My wife and I have have decided to relocate. We are in our early 30's and no children. Live in SC now and looking to go maybe towards the Southwest area. Any fester's that live in or have lived in the Austin, TX Las Vegas, NV Phoenix, AZ area chime in with what you like/dislike about any of those area's? That's the short list for now. Or I would take any other recommendations as to places to consider.
Thanks,
- J
Originally Posted by Jake CMy wife and I have have decided to relocate. We are in our early 30's and no children. Live in SC now and looking to go maybe towards the Southwest area. Any fester's that live in or have lived in the Austin, TX Las Vegas, NV Phoenix, AZ area chime in with what you like/dislike about any of those area's? That's the short list for now. Or I would take any other recommendations as to places to consider.
Thanks,
- J
My take...
Austin is probably the best of the three. But Austinites don't want you there. I-35, the main north-south artery is always congested. I think Austin is the best of all TX cities, has charm, college town, dynamic because of the capitol and UT. Topography is nice with hills and lakes for recreation.
Phoenix: I see it as one unabated hot asphalt not unlike hell. Only the castaways live there.
LV: Do you really want to live in sin city? I don't. Besides Hoover Dam, Lake Mead (water level receeding and drying up) there is nothing to do except it is a sinners' heaven.
I think Austin is the most stable town. Given a choice of the three, without hessitation, Austin is it.
Originally Posted by Dave 330iPhoenix: I see it as one unabated hot asphalt not unlike hell. Only the castaways live there.
I think Austin is the most stable town. Given a choice of the three, without hessitation, Austin is it.
But.. But... I *like* Phoenix. And don't give me Phoenix is hotter than Austin. It may be hotter LONGER than Austin, but Austin is just as ridiculous and more humid. Maybe it's just that people EXPECT the heat in Phoenix? At night, though.. it's a great place to hang on the back porch.
Phoenix is also a capital city. And you've got ASU for your college flava. Also, more golf courses than any city in America. I'd sweep floors in Phoenix.
Suuure they have the monsoon season.. but no tornados!
Originally Posted by PropellerHeadBut.. But... I *like* Phoenix. And don't give me Phoenix is hotter than Austin. It may be hotter LONGER than Austin, but Austin is just as ridiculous and more humid. Maybe it's just that people EXPECT the heat in Phoenix? At night, though.. it's a great place to hang on the back porch.
Phoenix is also a capital city. And you've got ASU for your college flava. Also, more golf courses than any city in America. I'd sweep floors in Phoenix.
Suuure they have the monsoon season.. but no tornados!
I'll let hockeynut defend Austin. You got your information mixed up. Austin does not have humidity , it is not hot , and there is no tornado . I suggest that Palm Springs area has more golf courses. BTW, how many golf courses do you need?
Originally Posted by Dave 330iI'll let hockeynut defend Austin. You got your information mixed up. Austin does not have humidity , it is not hot , and there is no tornado . I suggest that Palm Springs area has more golf courses. BTW, how many golf courses do you need?
x2
Houston is just too Humid, but Dallas is amazing!
I would move to Austin in a heart beat if I could
I lived in Austin throughout the 90s unfortunately the job brought me back to the northeast. I visit Austin often and have seen a disturbing transformation. Traffic, traffic, traffic. Traffic will eat up a major part of your day. Traffic on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway is nothing compared to IH35, the major route north and south through Austin.
The problem is simple if it's a great place to live people will flock there in droves and f it up.
Another consideration is island fever, of course Austiin is not an island but it's pretty far from anything. Of course it's all what your used to, myself we'll get up in the morning and take an impromptu drive to the beach or mountain, NYC or Phila, you can't really do that in Austin.
Bottom line IMO if I didn't need to deal with the traffic i'd move back ASAP.
"The best thing about Austin is that it's so close to Texas."
Originally Posted by dicorI lived in Austin throughout the 90s unfortunately the job brought me back to the northeast. I visit Austin often and have seen a disturbing transformation. Traffic, traffic, traffic. Traffic will eat up a major part of your day. Traffic on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway is nothing compared to IH35, the major route north and south through Austin.
The problem is simple if it's a great place to live people will flock there in droves and f it up.
Another consideration is island fever, of course Austiin is not an island but it's pretty far from anything. Of course it's all what your used to, myself we'll get up in the morning and take an impromptu drive to the beach or mountain, NYC or Phila, you can't really do that in Austin.
Bottom line IMO if I didn't need to deal with the traffic i'd move back ASAP.
"The best thing about Austin is that it's so close to Texas."
"The Matrix" was spot on with its comparative analysis of the human species.
We live some where, use up all our natural resources, then move somewhere else to "infect" a nice place. Virus' exhibit the exact same pattern, and its a shame to see such a nice town like Raleigh, or Austin, completely change face due to traffic.
