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Review of Austin, Texas

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PLACE TO LIVE
Star Rating - 10/17/2007
Austin - stay away unless you got lots and lots of money to spend. Houses are getting bigger and bigger and gated communities dot the landscape everywhere, which means BIG BIG hefty property taxes to pay. Even moderate to low income homes come with a hefty property tax. Also, the Texans calculate property taxes in a drug-hazed mentality. Absolutely makes no sense. You'll be mad as a wet hen when you get your property taxes. Property taxes are through the roof and will only get worse. The food is Tex-Mex, Mexican, South of the Border food and some barbecue. Variety in food in lacking.Traffic is getting worse and people are driving like maniacs. If you hate hot weather - STAY AWAY. Skin cancer around Texas is high, so you need to look like a nun when going out in the sun for protection. Allergies - well lets see, Ragweed not good, and every other plant you've never heard of will keep your eyes watering, throat scratchy, and you just feel like hell. If you are in your 50's and above, you may feel left out. Austin is a young person's city.Drinking, bar hopping, and loud noise is the name of the game. I have yet to see a bar that plays music from the 60's and above.Can't even hear "old blue eyes" or "The Mama and Pappas".I find it very liberal here so don't mention anyone affiliated with the Republican Party. Bush haters are everywhere. It's also a Sancutuary City, so do be surprised to see beggers on every corner.A lot can work, but don't want to, just beg. I just feel left out. There's more, but I am tired and depressed because I can't get my outrageous property taxes down. I guess I'll take on a 3rd job to meet my taxes. Good luck
Dorothy | Buda, TX
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7 Replies

hello all, just wanted to say that my husband and i (newlyweds with our newborn son, having been Californians all our lives) have just moved to Austin and we ABSOLUTELY ADORE IT. We've just moved from San Francisco, CA, where we've resided for the past 7 years, (which is completely opposite sides of the spectrum) and decided to move here on a whim--due to the fact my husband competes in pro BMX which is apparently a big scene out here. So we decided to give it a shot. We thought it'd be tough but it turned out to be great! Our son receives excellent daycare, taxes and housing is BEYOND cheaper compared to SF, and job opportunities are surprisingly fortunate for me (i'm in the fine art's field). My husband and son are happy here so i couldn't be any content. Amen to austin, texas.
lyndor | San Francisco, CA | Report Abuse
Agree 42   Disagree 35
All cities have their issues, try focusing on the positive; like the fact that you can actualy afford to purchase a home here in Austin (Buda); or the fact that you are not one of the beggers due to the positive job opportunities here. I hope you find peace with you decision, or a place which provides what you need to be happy. regards sjw
carla | Concord, CA | Report Abuse
Agree 13   Disagree 47
i agree with one thing that you said , that is that austin is very liberal , and i think that is its biggest problem
glen | Leander, TX | Report Abuse
Agree 48   Disagree 39
Adios Amigo! LOL
Ed | Austin, TX | Report Abuse
Agree 46   Disagree 43
ummm. you're just going to the wrong places. alot of places play stuff from the 60's. as for the Frank Sinatra... well, most people that listen to ole Frank are either dead or almost there so there's no market for "Ole Blue Eyes" But lot's of places cater to the older "50 and over crowd" read "Continental Club, Broken Spoke, Ginny's and Poodie's Hilltop" As for the bum's well we keep trying to get rid of them with legislation, but they keep finding it "un-constitutional" we tried a no camping ordinance. nope can't deprive someone of sleep anywhere. I think they should do what a couple of other cities have done and require a permit and safety vest to "solicit" at intersections... heh. You're listed as living in Buda. Property taxes aren't that high in Buda, at least not from my point of view. Would you rather pay alot in State Income Tax so we can dole out more welfare like Louisiana? Thought not. My wife and I have a combined income of about 72000 and have no problem with our finances. It just comes down to budgeting. Sorry it sucks for you.
Ronald | Austin, TX | Report Abuse
Agree 36   Disagree 51
Libral Love it!No state income tax Love it!Job prospects good! Love it!Im a painter.I also am a very good rock guitarist and can kick but on that guitar.Love it!No snow love it! Warm weather thats okay to.Cool people?Hope so cause Im a coming to Austin.I need a big change from Wisconsin.I use to live down around Brazoria county so look out Texas Im coming back baby!
Ronald | Wisconsin Dells, WI | Report Abuse
Agree 31   Disagree 37
glen, you state that Austin's being liberal is one of its biggest problems. If you mean that republicans may feel uncomfortable, then I can understand what you mean. However, unlike much of Texas, gay teenagers are unlikely to be kicked out of their parents' homes or find themselves victims of violence. This town has more diversity than most in Texas and is free of much of the extreme right wing, "moral majority" mentality.
Joe | Forest Park, IL | Report Abuse
Agree 43   Disagree 44
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