Ditch your perceptions of deserts, oil magnates, and cowboys. The capital of the Lone Star State ain’t that. Want some nature? Go kayaking or swimming in one of the many tree-lined lakes and rivers, or go biking or hiking along one of the many trails around them. Want some culture? Austin is home to one of the country’s most popular art scenes, has a great foodie culture, and a music scene that has Austin hailed as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Want a job? You'll question whether you’re in Silicon Valley when you see the number of tech companies here. Facebook, Google, Apple, and more all have offices in Austin, and the city's unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country.

Texas mandatories that Austin still clings to are, unfortunately, traffic and weather. Austin commutes are some of the most brutal in the country. Austin is rapidly expanding, a reflection of those positives, but the roads are not, and regardless of when you leave the house, you’ll probably be stuck somewhere. The lack of good public transportation does you no favors, so you pretty much have to own a car to live here. You need a car with great AC as well. You won’t forget you’re living in Texas in July and August when the highs occasionally get up to a humid 110 Fahrenheit. The plus is winter days in the sixties and autumn ones in the seventies, but we’ll let you be the judge as to whether or not the trade-off is worth it.

Finally, we have to mention the political climate in Austin. If you’re moving to Texas to escape progressives in San Francisco or Boulder then take 35 or 290 in virtually any direction to find giant pockets of conservatism. If on the other hand, you’re looking for an island of misfit liberals that comprise the Austin populace then you’re going to love it here.



Where’d the desert go?

LookyLOO Review of Austin

We’re going to keep hammering home the fact that Austin strays far from the typical Texas tropes. Home to some of the hottest bars and foodie spots in the country, and a wide range of popular live music concerts, Austin is an increasingly attractive destination for young socialites.

Finally, we have to mention the political climate in Austin. If you’re moving to Texas to escape the progressives in San Francisco or Boulder, you’ll probably be disappointed in how far left Austin swings. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for an island of misfit liberals like the ones that comprise the Austin populace, then you’re going to love it here. Austin is also home to one of the most active LGBTQ communities in the nation.

Check out the Austin [**calendar of events**](https://www.austintexas.org/events/) to get the details on what's happening here.

Lifestyle 

You might question whether or not you’re in Silicon Valley when you see the number of tech companies that call Austin home. Facebook, Google, Apple and more all have offices in Austin, and the city unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country.

Tesla is another recent big company to name Texas’s capital its new home in recent years that highlights how substantial of a draw Austin is for the future faces of global progress. In the time that it’s taken me to type this, little Elon’s from around the country have undoubtedly picked Austin as home. 


Worklife 

[**Austin ISD**](https://www.austinisd.org/) does very well on the independent school ranking sites like [**niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/austin-independent-school-district-tx/) where it receives an "A-" for general performance and an A+ for the quality of College Prep and Teachers. 

Higher-performing schools for Austin run along the western side of the city from the southernmost point to the northernmost point. There are plenty of schools that come in with high rankings including: 
-[**Chaparral Star Academy**](https://www.chaparralstaracademy.com/) receives an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/chaparral-star-academy-austin-tx/) with "A's" across the board for all characteristics of the school. 
-[**McCallum High School**](https://www.austinisd.org/schools/mccallum) also comes in with high scores including an [**"A" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/mccallum-high-school-austin-tx/) and celebrated in particular for Academics, Teachers, and College Prep. 

Austin has high-performing charters, like a lot of Texas, but also traditional publics that do well. If none of these options work for you then know that tons of excellent private and religious schools are excellent as noted on [this summary](https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-high-schools/m/austin-metro-area/) of the highest-ranked schools on niche.com.

Schools

One of the reasons people and companies flock to Texas, and Austin in particular, is that Texas taxes are just way below other states (we see you Cali). Whether you’re working remotely or just looking for a job, Austin is both socially sensible and economically strong. 


Texas Taxes

Why Move Here Now?

**fahhko**
Living in Austin
1y ago
✭✭✭

I like it here. People are by and large real friendly, but maybe that’s something I’ve been manifesting because I’m an enormous goofball who will talk with anybody.

Thing is, I moved from Denver 4 years ago (lived there 30 years), and a similar conversation is happening there - things aren’t as awesome as they used to be. They’re right, but that’s not something tied to any other particular place but the one the observer is in at the moment. Shit is definitely not as fun as it was 20 years ago, life costs more, there’s less connection, more isolation. But that’s not tied to a place, it’s tied to a cultural sea change that can’t be circumvented. The shit everyone dislikes about Austin is happening part and parcel all around us. Let’s get a frosty marg and try to enjoy the day.