DFW has the largest amount of people in the state, but we also have the space, and infrastructure to support all the Millions of people that live here.
But there is still traffic =/
I35 is crowded no matter where you are, Denton, Dallas, Austin, wherever..if you are on that highway, its usually packed.
I would move to Austin if I could live within a decent commuting range of work (sub 30 mins)
Originally Posted by jetter2"The Matrix" was spot on with its comparative analysis of the human species.
We live some where, use up all our natural resources, then move somewhere else to "infect" a nice place. Virus' exhibit the exact same pattern, and its a shame to see such a nice town like Raleigh, or Austin, completely change face due to traffic.
DFW has the largest amount of people in the state, but we also have the space, and infrastructure to support all the Millions of people that live here.
But there is still traffic =/
I35 is crowded no matter where you are, Denton, Dallas, Austin, wherever..if you are on that highway, its usually packed.
I would move to Austin if I could live within a decent commuting range of work (sub 30 mins)I used to be able to commute in the AM from Round Rock the Woodward ave in South Austin in the early 90s 25 minute drive. Today the same drive would be 1 1/2 hours in rush hour traffic.
On the flip side I had a boat on lake Travis, 20 minutes from Round Rock maybe 40 minutes from Austin. IMO the best lake in the USA. Coves with waterfalls, clean, fresh deep water, the only downside is that it's not a constant level lake. However you would think the lake would be jam backed, oddly enough it never is. Lake Travis would be the best spot in the US to retire.
Phoenix from other people...
Phoenix is typically close to 10 degrees hotter than Tucson for example. The Phoenix area has gotten so populated that the air pollution is enough to set off my asthma and reminds me of LA in the 70's, while Tucson is very clean in comparison.
HOT really.really HOT burn the bottoms of your feet even when you have shoes on hot!
Lots of extreme weather very hot, or sometimes very cold. Also theres a lack of variety and a huge lack of activities here. Only positive is the cost of living here is very cheap (well compared to the rest of America) If your interested in Firearms, Hiking or Golf this is the state for you.It's hot - Arizona has one of the highest obesity rates in children because kids aren't running around outside, it's too hot! They are stuck inside all summer playing video games. It's culturally dead - Ever been to down town Phoenix in the evening? With the exception of the few events going on, there is no life. Not many shops, restaurants, places to "hang out" after 6:00pm. It's unsociable - you don't really get to know your neighbors. People go outside to get their mail or put out their trash can so good luck catching them.
We pride ourselves on dirt, sand, dead plants no water and urban sprawl.
Phoenix area - Very hot, very crowded, not too much English spoken around here, and oh yeah, it's hot.
Originally Posted by Dave 330iLV: Do you really want to live in sin city? I don't. Besides Hoover Damn, Lake Mead (water level receeding and drying up) there is nothing to do except it is a sinners' heaven.
Well I didn't say we were saints.
Just kidding. Appreciate all the feedback and please keep it coming. I am sure I will be in for culture shock with traffic where ever we go. I'll send out a request for some more info on Austin, TX today.
- J
I've spent a lot of time in the Phoenix area(I've had assignments out there that lasted up to six months at a time), and I definitely would not want to live there permanently. Austin is definitely much nicer, and Vegas is Phoenix II. PM Frog and tell him you're moving to Austin and need his advice.
Originally Posted by jetter2x2
Houston is just too Humid, but Dallas is amazing!
I would move to Austin in a heart beat if I could
Humidity is relative Its all what you're used to.
We came to Austin from Florida, and Austin is dry as a bone compared to FL.
Houston has worse humidity than Austin, no doubt. Phoenix is drier.
The nice thing is that when its super hot in the summer, its never humid.
Originally Posted by dicorI lived in Austin throughout the 90s unfortunately the job brought me back to the northeast. I visit Austin often and have seen a disturbing transformation. Traffic, traffic, traffic. Traffic will eat up a major part of your day. Traffic on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway is nothing compared to IH35, the major route north and south through Austin.
The problem is simple if it's a great place to live people will flock there in droves and f it up.
Another consideration is island fever, of course Austiin is not an island but it's pretty far from anything. Of course it's all what your used to, myself we'll get up in the morning and take an impromptu drive to the beach or mountain, NYC or Phila, you can't really do that in Austin.
Bottom line IMO if I didn't need to deal with the traffic i'd move back ASAP.
"The best thing about Austin is that it's so close to Texas."
IH35 isn't that bad. When there is construction/accident/etc then it gets backed up just like any other highway.
There is now a toll road that bypasses downtown, as more trucks/etc move off into that road then IH35 will get even better.
Austin is actually close to everything, IMHO. Besides what we have in town, its 1 hr to San Antonio, 2.5 hrs to Houston, 2.5 hrs to Dallas.
Originally Posted by hockeynutHumidity is relative Its all what you're used to.
