Where should I move to? Austin or Houston? Maybe Sugar Land?

[Vertex]

This is going to be a really awkward post, most likely.

 

I am basically trying to decide between moving to Austin or Houston or possibly Sugar Land, Texas, and I'd like to ask people who may have experience in these geographic areas.

 

My desire is triple-pronged: Dating, work, and activities. I'm a male 23-year-old recent college graduate with little money, and so I'm trying to find full-time employment (I'm currently staying in Lakeway), but I'd like to narrow my search down to these conditions:

 

1. Large Asian population in my age bracket (early 20's)... hey, at least I'm trying to be honest about preferences!

2. Decent economy (ease of finding fulltime employment so I can stop living off of oatmeal, ramen, and cardboard)

3. Affordable housing prices (need an apartment that won't cost me my first born and half my organs -- needs to be affordable)

4. Lots of fun things to go do (especially with a date!)

5. Ease of travel/getting around

 

I've done a bit of research myself, but I'd like to hear from people who have actually experienced these cities firsthand. What would your advice be?

[Vertex]

Public transportation would be nice... so you would say Houston is a better option given these preferences? It seems cost of living is more manageable -- what's the Asian population like? I've never been to the city itself, but it seems like there's plenty to do there.

[Ruby Slippers]

I grew up just outside Houston and went to UT Austin. Austin is a WAY cooler city, in my opinion, and has a lot more to offer overall. However, given these preferences:

 

1. Large Asian population in my age bracket (early 20's)... hey, at least I'm trying to be honest about preferences!

2. Decent economy (ease of finding fulltime employment so I can stop living off of oatmeal, ramen, and cardboard)

3. Affordable housing prices (need an apartment that won't cost me my first born and half my organs -- needs to be affordable)

4. Lots of fun things to go do (especially with a date!)

5. Ease of travel/getting around

...Houston might be a better option for you. I'm pretty sure the Asian population is bigger in Houston (though not certain -- check out census stats). Housing costs are significantly lower in Houston. You get more for your money. A good friend of mine bought a house in a nice Houston 'hood a few years ago for about $150K. The same house in Austin would have been double, if not more. I don't think the disparity between apartment prices is as big, but there is a notable difference.

 

Job markets and economy are similar, depending on your field, and both have fun things to do. Houston has more standard culture events and a great diversity of restaurants, and Austin has more fringe/edgy art, music, festivals. I am pretty sure that Austin kicks Houston's ass on great Tex-Mex, which is ESSENTIAL.

 

Houston is way more conservative and "good ole boy" than Austin, more straight edge. Austin is young, liberal, fun, friendly, and hip. Lots of artists and offbeat people there -- but friendly, not freaky. Plus, Austin is an oasis of spring-fed swimming holes, lakes, hills, parks, trees -- way more outdoorsy, green, and clean than Houston. Pollution in Houston is more of a factor than in Austin. The landscape in Houston is DULL -- buildings and flat industrial, mostly, with some green.

 

Traffic SUCKS in Houston, and everything is much more spread out. It's huge and sprawling -- can take forever to get anywhere.

 

I vote Austin. Have you visited yet? I bet you'd love it.

[Vertex]

I've visited downtown Austin, but it felt like most of the city was "missing" (lots of visible sky), but this might be due to my experiences in Philadelphia and New York. I didn't see too much of an Asian presence, but there was a ton of food options... I only visited it at night (Sixth Street) after visiting Esther's Folly. I've never been to Houston, but at the same time I haven't really been able to explore a lot of Austin, either.

 

I'm a bit of a nerd who still enjoys getting out there and having fun -- not sure if that plays a factor at all.

 

Houston: http://www.flybyphotos.net/images/100_1647.jpg

Austin: http://www.austinapartmentgenius.com/downtown-austin-1a.jpg

Edited November 26, 2009 by Vertex

[Vertex]

Any more thoughts Ruby/anyone else have any opinions?

[Vertex]

Negative Plenty of awesome Tex-Mex here in Houston and surrounding areas.

