality-good service people & will stay loyal to them.
Pat | Cedar Creek, TX