Any big city, even in Texas, acts like a cesspool for liberals. That’s where they congregate. You may as well stick with Austin if you have a friend there to help you out.
That’s the thing, I’m used to a big blue city. I have found that you can find friends anywhere and believe it or not I have found conservatives in the Chicago area. My friend being down there helps the transition out immensely if I go live in Dallas or Houston I will know no one.