 

Austin is prettier for sure. It's also a lot smaller. And while I agree that it offers a scene that is different than Houston, Houston is more diversified so you can find pretty much anything you want. I would think that Houston will fit your specific requirements better. And as I stated in the other thread, Austin isn't a far drive, so you could spend time up there if you wanted to.

 

Tha Asian population is quite high in Houston, especially in specific areas. There is one part of the city that has all of its street signs in English and Chinese.

 

Would you say there's more to do in Austin than there is in Houston or vice-versa?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population

 

I do like that Houston is a big city -- but what is it that is more "prettier" about Austin? From the pictures I see, Houston looks plenty pleasing, aesthetically, but so does Austin. Is there something more readily apparent through visiting than there is in pictures?

 

I know Austin has a nice college scene due to the presence of UT, but I worry that that presence may be too young for me (unless I find grad students to befriend or something), but is there a decent presence in Houston?

[BobSacamento]

I lived in Austin for about 6 months. I had an awesome time. Great city. Awesome public transportation that is basically free. Sixth Street has about 20 bars on each side of the street and it's always a good time. Tons of stuff to do and check out. Alamo Drafthouse! I'm going to visit some friends in a month now you have me excited!

 

I Highly recommend it. I only moved back because I missed my old friends and family.

[Vertex]

Argh, now I am honestly torn between the two options. ;-;

[BobSacamento]

Seriously though, the public transportation there is incredible. I recommend looking for a place in the west of I35. I lived in a nice place west of Route 1. That was really nice. If you look at google maps you'll see a golf course in west Austin, that's a really nice part of the city and has several free shuttles to downtown.

 

As other people said it's not a big city. There aren't many tall buildings, which I believe was intentionally. They want to make sure to have the capitol building in full view as much as possible. There is a lot of construction going on and the housing market has been doing well even during the crash. Of course since it's the Capital there are always State jobs and I really didn't have trouble finding temp work there.

 

Some negatives I would say is there is no professional sports. However, the long horns are probably about as professional as the Houston Texans LOL.

[Ms. Joolie]

I vote Houston for you. It's much larger and will keep you entertained longer. It's just a good destination to a lot of cities: Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, Corpus Christi, Dallas. Houston will cater more to all your nerdy conventions. So I assume. lol. What else... a large Asian community. Hotter girls... lol You will outgrow Austin real quick anyway. I'd say only move to Austin if you want to prioritize the major music scene there. And Texas politics?

Edited November 26, 2009 by Ms. Joolie

[spookie]

I don't have much of an experience with Houston, but I spent four years at UT; Austin is wonderful! Huge young population, tons of stuff to do... cheap housing (check out East Austin, I LOVED living there), great food....

 

If I didn't have such terrible allergies, I would think it was a perfect place to live.

 

There are lots of asians, too....

[Sam Spade]

Move to san antonio and forget about the asian girls (switch to latinas instead :love:)

[spookie]

If you are staying in Lakeview, you are probably disappointed in Austin. You are close enough to feel like you're there, yet still outside the vibe. I'd recomend getting a better for the place before making a decision.

 

Spend some time in Barton Springs, take a walk from the Capital to South Congress, go to some non-6th St. bars.... eat some BBQ.

[quankanne]

both the Austin and Houston areas offer lots of pros, but I'm thinking Houston would have a larger Asian population and it would be more feasible to live there. Austin, while gorgeous and funky and cool, is a bit more costly. Not sure why.

 

humidity factor is about the same in both places, IMO

 

hey Spookie, I didn't realize you were a UT student! Pretty damn cool ... that was my first choice in transfer schools, but I didn't quite have the grades. Or the study habits

 

I'm from the San Antonio area, so I tend to like places that remind me of that hometown-though-huge-city atmosphere. Houston comes closest of the Texas cities.

[spookie]

both the Austin and Houston areas offer lots of pros, but I'm thinking Houston would have a larger Asian population and it would be more feasible to live there. Austin, while gorgeous and funky and cool, is a bit more costly. Not sure why.