For more reviews from locals check out [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/austin/reviews)



It’s still in Texas

Reviews of Austin from Locals

**The Best Thing About Austin?** Where’d the desert go?

Ditch your perceptions of deserts, oil magnates and cowboys. The capital of the Lone Star State ain’t that. Want some nature? Go kayaking or swimming in one of the many tree- lined lakes and rivers, or go biking or hiking along one of the many trails around them. Want some culture? Austin is home to one of the country’s most popular art scenes, has a great foodie culture, and a music scene that has Austin hailed as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” 

Want a job? You might question whether you’re in Silicon Valley when you see the number of tech companies here. Facebook, Google, Apple and more all have offices in Austin, and the city unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country.

Finally, we have to mention the political climate in Austin. If you’re moving to Texas to escape the progressives in San Francisco or Boulder then take 35 or 290 in virtually any direction to find giant pockets of conservatism. If on the other hand you’re looking for an island of misfit liberals that comprise the Austin populace then you’re going to love it here. 

**The Worst Thing About Austin?** It’s still in Texas

Two Texas staples that Austin still clings onto are, unfortunately, traffic and weather. Austin commutes are some of the most brutal in the country. Austin is rapidly expanding, a reflection of those positives, but the roads are not, and regardless of when you leave the house, you’ll probably be stuck somewhere. The lack of good public transportation does you no favors, so you pretty much have to own a car to live here. 

You need a car with great AC as well. You won’t forget you’re living in Texas in July and August when the highs occasionally get up to a humid 110 fahrenheit. The plus is winter days in the sixties and autumn ones in the seventies, but we’ll let you be the judge as to whether or not the trade off is worth it.

**How You Living?** Somewhere Fairly Priced

Downtown is where the action happens. With a variety of living options and easy access to the best theaters, music venues, museums and more, downtown Austin is also cheaper than your average big city downtown. 

The neighborhoods around UT Austin have everything from college apartments to single family homes, and have the feel of a lively college town. If that isn’t your scene then eighborhoods like Crestview, Brentwood and Allandale are virtual suburbs in the middle of the city, with space and single family homes and easy access to great restaurants, bars and the like. Everywhere you go is pretty much gonna be cheaper than the San Franciscos and New Yorks of the world despite having a lot of the same amenities.

**Why Move Here Now?** Texas Taxes

One of the reasons people and companies flock to Texas, and Austin in particular, is that Texas taxes are way below other states (we see you Cali). Whether you’re working remotely or just looking for a job, Austin is both socially sensible and economically strong. 


UT is a big school so there is a big demand for off-campus housing in Austin. West Campus is a good place to start your search. Right next to campus and filled with reasonable (by Austin standards) apartments, restaurants/bars, outdoor play options in a great local park and overall great energy for your college years. If the energy of West Campus sounds exhausting or distracting then look at North Campus. That’s equally convenient but less of a rager and ideal for grad students. https://www.unilodgers.com/blog/locate-the-best-neighborhoods-with-student-housing-in-austin-texas
- West Campus
- North Campus
- Hyde Park
- Rosedale


College Students

West Campus

Downtown is ground zero for young professionals working in the area who want to both walk to work and to a huge volume of bars, restaurants and outdoor play. The entire area is filled with apartment and condo options mixed in with the downtown office buildings. Old West Austin is another good option if you want a bit of distance from downtown. Closer to UT but with a cozier neighborhood vibe. The area is filled with boutique restaurant, bar and shopping options, and as a bonus has some beautiful recreation options for a moment of zen or play within the city. 
- Downtown
- Old West Austin
- Bouldin Creek


Young Professionals

Downtown

Holy cow, lots of options in Austin for neighborhoods popular with the LGBTQ+ community. East Austin has spiked to top of the list in recent years with the opening of new restaurants and bars owned by and supportive of the community. Clarksville is another good option for those looking to be in the city but get a more intimate neighborhood experience. Close to the 6th Street entertainment hub the area has eclectic restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. 
- East Austin
- Clarksville
- Downtown


