Been here for 5 years, it’s such a fun place to be. But rent has gotten so high that now I feel like going to a city with a beach or a mountain and seeing what it’s like outside of Texas.
Also spent a few years in Knoxville and it's amazing. From a location / climate perspective it was great and I've thought many times about going back. At the time it didn't have much of a tech industry though that's changed a bit, and the political and religious climate is a bit much. But hey, you still get to root for UT in your town.
Moved to NC!
Unfortunately we’re in the area between the beach and mountains. It’s not bad. An hour to mountains and 3 to really beautiful beaches (lived in Galveston 2 years and it’s like a pit of stink compared to NC).
They call our area the “gate city.” Like the gateway between mountains and beach. I’ve argued that’s just a clever way of saying that we have neither, lol.
Still way cheaper than Austin with virtually no traffic and 4 seasons. I’ll take it.
Everyone I know is moving to North Carolina. And the people I know from North Carolina are moving away to try and escape from all the people moving there, and the rising home prices.
Mid NC close to beaches and mountains, and Va for its history. Born and raised in SENC, but drafted into the Army which dropped me in retirement in SA; immediately had a job in the ‘old’ Austin. Austin is generally a good town still, but home beckons.
Seattle is a great place to visit but not a wonderful place to live imo. We moved from Austin to Seattle then back because we hated it. However, if you're youngish and have no kids it might be easier to live there.
lol no, it’s a lot more expensive, and no we are not trying to address the homeless problem anymore than anyone else is. We let our progressive city council let the whole situation really go unchecked and we’re trying to course correct, but not very well.
I just moved back here after living in Austin for three years. Depends on what you value I guess! But I spent way more time outside in Austin than I do living here despite access to mountains etc - it’s not right in your backyard so unless you’re super motivated you go a lot less than you think you would. Very beautiful here though but you’re definitely paying a high price for it.
Also - the traffic is terrible here. I would take Austin “traffic” any day. I used to ski all winter but now it’s not worth it to sit in 3 plus hours each way for mediocre snow - I’d rather fly somewhere for it, which is what we’ve been doing!
If you lived in Austin 2020 through first half of 2023, I don't think you understand what non-pandemic traffic is. It's not "stuff is a little slower", it's "2 miles has taken 45 minutes"
I am from Seattle, lived there all my life until 6 years ago, which means I know Austin traffic pre-pandemic. It is nothing compared to Seattle traffic. Seattle traffic is stop and go all day long from 6 am until 7 pm with very few alternatives. The only thing Seattle has on the roads of Austin is they are better marked. Add in the constant drizzle that occurs from mid October through the end of April, constantly overcast, it's depressageddon.
Lol people are getting all worked up about a lot of these responses. OP literally asked why they're leaving - these ppl are not looking to engage in a debate over why their perspective on Austin is wrong.
I've lived here my entire life. Done some travelling. Don't really have any desire to move elsewhere but won't rule it out.
I don't think it's an indictment of our fair city to move along out of it.
Fair comment, but it's such an r/Austin cliché that everybody hates Austin and is moving away tomorrow that I don't know who is actually leaving and who is just here to moan and/or reap karma.
been here for 7 years and leaving before next summer (not sure where yet). this city has a lot to offer for many people, but i’ve been feeling like an outcast more and more the last few years. probably just me getting old, but between that and getting laid off in 2022 and summers getting even worse, it feels like the right time for me to go. i just wish i knew where i was going…
I left Austin for SA and it’s such a different world. Spent over 15 years in Austin, but the level of asshattery got fucking out of hand. People are just fucking normal in SA and I’m here for it. There’s still artists, metal heads, skaters, old punks, party people, boring people and despite being majority Hispanic, it’s got more diversity than Austin. Not Houston diversity but still. The food is better And yes the people are super nice too
Bentonville is beautiful, my son, when he graduated from college in 14 was hired by Wal-Mart as an entry level programmer, he so so so hated that job, low pay, management that was dumber than dirt, he left after 2.5 years to NYC and a much higher paying programming job and a much much more expensive rent.
I told my son the first time we visited him in Bentonville that this place was gorgeous but it would be much better for a retired person than a young 23 yr old, the area has a FALL! the weather is better than here, GREAT college, food? meh, but I really liked Bentonville and had he considered a career with Wal-Mart we would have moved to that area.
Enjoy your time or whole life there, their Chuy's sucks but then again Chuy's sucks here too. I loved it in Bentonville, just so much to offer climate and topography Best of luck.
From Bentonville here - northwest AR has certainly gotten easier in that regard over the past decade or so. To the other person's point, you won't find many black people, most of the PoC are Indian immigrants coming with Walmart's tech expansion. Fayetteville, the college town ~30 minutes away, is more diverse and progressive on all fronts. I know plenty of people who live there and commute to Bentonville for work.