 

humidity factor is about the same in both places, IMO

 

hey Spookie, I didn't realize you were a UT student! Pretty damn cool ... that was my first choice in transfer schools, but I didn't quite have the grades. Or the study habits

 

I'm from the San Antonio area, so I tend to like places that remind me of that hometown-though-huge-city atmosphere. Houston comes closest of the Texas cities.

 

Yep. I did not realize what a great reputation UT has, until I moved out of Texas. People are always impressed when they find out I went there.

[shadowplay]

This is going to be a really awkward post, most likely.

 

I am basically trying to decide between moving to Austin or Houston or possibly Sugar Land, Texas, and I'd like to ask people who may have experience in these geographic areas.

 

My desire is triple-pronged: Dating, work, and activities. I'm a male 23-year-old recent college graduate with little money, and so I'm trying to find full-time employment (I'm currently staying in Lakeway), but I'd like to narrow my search down to these conditions:

 

1. Large Asian population in my age bracket (early 20's)... hey, at least I'm trying to be honest about preferences!

2. Decent economy (ease of finding fulltime employment so I can stop living off of oatmeal, ramen, and cardboard)

3. Affordable housing prices (need an apartment that won't cost me my first born and half my organs -- needs to be affordable)

4. Lots of fun things to go do (especially with a date!)

5. Ease of travel/getting around

 

I've done a bit of research myself, but I'd like to hear from people who have actually experienced these cities firsthand. What would your advice be?

 

Vertex: you're obsessed!

[Ruby Slippers]

cheap housing (check out East Austin, I LOVED living there)

I lived in East Austin, too. At the time, my roommate and I were the only white people in the neighborhood. Our friends thought we were so brave. Now the East Side is all bohemian and on the cusp of gentrification!

 

And I agree with your recommendations for sights to see. Sixth Street is the mainstream party strip -- has its appeal, but far from the most exciting part of the city. Go to Barton Springs in August, then get an icee at the shaved Hawaiian ice place around the corner. *drool*

 

Drive half an hour west of the city, toward Lake Travis, through the winding snaky roads, and there's this view that looks like the Mediterranean. Hamilton Pool is another natural spring within an hour of the city -- a big limestone cliff with a waterfall and crystal clear natural swimming pool cradled in the rocks!!

 

Dozens and dozens of free live music shows any night of the week.

 

If you don't move there, AT LEAST visit on weekends sometimes!!

 

I am gonna be in the Houston area for Christmas, and y'all are making me wanna make a little road trip to Austin while I'm there.

[spookie]

I lived in East Austin, too. At the time, my roommate and I were the only white people in the neighborhood. Our friends thought we were so brave. Now the East Side is all bohemian and on the cusp of gentrification!

 

And I agree with your recommendations for sights to see. Sixth Street is the mainstream party strip -- has its appeal, but far from the most exciting part of the city. Go to Barton Springs in August, then get an icee at the shaved Hawaiian ice place around the corner. *drool*

 

Drive half an hour west of the city, toward Lake Travis, through the winding snaky roads, and there's this view that looks like the Mediterranean. Hamilton Pool is another natural spring within an hour of the city -- a big limestone cliff with a waterfall and crystal clear natural swimming pool cradled in the rocks!!

 

Dozens and dozens of free live music shows any night of the week.

 

If you don't move there, AT LEAST visit on weekends sometimes!!

 

I am gonna be in the Houston area for Christmas, and y'all are making me wanna make a little road trip to Austin while I'm there.

 

Oh, I love Hamilton pool! I used to go to Krause Springs a lot, too.

 

The greenbelt right in the city can also be a source of endless adventure.

 

If you're driving west, make sure you go to the Salt Lick - great atmosphere, pretty surroundings, arguably the best BBQ in the world...

 

If you like hiking also check out Enchanted Rock.

 

To eat my favorite Tex Mex go to El Chile on the East Side, on Manor...

 

Now I miss Texas.

