Relocating from Chicago (Dallas, Austin, Pflugerville: rent, homes, buying)

[SummerGirl05]

Hello!
I'm contemplating a move from Chicago to Texas. A couple of years ago I wanted to move to Dallas but my ex wouldn't let me take my daughter - he has now proposed Austin.

I am a single mom so I would be actively dating (at some point). I like the suburban life with close access to things to do. I work from home so access to a job is not necessary.

What is the area like vs Dallas? I am probably in the upper middle class/lower upper class tier so I would be looking at areas and activities in that income bracket.

I'm also an actor. I've tried to research it but I'm coming up blank as to professional (tv/film/commercial) acting opportunities in the Austin area.

Any help would be appreciated! I can provide my clarifying details if necessary.

[ashbeeigh]

Budget? Are schools important? Do you want to buy? (Don’t even try). What things do you all like to do? Will you have a job? (Get one before moving)

[SummerGirl05]

I think I would rent for a year before buying. Maybe $850k range - prefer less. Yes I will work from home so I will have a job.


Family activities are important. Schools are important because I will have a 1st grader. We both ice skate so a rink nearby would be helpful

[ashbeeigh]

Have you been to Austin in the summer? Are you okay with 100 degree humidity fir 35 days straight? There are a few places to ice skate. One is up north near Pflugerville. If you do a search for “hockey” you’ll find it. I’ll let others chime in from here.

[SummerGirl05]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Have you been to Austin in the summer? Are you okay with 100 degree humidity fir 35 days straight? There are a few places to ice skate. One is up north near Pflugerville. If you do a search for “hockey” you’ll find it. I’ll let others chime in from here.

Yes I'm totally ok with the heat and humidity - Chicago is 90s and humid in the summer. I hate the cold.

[Need4Camaro]

I’m not an expert on the television career aspect of this Austin, I’m sure there are opportunities for it but there are better places for it than Austin IMHO, especially compared to Chicago. As for everything else, at your budget you probably won’t be hit as hard by the real-estate boom ongoing but be prepared to be competitive right now. Inventory is very low. I personally would look out toward Lakeway, Steiner Ranch (if there’s any inventory), Bee Cave. Scenic and have enough amenities to keep you contained, but don’t try to commute from those areas. You can look into West Lake Hills but I think $800k will be on the low side for that area. There is also Northwest Hills, Spicewood, Forest Bend, area which will leave you somewhat closer to Austin.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by SummerGirl05

Yes I'm totally ok with the heat and humidity - Chicago is 90s and humid in the summer. I hate the cold.

Ive dealt with Chicago humidity and heat, I personally feel the humidity is worse in Chicago than Austin, but Austin gets HOT throughout most of the summer, much more so than Chicago, and it lasts for a much longer portion of the year than Chicago does as well. That stated, I also hate the cold, ice and shoveling my way to work, and would rather deal with Austin’s summers than Chicago’s winters.

[SummerGirl05]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I’m not an expert on the television career aspect of this Austin, I’m sure there are opportunities for it but there are better places for it than Austin IMHO, especially compared to Chicago. As for everything else, at your budget you probably won’t be hit as hard by the real-estate boom ongoing but be prepared to be competitive right now. Inventory is very low. I personally would look out toward Lakeway, Steiner Ranch (if there’s any inventory), Bee Cave. Scenic and have enough amenities to keep you contained, but don’t try to commute from those areas. You can look into West Lake Hills but I think $800k will be on the low side for that area. There is also Northwest Hills, Spicewood, Forest Bend, area which will leave you somewhat closer to Austin.

You are correct, there is no inventory. Yikes!

[SummerGirl05]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

Ive dealt with Chicago humidity and heat, I personally feel the humidity is worse in Chicago than Austin, but Austin gets HOT throughout most of the summer, much more so than Chicago, and it lasts for a much longer portion of the year than Chicago does as well. That stated, I also hate the cold, ice and shoveling my way to work, and would rather deal with Austin’s summers than Chicago’s winters.

That's exactly it. Austin summer is far better than Chicago winters.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by SummerGirl05

That's exactly it. Austin summer is far better than Chicago winters.

Admittedly we had a single snow day here in Austin area a few weeks ago, gave us approx 3” (that’s nothing compared to Chicago). Our little dusting reminded me of how beautiful snow covered homes look... ...for about 3 days of the year until you miss dry roads and sunny skies.

I will say this, they call Chicago the Windy City (although the term actually has nothing to do with its weather but it’s ruthless politics).. Dallas is the real Windy City IMO. Austin isn’t far behind during the cooler months

One last thing to, if you’ve never had allergies before in your life, you’re going to find out about all the different allergies you never knew you had when you move here. It’s shocking for a place in Texas, Austin is pretty rough on people with allergies, and it’s year round.