We came to Austin from Florida, and Austin is dry as a bone compared to FL.
Houston has worse humidity than Austin, no doubt. Phoenix is drier.
The nice thing is that when its super hot in the summer, its never humid.
Lake Travis is nice to spend a hot day in a ski boat. Hippy Hollow is not worth writing home about.
Originally Posted by Dave 330iLV: Do you really want to live in sin city? I don't. Besides Hoover Dam, Lake Mead (water level receeding and drying up) there is nothing to do except it is a sinners' heaven.I love Austin too, but I disagree with the statement about LV. There's plenty to do that's not sin-related. First off, there's no state income tax which is awesome. Housing market is still blowing up. If you're the outdoorsy type, there's plenty of hiking/camping in the desert/canyons. The drive to AZ isn't terrible from there, with some fun roads on the way. There are FANTASTIC restaurants. Sure you'll have to deal with drunken tourists looking for a sinful romp, and the airport will be a mess, but honestly, they limit themselves to the strip. Outside of that, it's just a normal city.
Originally Posted by dicorI used to be able to commute in the AM from Round Rock the Woodward ave in South Austin in the early 90s 25 minute drive. Today the same drive would be 1 1/2 hours in rush hour traffic.
On the flip side I had a boat on lake Travis, 20 minutes from Round Rock maybe 40 minutes from Austin. IMO the best lake in the USA. Coves with waterfalls, clean, fresh deep water, the only downside is that it's not a constant level lake. However you would think the lake would be jam backed, oddly enough it never is. Lake Travis would be the best spot in the US to retire.
I go from Round Rock to the UT area in about 30-35 mins, right down IH35 at 7:15am. Add another 20 mins to get thru the rest of downtown to Woodward. The toll road around Austin does help a little bit.
It is a fantastic place to live - affordable housing, no state income tax, good jobs, great weather, lots of history, vibrant music scene, etc. That's why everyone is moving here!
Originally Posted by Dave 330iLake Travis is nice to spend a hot day in a ski boat. Hippy Hollow is not worth writing home about.
Rode by HH once on a boat, very disappointed.
If you want public bewbage, just go to Barton Springs pool in Zilker park. Tops optional
Originally Posted by hockeynutI go from Round Rock to the UT area in about 30-35 mins, right down IH35 at 7:15am. Add another 20 mins to get thru the rest of downtown to Woodward. The toll road around Austin does help a little bit.
It is a fantastic place to live - affordable housing, no state income tax, good jobs, great weather, lots of history, vibrant music scene, etc. That's why everyone is moving here!
You make a great welcome wagon lady.
Originally Posted by Dave 330iYou make a great welcome wagon lady.
Its my big flowery hat, isn't it
My mom used to do that when I was a kid. I didn't know WW was still around!
Need more reasons to move to Austin?
- We are the Live Music capital of the world. Austin City Limits fest is a huge weekend music festival every year, South by Southwest (SXSW) is the largest music industry "trade show" with a week of live music EVERYWHERE, Willie Nelson's 4th of July picnic in Luckenbach.
- Into the bar scene? Sixth Street is the place for you, esp on Halloween, Mardi Gras, and basically any weekend (esp when Univ of TX is in session)
- College sports? Univ of Texas football, basketball and baseball are NCAA div 1 power houses.
- Pro sports? The Round Rock Express, AAA affiliate of the Houston Astros, are owned by Nolan Ryan, play in gorgeous Dell Diamond, and routinely sell out. We get major leaguers on rehab assignments (Clements, Pettitte for example) as well as rising stars (Lance Berkman for example started here). We also have a minor league hockey team (CHL, Austin Ice Bats) and are getting another (AHL) in a year or so.
- Weather? Summers are hot. July-Sep are normally high 90s to low 100s. Winters can be cold (20s) but are normally 40s-50s. Spring and fall are comfy, windows open in the house, shorts/tshirts.
- Scenery? We are famous for wildflowers. Texas bluebonnets are coming up as I type this, and the highways are lined with flowers. Its really amazing, and a great way to spend a day (even at $3.30 a gallon). Austin itself is flat but drive west for about 10 minutes and you enter the Texas Hill Country which is full of great roads to drive, neat towns to visit, etc.
- Economy? State taxes - what are those? - we don't have 'em Sales tax is high to make up for it (6-8%). In general, TX is very business-friendly so companies come here, bring jobs, and don't leave.
- Education? Public schools are about average - live in Westlake, Round Rock or Pflugerville for the best schools. Many exceptional private schools. Colleges abound - Univ of TX has 50k+ students, plus there are many smaller schools (St Edwards and SW Texas State are two of the bigger ones).
- History? We are the capital of TX and have a great museum of TX history along with our amazing capital building. Hop on IH35 south and in an hour you are staring at the Alamo in San Antonio.
