Looking forward to the best move we ever made. Gota get out of the peoples republic of Portland, too expensive, too liberal, high taxes, activist judges, etc....
Go GW!!!!!
It is great. I went to UT. Me and my wife will be moving to Austin in the next 2yrs(from Houston). Austin needs more Repubs. Looks like they are getting 4 more.
As far as Texas goes, the Austin area and surrounding hill country is very beautiful. It is also very liberal, so be prepared for that as well.
The tech industry in Austin took a downturn just like everywhere else but seems to be coming back now. Several friends who have been out of work for a long while just found jobs.
Well, we live North of Austin. If you want to get out of Oregon,,don't move directly into Austin, esp. the UT campus area. It is very democrat/socialist/communist. Think of Dan Rather's daughter....that's the type of movement there. The Bastrop is a country-ish area, gets lots of interesting weather (for Texas). Elgin has some fame for hot sausage,,also a pretty rural (but seemingly active) town. Buda is between Austin and San Marcos and is very affordable,,,lots of building going on down there. It puts you about an hour or so out of San Antonio as well, which is one of my favorite Texas spots.
I am not a native Texan, I spent 10+ years in Southern Cal and and 10+ years in Chicago after growing up in Missouri as a child. I can honestly say, you are in for a culture shock. Texas is like another planet (whether that is good or bad is up to you). Give yourself lots of time to get accommodated...and unless you live more towards Dallas,,you can forget about snow,,,,,,it's very rare here for obvious reason.
Welcome to Texas. Unfortunately, you will find the same liberals in Austin that you have in Oregon. tu seems to attract them like flies.
Ping
I lived in Houston for 8 years and went to Austin on business at least once/month. It is a great place, plus no state income tax.
I live in the NW part of Travis co, near Lake Travis. The only problem there, is cedar pollen, which will start in Dec and last thru late JAn or early Feb. Check your FReep mail in a few.
Austin also has activist judges. Democrat Judge Scott McCown this sumemr declared the whole TX educational funding system unconstitutional because "richer" districts can outspend "poorer" districts. The legislature must tackle this matter next January, and more taxes will likely be levied on unsuspecting Texans.
Taxes are high in TX: no personal income tax but high property taxes, certainly compared to TN that has no income tax and much lower property taxes. Sales taxes are high in TX too -- OR has none.
But a Democrat has a hard time winning statewide in TX (not in Travis County though), whereas in OR a Republican is hard-pressed to win, unless he has compromised all his principles to get the general election slot on the ballot.
Also, the OR weather is probably much better than what you will have in Central TX.
Traffic congestion is really bad in Austin, particularly from 3-7 p.m. weekdays. Even the 30 miles or so from Bastrop to Austin is often fully congested.
Bastrop is Democrat and is too small to have most of the services that you would have had in Portland, OR.
Still, you can make a success in TX if you work hard and take advantage of your opportunities.
Welcome to TX, then.
Welcome to Texas, it's always great to have another conservative take the leap. The area is beautiful and you will never lack for something to do that's entertaining, from tubing the Guadalupe, to antiquing in Fredricksberg.
I have a niece that lives near Bastrop. Very nice area. However, Austin is quite liberal although a world class small city. You should like it just fine. I'm a transplanted Missourian but plan on staying here in east Texas for the duration.
Austin is a liberal city due to the University being there--but Republicans are making inroads. I have no problem with Austin being liberal--it doesn't really affect me in my daily life. It is a beautiful city--but traffic is horrendous, and the roads are very poorly laid out.
There is a lot of development going on in and around Bastrop. However, the commute on 71 to Austin can be a real bear. When the exchange at 71 and US 35 is completed, it should be better--(but that might happen in God's lifetime, not mine--LOL!)
Welcome to Texas--we're a friendly bunch down here.
Price range goes from low to out of sight.
Goodbye, Mildew. Hello, Dust.
We moved to the Fort Worth area about 4 months ago from Michigan - believe me it was the best move we ever made. Aside from the terrible drivers you will love it here. Before you move go to www.traveltex.com and order their free information guides. You get a great book telling you about all the areas in Texas.
Welcome to Texas!!
Take a fan and a rifle.
Fantastic!!! But Foat Wuth is mo betta. I sure hope ura Dallas Cowboys fan. LOL
Both my daughters live in the north Austin area. I'm a bit farther north in Killeen, where I'm in process of moving to from San Antonio due to a work transfer. I'm gonna miss San Antonio. :(.
There are so many nice semi-rural towns around Austin with folks who are real people.
But I noticed you've begun your search to the east and southeast of Austin.
Have you done any checking to the west in the hill country or around the Highland lakes? The area is a lot cooler in the summertime and the lakes are wonderful, even if you don't choose to live right on the water.
Look at Leander, Dripping Springs, Cedar Pk and Wimberley before you make up your mind.
You will love Austin. My sister and her family live there; I'm going there next weekend (live in Dallas).
Freepers are always welcome to Texas!
I moved from Albany, OR to Houston two years ago. Best move of my life.. What I paid for state income tax in Oregon pays for my house here.
If my experience is any indication.. You will love it!