LGBTQ+

East Austin

Clarksville is an interesting choice if you want to be in the city but get a bit of distance from downtown. The tree-lined streets have a mix of home and apt/condo options amidst great locally owned restaurants, cafes and shops. Zilker is another good starting point in your search. The park is a huge attraction for outdoor play and zen chilling and within walking distance are as many restaurants, cafes, and shops as your heart desires. 
- Clarksville
- Zilker
- Bouldin Creek


DINKs/SINKs

Clarksville

Cherrywood is a good place to start if you want to be just a few miles from downtown but also want a quieter vibe with all the requisite homes, parks and trees. Bonus, it has its own local restaurants, bars and cafes so you don’t have to make the short trip downtown if you need a snack or libation. 
- Cherrywood
- Windsor Park
- Brentwood


Families

Cherrywood

Austin

**trnwrcks**
Lived in Austin
Edited 1y ago
✭✭

I miss the things.

When I was a kid, the UT shuttle was free, and there were eggroll carts all over the city.

Granted, the legal imbroglio that did away with the eggroll carts was kind of hilarious and ended up as well as you could hope without anyone doing any jail time, but it's a thing I miss.

I miss the Nighthawk on north Burnet, I miss Rainey street being a wonderland of pot dealers and condemned houses, and I viscerally hate the hipster theme park it's become.

I remember the POW housing on Lake Austin being a rickety mass of married student housing and free range children instead of a shithole of impossible millionaire condos.

I genuinely feel a loss at the Magnolia disappearing. I took my divorced parents there. I took my (somewhat) FOB Chinese grad student friends there. I miss them all and I miss that place.

There's probably a lot to like in this town still. I have a hard time getting out to see it, though.

**LeBaiserDuDragon**
Living in Austin
1y ago
✭✭✭

I married someone who grew up and went to college here and then had to move away for a decade for work, so when he had a chance to relocate back to Austin, he jumped at the chance and we got here just before the devil's butthole that is called summer here opened up. I find that my husband sees this city more as what it used to be 10-20 years ago whereas I see it more as it is now, and there's a disconnect. I've lived in a bunch of places, in different countries and states and every place has its pros and cons but at the moment I'm feeling like Austin is a bit overhyped.

Between the traffic and the heat, I feel like my quality of life has actually gone down since moving here since going anywhere or doing anything either takes a fuckton of time and planning, or is just physically unberable. I'm really hoping that cooler weather will enable me to see more of the positive things Austin has to offer. Someone in the comments here said that they were never planning to live in the 10th biggest city and I feel the same way - especially when infrastructure is not keeping up with the growth.

**fahhko**
Living in Austin
1y ago
✭✭✭

I like it here. People are by and large real friendly, but maybe that’s something I’ve been manifesting because I’m an enormous goofball who will talk with anybody.

Thing is, I moved from Denver 4 years ago (lived there 30 years), and a similar conversation is happening there - things aren’t as awesome as they used to be. They’re right, but that’s not something tied to any other particular place but the one the observer is in at the moment. Shit is definitely not as fun as it was 20 years ago, life costs more, there’s less connection, more isolation. But that’s not tied to a place, it’s tied to a cultural sea change that can’t be circumvented. The shit everyone dislikes about Austin is happening part and parcel all around us. Let’s get a frosty marg and try to enjoy the day.

**Is Austin worth it anymore?**
**ruler_gurl**
Living in Austin
3y ago
✭✭✭

I'm going on 25 years. Austin as a city still has plenty of charms, and as a musician, plenty to keep me here. But you mention more than just social and demographic changes which people can either choose to be bothered by or not.

You also mention the weather. I do believe it has changed since I got here and not for the better. It's not exactly surprising if you believe in the general pattern of climate change. It is unlikely to become utterly unlivable in my natural life, but there is no doubt that the south will gradually continue to become harder to live in.

The other thing you mention is state politics and IMO there is little debate that our state house has become stupider and more reactionary year after year. Until and unless they start losing statewide elections it's going to continue. I've waited for the predicted bluing for my entire time here. It still hasn't happened. As you say, they let 111 Texans die from utter negligence over grid problems they knew about for an entire decade. Then they tried to blame it on windmills. But look at them go this year, they have more anti transgender bills submitted than any other red state, 12 of them. Slow clap.

I'm looking for other places to live and when Covid is in the rear view mirror I hope to be traveling to other places and living and working from there for long enough to really know if it's a place I can put down roots.

Austin, Texas

Bat City

Looklyloo Score: 91