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!!!!!
I live in San Antonio, and it was a GREAT decision (I lived in Lubbock, TX before). Beautiful country, friendly people. Unless you like weirdos and Lefties, I'd stay out of Austin proper, not to mention the cost of living there. There are tons of "small" towns around there to welcome you.
Welcome to Texas, where Heaven is a local call...
Welcome to Texas.. and around Austin is some of the prettiest parts of Texas. HOWEVER, there are lots of lesbian/gay/College Profs who are trying to take down Austin with their liberal leanings.
I am in W.Texas and we would love to have you out here in these wide open spaces... we have lots of sky where I am.
We were at Ft. Hood (60 miles north or so) 1999-2001. It is a very pretty area but the traffic was horrendous. When you get out in the rural areas count on getting tailgated at 85. I think we had more fatal car crashes annually in the vicinity of the post than we do on the whole island of Oahu with something like 8 times the population.
Welcome to Texas.....God's country!
I was born in Mo, grew up in California, and move to Texas in 1985. After about a month or two, I sighed and said .. "I'm HOME". Hope you feel the same.
If nothing else, you're about to be introduced to real Mexican food and cerveza. Few things in the world are better.
The Austin area is the best place in the whole country that doesn't have a nearby ocean. You might want to check out Smithville, TX. And there's a great barbecue restaurant in the area (Couplands, TX) - think beef brisket, not that "other white meat."
Welcome from the piney woods of deep deep east Texas. You'd be among conservatives if you moved here, but high tech for us is a Wall Mart greeter. Can you sharpen a circle saw blade? Can you get the mixture right for you chain saw? Know how to jerk your spoon to look like a shiner?
Born and raised in Oregon but got to Texas as fast as I could. As someone else said, "I'm home".....here's hoping you will be also.
I second the Lake Travis area comments. I am a Realtor for the whole Austin area and the lake is my favorite, by far. Although prices can be steep, there are still some places left (like my neighborhood) that are affordable. The public schools are even good in the area, whereas I can't really say the same for the other towns you mentioned. Good luck!