Move from CA to Austin

[KelpMe]

I moved to Texas from Califronia 10 years ago. I started in Houston and would never go back there (Houston). Living in Round Rock and working in Austin for the past three years and absolutly love it here. Sure the weather is hot in the summer - It's Texas after all, and if you expect a cooler summer then stay away. You cope with the heat in any way possible, personally I like the pool. There is no part of me that would ever move back to CA. When I go back to visit family in the SF Bay Area I immideatly am reminded of all the reason I left.

People in Austin complain about the traffic. I find this a little funny because it is realitve to where you have been. Living in Round Rock it takes me 25 minuters to get to my office which is off MoPac by Zilker Park. Approximately 25 miles. With the new Toll Road opening I have cut an additional 15 minutes off my drive. Living in Houston the same drive would take over an hour, in CA let's just say you better bring a good book for your commute.

The Hill County is just amazing with camping, winerys, lakes, hiking, fishing and all you would want from the outdoors. This place reminds me very much of the foothills to the Sierra Nevada range in CA, for those in the know, Gold Country and highway 49.

I have seen the growth people are writing about. When I moved here it was expected. This is a reason I do not live within the Austin City Limits. Much of Austin is already built up and you can see where recently there once were trees now homes reside.

One other thing I have been noticing; quite a bit of cars from CA. Recently it seems to me there are more cars with CA license plates than ever before. I am not sure if this is an indicator or not but I would guess there is a large population comming in from CA. I would assume the relative affordability of living here along with ample job opportunities is the draw. With companies like HP, DELL, Applied Materials, Westinghouse, BMC Software, Samsung, Motorola, Freescale and AMD the techie crowd has arrived.

[southaustingal]

Originally Posted by plaidmom

The final straw happened at a party one night. I recall a woman talking about how "delighted" she was that Austin was "finally starting to feel more like Dallas".

I know what you mean. I remember about 12 years ago overhearing a woman from California lament the lack of upscale shopping in Austin. Her comment: "We moved to Austin cause we love the laid-back atmosphere. Now, if Austin would get a galleria with a Nordstrom's or a Neiman Marcus, it would be perfect."
I almost tossed my falafel.

I'm sure she's reached nirvana with Austin's current development.

[montevista1]

I do not understand why they want high end shopping they can always go to san marcos to the outlet mall.

[Dazed]

I don't get the high end shopping appeal either. You can get the same things at TJ Maxx or Marshalls at a fraction of the price! Noone even knows that they are high end unless they have the designer's name on them anyway, (and then they look stupid!) LOL!

[Spookmeister]

I do not understand why they want high end shopping they can always go to san marcos to the outlet mall.

Keeled over laughing! You're obviously not a fashionista and there's probably no hope for you ever becoming one!

Outlet mall shopping indeed! That's a good one!

[Just Lookin]

Originally Posted by Dazed

I don't get the high end shopping appeal either. You can get the same things at TJ Maxx or Marshalls at a fraction of the price! Noone even knows that they are high end unless they have the designer's name on them anyway, (and then they look stupid!) LOL!

I have never been one who liked to shop til I dropped. My needs have never been expensive unless you are talking about my love for dogs.

People who need more than three pairs of shoes always cracks me up. We only have two feet. I am also a home body so don't needs dresses and stuff like that. Give me my Genes and Tennis shoes and I am happy.

[Spookmeister]

Give me my Genes and Tennis shoes and I am happy.

I can't help it.... This is turning out to be quite the comedy thread!

[TanikaW]

My family and I moved from California to Austin over a year ago and we LOVE it! We lived in Laguna Beach for awhile, then moved Inland to Ranch Cucamonga area. We were able to move to Steiner Ranch here in Austin which is a BEAUTIFUL lake community for 1/2 the cost of our Inland Empire house and double the square footage. I love Steiner Ranch and would not even think of moving anywhere else in Austin. We have great schools and a great sense of community. The funny part is everyone on my street relocated from California! So we still have the California mentality.

The heat is not at all an issue for us. It last 3 months and once you get past the first year, you don't notice it as much. (At least I didn't) We just added a pool so that may have something to do with why I don't notice it.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by gigi927

I just read an article that stated that for the first time in MANY years, more Californians moved OUT of the state than there were newcomers arriving.

So as AustinGuy said...quite a lot. Once you leave the California real estate market, it is very, very hard to re-enter it, unless you get a windfall or win the lottery.

i would just love to read that article. but since it is hard to go back to calif, where would they go to?

[Jazzedforhim]

I'm not worried about not being able to afford to go back to California. If it's going to put us above our means or close too it...I'll plant myself somewhere affordable and stay. California is nice but my family is more important.