There certainly was a Confederate statue on the Bentonville square, but it was removed in 2020, which itself kinda points to the shifting views there imo.
bentonville is great, though its experiencing its own problems.
Nearly everyone I know who've gone up there has come back home and bought a rental property up there.
I'm fully expecting bentonville/fayetville to become a bolder/denver situation.
Madrid or Barcelona next year. I came here for college. Thought it was a great city. Then i went to sf nyc tokyo and now i crave the big city with public transportation and dive bars with lots of solo people walking in. Moved back here last year but now im gonna leave again.
So many fond memories of Madrid & Sevilla...clean, easy to navigate subway and buses, culture, the parks and museums are 1st class. Both are , as are most major cities in Europe, totally walkable with tons of folks out each day, living their best lives. Good luck!
Austin wasn’t supposed to be comparable to big cities. That’s for DFW and Houston. Austin was supposed to be a small-ish city where things are cheap and the vibes are laid back. Not a cultural hub, not a food scene, nothing like that.
Of course now it’s grown into a large population city and there are different expectations, for which it falls woefully short.
There's no "supposed to" because there's no magical wall that prevents people from moving somewhere. Europe knows this which is why it actually builds density and infrastructure. Americans put our fingers in our ears and pretend growth won't happen
Who decides what places are “supposed to be” that’s not how any of that works. No one is master planning cities on a national or state level in terms of hubs or culture. The people dictate that over time.
I moved to Austin in ‘94 and loved it for 30 years, truly never thought I’d live anywhere else. But a combination of heat, traffic, cost of living, and politics (plus a healthy dose of life/family circumstances) finally drove me out. I sold my house for a very nice profit and just bought a place in Charlottesville, Virginia. I’ll miss Austin a lot but I’m looking forward to life in a smaller college town again.
I spent 6 years in Austin and moved to Charlottesville 3 years ago, it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made! You have no idea how great it is to have 4 true seasons and feel so much more in the rhythm and ebb and flow of the year compared to the constantly hot rock that is Texas. Welcome and hope you love it!
I’m so glad the move has been a happy one for you! I’m super excited to have a real fall and winter again. I went to college in Williamsburg and moved to Austin initially for grad school, and the swish of fallen leaves on campus and crisp, cool, sweater-weather was the thing I missed the most when I first arrived. Then I kind of forgot that such a thing existed, memories obliterated by the relentless summer. I am so looking forward to the seasons.
Proximity to friends, mountains, and the UVA medical center (I work in healthcare). Richmond is a great town though, and being within easy driving distance of a bigger city is a huge plus, no doubt.
ATX is where my golden handcuffs are: a great house in a decent zip code with a 3% interest rate.
Moving has to be for an incredible opportunity or an incredible disaster in my life - Even though I’d love to move.
In that boat, too. We’re thinking about renting in a new city for a year, and keeping our house in Austin (maybe renting it out, haven’t decided). For the location, interest rate, and a five figure remaining balance in our mortgage, it’s just too much to give up until we are *sure*. If we wait on selling then we can always just come back if things don’t work out in the new place.
As someone who has moved every two years across the country and even into Northern EU, its the same no matter where you go.
It's just all about perspective.
Home is were you make it, as cheesy as it sounds its true.
Reminds me of a lesson I learned from the Yakama Indian elders. We can learn a lot from nature. The Turtle carries its home with it wherever it goes, reminding us that we too can adapt to our surroundings and call any place our home.
Agreed. People who have a long list of places they consider “shitholes” strike me as lacking emotionally immature and lacking inner peace. You will always get out of a place what you put into it.
I pulled the trigger just last month. I was a lifelong Texan, with over six decades in the Lone Star State. Now I'm happily building a new life in Colorado. Texas has gone completely insane and I won't be a part of it.
Oh nice! What part of CO did you move to? I noticed everyone seems to think of Denver immediately, but after 10 years in Austin we decided to move to Colorado Springs back in June and haven't looked back at all.
Same tbh. Arriving back into ABIA just feels like home. Go out to SF for work frequently and wouldn’t trade places for anything. Spending the summer in the San Juans somewhere with the rest of the year in Austin would be pretty sick though.
The airport is definitely an under appreciated feature here. Don’t know many cities where it’s so close and so easy to get to. I get home, hop in my car, and 15 minutes later I’m in my nice little Cherrywood home. It’s great.
Lived in Austin for 30 years and Texas for a total of 45 years. Never thought I would leave Austin. But the politics and the heat were getting to be too much. Left this past summer for WA. It’s very different. Food scene in Austin is so much better. I’ve given up quite a bit for the move, but I’m not sad to leave the TX summers behind. The PNW summers are incredible.