[spookie]

IMO if you're at all an outdoorsey person, Austin's the place to be

[Vertex]

Spookie: Oh, definitely. This place is totally outside of the "Austin vibe," but the thing is I am not really into the bar scene. They're fun with friends, but as a newly-graduated dude who just moved down here, I don't really know anyone here yet and I'm a bit shy (I have to ease my way into the bar scene if I'm going to make any friends out of it). XD BBQ though is great, and I've yet to visit Barton Springs -- will definitely need to check that out.

 

Quankanne: As for weather, I'm fine with either climate. After dealing with the Philadelphia/New York summers, I figure the worst is over. There were times here in Lakeway when everyone thought the weather was unbearable at 100F, but I found it acceptable -- it's certainly better than the humidity of the east coast. So far I've loved the weather here.

 

Spookie again: Yeah, UT definitely has a great reputation -- and especially down here in Texas, it seems to overshadow my Ivy background by miles.

 

shadowplay: Ehehe, maybe. <.<

 

Ruby: HAWAIIAN ICE!? WHERE?!

 

Ruby again: Alright, I've calmed down. I just love Hawaiian ice. More seriously though, the idea of free music shows sounds pretty neat. What type of music generally goes down? I have a pretty eclectic taste in music... somewhat European in the sense that I'm into the techno/trance scene, but I still love rock/alternative/and yes, on a rare occasion, even country (as long as it's not megatwangy).

 

 

I am having a really hard time deciding. It definitely sounds like I have a lot more exploration to do in Austin before I nix it, but I have yet to visit Houston. Again, as a new graduate, I don't exactly have a car yet. I'm basically trying to find work/relocate so I can use public transport like I did on the east coast (at least until I can afford an old clunker so I can get around with a bit more freedom).

 

I like that Houston's a big city, but I enjoy the fact that Austin seems to be more liberal/hip/funky. I don't really know which place has the better food options (I love BBQ/Japanese/Chinese/Italian/Thai/Mexican food with an occasional burger, lol). The larger Asian population of Houston is great, but I do like that Austin is (according to you all) undoubtedly prettier with more hills/parks/etc. The lower housing costs of Houston is great, too.

 

Cannot decide ;-;

Edited November 26, 2009 by Vertex

[spookie]

Spookie: Oh, definitely. This place is totally outside of the "Austin vibe," but the thing is I am not really into the bar scene. They're fun with friends, but as a newly-graduated dude who just moved down here, I don't really know anyone here yet and I'm a bit shy (I have to ease my way into the bar scene if I'm going to make any friends out of it). XD BBQ though is great, and I've yet to visit Barton Springs -- will definitely need to check that out.

 

Quankanne: As for weather, I'm fine with either climate. After dealing with the Philadelphia/New York summers, I figure the worst is over. There were times here in Lakeway when everyone thought the weather was unbearable at 100F, but I found it acceptable -- it's certainly better than the humidity of the east coast. So far I've loved the weather here.

 

Spookie again: Yeah, UT definitely has a great reputation -- and especially down here in Texas, it seems to overshadow my Ivy background by miles.

 

shadowplay: Ehehe, maybe. <.<

 

Ruby: HAWAIIAN ICE!? WHERE?!

 

Ruby again: Alright, I've calmed down. I just love Hawaiian ice. More seriously though, the idea of free music shows sounds pretty neat. What type of music generally goes down? I have a pretty eclectic taste in music... somewhat European in the sense that I'm into the techno/trance scene, but I still love rock/alternative/and yes, on a rare occasion, even country (as long as it's not megatwangy).

 

 

I am having a really hard time deciding. It definitely sounds like I have a lot more exploration to do in Austin before I nix it, but I have yet to visit Houston. Again, as a new graduate, I don't exactly have a car yet. I'm basically trying to find work/relocate so I can use public transport like I did on the east coast (at least until I can afford an old clunker so I can get around with a bit more freedom).

