There are occasions once I completely adore dwelling in Austin: once I’m paddleboarding on City Lake, once I’m ingesting a frozen margarita at Maudie’s, once I’m hanging out in hip East Austin underneath string lights.
That being stated, there are specific 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 variety. Once I had Covid, a number of neighbors introduced me tortilla soup and walked my canine. Folks say howdy 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 prospering: yow will discover wonderful 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 stay close to water (that was one of many issues I discovered hardest about dwelling 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 below are pleasant – the temperature hovers round 70 levels, and the skies are often crisp and blue. Although we do have the odd snow day, the winter climate could be very delicate.
Reside Music
I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Austin’s internationally famend stay music scene. I like how one can stroll right into a random bar on a Tuesday and listen to an unimaginable efficiency for the value of a Shiner Bock.
The Canine-friendliness
In Austin, you’ll be able to deliver your canine nearly anyplace — I deliver my pup nearly in every single place I’m going. My native CVS is even dog-friendly.
What I Hate
The Crowds
Because of its large recognition in recent times, Austin feels insanely crowded at occasions. Parking is tough to seek out, eating places are packed, and the weekends particularly might 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 1,000,000 {dollars}.
Poor Walkability
Sadly, Austin shouldn’t be 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, it is a large draw back.
The Allergic reactions
Central Texas has been known as the “Allergy Capital of the World.” There’s even a every 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 yr’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 yr I made the error of driving to New Orleans, which took 10 hours. Typically 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 comfortable right here. I’m undecided if it’s my ceaselessly residence (I’m undecided I’ve a ceaselessly residence, interval), however I plan to remain no less than just a few extra years. And revel in many extra lake days and frozen margs.
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