There are occasions after I completely adore residing in Austin: after I’m paddleboarding on City Lake, after I’m consuming a frozen margarita at Maudie’s, after I’m hanging out in hip East Austin below string lights.
That being mentioned, there are particular issues I’m much less keen on: the sweltering summers, the isolation, the dearth of walkability.
I’ve lived in Austin for nearly two years. Right here’s what I’ve come to like and hate about it:
What I like about Austin
The Folks
By and huge, Texans are extremely good individuals: beneficiant, humorous, and sincerely form. After I had Covid, a number of neighbors introduced me tortilla soup and walked my canine. Folks say good day to you on the road right here, even when they don’t know you. Austin is by far the friendliest place I’ve ever lived.
The Meals
One other optimistic – the meals. Austin’s meals scene is flourishing: you’ll find glorious TexMex, Thai, Vietnamese, and naturally, barbecue. A few of my favourite spots are Uchiko (sushi), Odd Duck (new American), and Loro (Asian/barbecue fusion). I’ve additionally grown to LOVE frozen margaritas, ha.
The Water
As a born-and-raised Michigander, I desperately have to dwell close to water (that was one of many issues I discovered hardest about residing in Colorado). Fortunately, Austin has loads of it: City Lake, Barton Springs, and Lake Travis, to call just a few.
The Winters
The winters listed here are pleasant – the temperature hovers round 70 levels, and the skies are normally crisp and blue. Although we do have the odd snow day, the winter climate could be very delicate.
Dwell Music
I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Austin’s internationally famend dwell music scene. I like how one can stroll right into a random bar on a Tuesday and listen to an unimaginable efficiency for the worth of a Shiner Bock.
The Canine-friendliness
In Austin, you may convey your canine nearly anyplace — I convey my pup nearly in all places I’m going. My native CVS is even dog-friendly.
What I Hate
The Crowds
Attributable to its big reputation in recent times, Austin feels insanely crowded at occasions. Parking is tough to search out, eating places are packed, and the weekends particularly may be hectic.
The Excessive Value of Residing
Austin could be very costly. To purchase a plot of land – not even a home – in my neighborhood, prices one million {dollars}.
Poor Walkability
Sadly, Austin is just not a walkable metropolis. Bisected by two highways, Austin is a really car-dependent metropolis; for walkability, it ranks forty second within the US, between Las Vegas and Pheonix. As somebody who likes to stroll, this can be a big draw back.
The Allergic reactions
Central Texas has been known as the “Allergy Capital of the World.” There’s even a each day allergy report on the native information, the place official pollen counts for ragweed, grass, and mould are measured. I by no means had allergic reactions in my life till I moved right here — ugh.
The Warmth
The summers in Austin are brutal. Temperatures can attain 110 levels (or greater). After this 12 months’s scorching summer time, 90 levels bizarrely feels considerably cool to me.
The Isolation
Austin is near only some cities: Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Earlier this 12 months I made the error of driving to New Orleans, which took 10 hours. Generally I really feel so envious of the East Coast – think about driving just a few hours and with the ability to entry Boston, Philly, and NYC? Sigh.
All this to say, I’ve been fairly completely satisfied right here. I’m unsure if it’s my ceaselessly residence (I’m unsure I’ve a ceaselessly residence, interval), however I plan to remain no less than just a few extra years. And luxuriate in many extra lake days and frozen margs.
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