I’ve been here two years now. Moved from a midwestern city. Have seen a wide range of perspectives on Austin, and wanted to provide a bit about my experience. Sense that Austin may still be a location people are considering as an option for a move. 

*note: if you’re reading through this list, I must preface by saying how critical you/your personality is for whether Austin is for you. I get it: "...that’s how it is everywhere." But especially here, for some reason, I think whether you will like it here depends on your own characteristics/where you are in life. So, for context, I am a thirty year old male with a graduate degree and make $140k-ish salary. I'm fairly active and play sports with friends 1-2 times a week. Ive been in a relationship with my girlfriend for two years. Would like to have a family in the future. Fairly moderate in politics.

  1. People. The most amount of people you DO want to be around, and the least amount of people you DONT want to be around. I’ve traveled a fair amount. And like to think I try and really get a sense of that collective mindset/attitude to a city where I can. Austin, for me, is by and far the one place I have been where I can say I “fit in” at. It has (or maybe had) a reputation for an eclectic/weird/hippy persona. But more than that, the best way I can put it is that people here are conscious. And perceptive. And contemplative. With the university here, and just in general, it seems that every person I meet is well educated and usually well spoken. But also approachable and not douchey. Walk into any gas station in central Austin and youre likely going to be able to have a good conversation with whoever is behind the counter. People here are just cool. Also, Austin seems to be completely devoid of the standard issue right wing American boomer. Just dont see a lot of them. Austin is definitely blue, in a lot of ways you may not ever perceive that. 
  2. Youth (city and population). This definitely ties in with #1, but it is another strong thread that people seem to pick up on and it’s a big part of why I think I love it here so much. There are so so so many young people here. I’m sure I could find data on the amount of people living here age 18-40. Why does that matter? Well, maybe for a lot, it wouldn’t matter. But it does for me, and I think if you’re in that age range, it’s something you may enjoy as well. In other major metros in the US, the sense is that you’re experiencing the 3rd, 4th, or 5th iteration of the city. Austin certainly has as well, but it’s current form (developed downtown metro coupled with modern infrastructure) feels like a new shape entirely. The city itself is young, just like the population. That undoubtedly brings a unique energy. If you’re going for a run through most neighborhoods near downtown, the vast majority of people will likely also be young and active. 
  3. Landscape. That sounds insane, right? “Austin, Texas, and you like the landscape?” Here is what you need to realize about where Austin is situated. 15 minutes to the west is a landscape referred to as “hill country.” It’s this complete and striking departure from the flat, brown, and dusty landscape that we’ve come to expect of Texas (Dallas, Houston, SATX). Drive 15 minutes west of downtown Austin, and you will be driving hills at a 45 degree angle. Long ranges that create a ton of cool look out spots. So, it’s not flat, everywhere. Additionally, Austin is located near a large lake system. I cannot say I am much of a lake person to be honest, but I have friends that go on the lake once a week and love it. 
  4. Things to do. Again, this is entirely dependent on your interests. But I am writing from my own perspective/my own interests. Austin has a lot to offer by way of reasonably accessible fun sh*t to do. Today I am going to ride my bike to Barton Springs. This awesome public natural pool. Look it up. Cycling, pickle ball, mountain biking, literally any kind of activity. You’ll find a group cultivated here for it already to get involved with. Not to mention world class music events such as Austin City Limits. Events like SXSW every year. 
  5. Dating. When I moved here I was in a relationship, and still am. So I cannot speak past a surface level observation that there are many attractive, educated, and all around cool people here. I run on the trail that goes around downtown a few times a week and have always thought that Austin would seem to be a great place to go if you’re trying to date/meet people. A wide range of young professionals, and numerous contexts to meet people.  
  6. Active lifestyle. People here are in shape. We can exercise all year. I first came to Austin in 2015, and that was one of the first things that I picked up on. Everywhere, people cycling, running, doing something active. Near downtown there is a river that runs through Austin. During the day you’ll see people paddle boarding, or in a kayak. It’s great. When I moved here I joined an intramural soccer league. Just a blast. All around town there are people outside playing sports in some capacities. 
  7. Overall Energy. Put this one at the bottom. Tell me to shut up. But, look, there’s something here. There just is. Think of someone you’ve met who you noted that there was something special about them. They seemed smart, and just, I don’t know, conscious? When I was in college I watched Linklater’s “Waking Life.” Which is actually filmed in Austin. Those conversations, you get the sense that if you walked around with a microphone on the street, there would be a LOT of those conversations taking place. Personally Ive always connected with that and still sense it when I am out. 

Ran out of time, but wanted to throw out a couple of things that I would say I definitely don’t enjoy much. 

  1. Heat. It’s real. And it’s no joke. It’s different than anything you’ve experienced if you’re not from Texas. It’s a different kind of thing all together. 96 degrees in Ohio could be a little cup of coffee compared to 96 degrees in Austin. Why? The combination of humidity, air pressure, and dew point is what you should be looking at when comparing how a hot climate will “feel.” Sometimes the humidity can feel oppressive. The sun is intense. But I must say that you do really get used to it, at least I have. I much prefer spring/fall and cooler temps but during the summer I am still outside every day and feel like it doesn’t ruin things. 
  2. Road system. You’ll hear this a lot. Austin has grown, fast. And perhaps that was not anticipated by city planners. I’m a big advocate of trying to find a place very close to downtown (easier said than done) if youre moving to ATX. Part of that is so that you dont have to drive. I live close to downtown and am not driving much at all really. I have a bike and when it’s cooler out I walk everywhere that I possibly can. There are some neighborhoods that are within walking distance to great restaurants/coffee shops. If you can find a place near those junctures, you won’t need to get on the roads. The traffic can be bad though, definitely. Highways plug up fast and without adequate alternative routes you can be stuck. 
  3. Housing Market. It’s very expensive, still. There’s been a major correction though, so definitely not close to as bad as it was. But who knows. Definitely feels that properties are getting to the same price landscape as areas of the west coast. But we will see what happens from here. 

Conclusion: I really love it here. If you're considering it, come during the summer months. When it's hot, hot. And if you can stand it, then that's probably the most significant box to check. Other than that, relative to other major American metros, I think Austin is a great choice.