 

I like that Houston's a big city, but I enjoy the fact that Austin seems to be more liberal/hip/funky. I don't really know which place has the better food options (I love BBQ/Japanese/Chinese/Italian/Thai/Mexican food with an occasional burger, lol). The larger Asian population of Houston is great, but I do like that Austin is (according to you all) undoubtedly prettier with more hills/parks/etc. The lower housing costs of Houston is great, too.

 

Cannot decide ;-;

 

I spent my last year of high school near Lakeview, after having moved there from San Francisco. I was miserable, and insisted that I hated "Austin". It wasn't until I actually moved there that I realized I didn't know what I was talking about....

 

I was not much into the bar scene, either. There is lots of stuff to do that doesn't involve bars, or even drinking! Hints: music, food, outdoors.

 

As far as housing costs go, Austin is probably expensive... for Texas. But compared to the rest of the country, it's still a great deal. As I said, you can find some amazing deals on the East Side. To give you an example, a year ago I was paying $375 per month for a large bedroom in a beautiful 5-bedroom house, on a nice street within walking distance of downtown and UT, and on several bus routes.

 

And as for the Asians... most of my friends were actually Asian when I was going to school. I didn't go out of my way to make that happen. I am sure you will be able to find tons of hot asian girls. Girls in general in Austin are really pretty (and guys are hot) as you have probably noticed...

 

Obviously, my vote goes to Austin. And you need to start checking it out. Even with no money there are many ways to stay entertained and get a good feel for the vibe. Go hike on the greenbelt... that's free. Go run around town lake.

[Vertex]

I spent my last year of high school near Lakeview, after having moved there from San Francisco. I was miserable, and insisted that I hated "Austin". It wasn't until I actually moved there that I realized I didn't know what I was talking about....

 

I was not much into the bar scene, either. There is lots of stuff to do that doesn't involve bars, or even drinking! Hints: music, food, outdoors.

 

As far as housing costs go, Austin is probably expensive... for Texas. But compared to the rest of the country, it's still a great deal. As I said, you can find some amazing deals on the East Side. To give you an example, a year ago I was paying $375 per month for a large bedroom in a beautiful 5-bedroom house, on a nice street within walking distance of downtown and UT, and on several bus routes.

 

And as for the Asians... most of my friends were actually Asian when I was going to school. I didn't go out of my way to make that happen. I am sure you will be able to find tons of hot asian girls. Girls in general in Austin are really pretty (and guys are hot) as you have probably noticed...

 

Obviously, my vote goes to Austin. And you need to start checking it out. Even with no money there are many ways to stay entertained and get a good feel for the vibe. Go hike on the greenbelt... that's free. Go run around town lake.

 

$375/month!? Holy crap that is cheap.

 

What do you think of Texas compared to San Fran? I was actually trying to move there at one point but had difficulty finding work/housing there, especially since I didn't have enough for the high apartment prices, but the demographics of San Fran and the city life seemed appealing to me.

[Rooster_DAR]

I vote for Austin as well.

 

One of my best friends lives in Houston, I like it there also. Lot's of things to do in Houston, and more attractive people there than anywhere else in Texas IMO.

 

Austin just plain rocks. Lived there for a couple of years while I was practicing guitar to be in a band, then moved to San Antonio. San Antonio has probably the most stable economy in the entire US, so it would not be a bad choice either.

 

Regards,

[Vertex]

Can anyone list some pros about Houston over Austin besides the lower housing prices? Is the Asian population there significantly greater? Is the food better? Is public transport easier?

[quankanne]

food is the same in both places – there's a wide variety offered, at reasonable rates, and it's pretty damned good

 

Asian population – after reading the other posts, I realized I completely left out the UT student body and the big technology companies that attract folks to Austin. OOPS, mind fart!

 

what someone else pointed out about Austin not being that expensive compared to other places throughout the country, that's also true. Best part about Austin is that it's pretty much smack in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, so there are a lot of good ways to spend your time.

 

best part about Austin is that you're within a 3-4 radius of the major cities within the state, which comes in handy if you're the kind of person that likes to do things in other places.

 

Ruby: HAWAIIAN ICE!? WHERE?!

 

lol, in my world, they're called raspas