- Close to the big TX cities - within 3 hr drives are Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.
OK, I will stop this "Chamber of Commerce" post now
Originally Posted by hockeynutNeed more reasons to move to Austin?
- We are the Live Music capital of the world. Austin City Limits fest is a huge weekend music festival every year, South by Southwest (SXSW) is the largest music industry "trade show" with a week of live music EVERYWHERE, Willie Nelson's 4th of July picnic in Luckenbach.
- Into the bar scene? Sixth Street is the place for you, esp on Halloween, Mardi Gras, and basically any weekend (esp when Univ of TX is in session)
- College sports? Univ of Texas football, basketball and baseball are NCAA div 1 power houses.
- Pro sports? The Round Rock Express, AAA affiliate of the Houston Astros, are owned by Nolan Ryan, play in gorgeous Dell Diamond, and routinely sell out. We get major leaguers on rehab assignments (Clements, Pettitte for example) as well as rising stars (Lance Berkman for example started here). We also have a minor league hockey team (CHL, Austin Ice Bats) and are getting another (AHL) in a year or so.
- Weather? Summers are hot. July-Sep are normally high 90s to low 100s. Winters can be cold (20s) but are normally 40s-50s. Spring and fall are comfy, windows open in the house, shorts/tshirts.
- Scenery? We are famous for wildflowers. Texas bluebonnets are coming up as I type this, and the highways are lined with flowers. Its really amazing, and a great way to spend a day (even at $3.30 a gallon). Austin itself is flat but drive west for about 10 minutes and you enter the Texas Hill Country which is full of great roads to drive, neat towns to visit, etc.
- Economy? State taxes - what are those? - we don't have 'em Sales tax is high to make up for it (6-8%). In general, TX is very business-friendly so companies come here, bring jobs, and don't leave.
- Education? Public schools are about average - live in Westlake, Round Rock or Pflugerville for the best schools. Many exceptional private schools. Colleges abound - Univ of TX has 50k+ students, plus there are many smaller schools (St Edwards and SW Texas State are two of the bigger ones).
- History? We are the capital of TX and have a great museum of TX history along with our amazing capital building. Hop on IH35 south and in an hour you are staring at the Alamo in San Antonio.
- Close to the big TX cities - within 3 hr drives are Dallas, Houston, San Antonio.
OK, I will stop this "Chamber of Commerce" post now
Do you really want more people to move in and clot up the freeways more? Sheee, keep it a secret.
Originally Posted by Dave 330iDo you really want more people to move in and clot up the freeways more? Sheee, keep it a secret.
Good point.
Our weather sucks. I still have 15" of snow on my driveway and this afternoon its supposed to be 101.
Barry Manilow will be playing the first live concert in town since that fateful Milli Vanilli show.
Sales tax has been raised to 11%. Property taxes are up to 39%, and they just instituted a state income tax of 29%.
Speed limit has been lowered statewide to a max of 45mph.
No cars allowed on public roads, only pickups. Preferably 1970s vintage with telltale blue smoke coming out of the (optional) exhaust.
The state just instituted a minimum weight for 210lbs for any female over the age of 18.
I hope that does the trick.
Originally Posted by hockeynutGood point.
Our weather sucks. I still have 15" of snow on my driveway and this afternoon its supposed to be 101.
Barry Manilow will be playing the first live concert in town since that fateful Milli Vanilli show.
Sales tax has been raised to 11%. Property taxes are up to 39%, and they just instituted a state income tax of 29%.
Speed limit has been lowered statewide to a max of 45mph.
No cars allowed on public roads, only pickups. Preferably 1970s vintage with telltale blue smoke coming out of the (optional) exhaust.
The state just instituted a minimum weight for 210lbs for any female over the age of 18.
I hope that does the trick.
Originally Posted by frogMy joke has always been that Arizona is a place for folks that really want to live in California.... they just ran out of money before they got there.
Think about it. If you KNEW California existed just 350 miles away.... why would you stop?
Classic amigo, classic
Originally Posted by hockeynutGood point.
Our weather sucks. I still have 15" of snow on my driveway and this afternoon its supposed to be 101.
Barry Manilow will be playing the first live concert in town since that fateful Milli Vanilli show.
Sales tax has been raised to 11%. Property taxes are up to 39%, and they just instituted a state income tax of 29%.
Speed limit has been lowered statewide to a max of 45mph.
No cars allowed on public roads, only pickups. Preferably 1970s vintage with telltale blue smoke coming out of the (optional) exhaust.
The state just instituted a minimum weight for 210lbs for any female over the age of 18.
I hope that does the trick.
Thank you!!
I frequent Austin about 3x a year, and love love love it.
Please don't make it more of a hassle to get down 35 to Austin, than it already is |
Post at 2011-4-17 15:12
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