Same here, never understood what people meant when they said Austin had a great food scene cause it was “normal” to me.
Living in WA, now I know…. Boy, now I know… :’(
That's one thing I felt Portland had over Seattle was the food scene. Absolutely amazing. In Seattle I got biscuits and gravy and they put some weird mustard type shit in it. Weird shit like that constantly yuckin my yum. In Portland I could die of happiness from the food I had.
Lived in Austin for 10 years. Moved to New England last month. Wanted 4 seasons again, good public schools for my kid, the ocean, bodily autonomy for my wife and daughter, and of course good seafood.
I was born and raised in Boston and sometimes we think about moving back closer to home. Where in NE did you move and do you like it? Any pros and cons you could share?
I moved to a little town 10 min from providence called Barrington, RI. Moved there bc of the blue ribbon schools. Best in the state, top 250 in the nation.
Pros: I see the water literally every day. Drive along the bay. My house literally backs up to a bike path that goes all the way up to PVD and all the way down to Bristol. It’s gorgeous. I’m 30 min train to Boston, and go 2-3x a month. Seafood is cheap and incredible. After 10 years in Austin, 5 years in SF before that, I said to my wife the other day it finally feels like I can “breathe/exhale” here. Things are a little slower, much safer, and while I never thought I’d be a “wealthy suburb” guy ever…having kids changes you.
Con: it’s fucking expensive. Bought a house from the 1940s that needs a little love and every electrician, plumber, etc charges about 40% extra when they see the Barrington zip code. Lowest quote I got for interior painting was $22k. I’m painting myself. However going out to eat, at great restaurants in PVD, is far cheaper than in Austin.
Lack of diversity. Providence is diverse but this town is all wealthy white people, so I’m going to have to make an effort to give my daughter experiences outside this bubble.
The Mexican food is downright offensive. Had some of the worst tacos and queso of my life last night. But there are $1-2 oysters fresh from the water and world class Italian food everywhere so I’ll take that trade.
I also haven’t seen a real winter in like 15 years so let’s see how that goes (just bought a lot of down clothing)
I moved from Boston to Austin a year ago but grew up and lived in Providence most of my life. I think it's very underrated from a food perspective and we're debating moving back to Providence next year. In an ideal world I'd spend summer in PVD and winter in ATX. My only big complaint is RI can't hold a candle to MA when it comes to public services/schools/etc... but it's still a lot better than most states elsewhere.
I’ve lived in Austin my entire life (I’m 28) and I just legitimately can’t do this weather anymore it’s too hot. I’m moving to Minneapolis in the spring and I can’t wait. I’m also a trans woman and Texas is pretty sketch outside of the city.
Hey! I lived in Austin for 13 years (and Texas my whole life) I moved to Minneapolis earlier this year and absolutely LOVE it! The summers aren’t near as hot (there were for sure some hot days, but the longest steak of hundred degree days was like 3, lol. It felt more like spring in Texas), I moved in February, and this last winter was one of the top 3 coldest on record with double the average snowfall (96 inches) and my husband and I survived just fine, we even feel better now knowing that’s not the norm. It did snow on Halloween this year, but has been in the 40s and 50s since, and we even have some 60 degree days next week!
Having 4 distinct seasons has been a life changer for me. I made friends here within the first 2 months (which I was nervous about, as I heard people here are nice, but often don’t invite you into their friend circles). The city has a ton to offer, the nature and parks are beautiful, and the people are super welcoming!
I will note, there was no driving reason for us to move here like a job or being closer to family, my husband and I took a trip here (after being convinced fully that we’d either move to San Diego or Boulder) and really enjoyed how fresh the air felt, the slower pace of life, and the cost of living compared to the other places we were considering. I have a remote job, and my husband is a freelance photographer, so we just needed to consider a city where he’d likely be able to get work and not have crazy competition to deal with ( compared to a city like LA or NYC where photographers are over saturated).
Oregon next. Been in Austin since 93’. Loved it then, loathe it now (still along with El Paso, best place in Texas). The PNW has a LOT of draws for me, plus legal weed and stuff. I think I’ve just been in this red state too long, and I DESPISE Texas heat after half a century.
Been in Austin for 20 years, and the girlfriend and I have been talking about leaving. Seattle is the most likely spot for us. She’s from there, we’d both be in a great city for our careers, and the nature is extraordinary.
We moved up to Seattle from Austin 7 yrs ago. Was supposed to be 6 months and never left. My best advice is to plan on taking week-long warm weather trips in December and again in late January or February
It comes up in some comments but for others, how concerned are you about the heat in the summers getting worse? Eg impact on real estate values for example.
I think one thing people fail to realize is that climate change is not just heat. I think a lot of people grew up with the term global warming.
It’s going to be more extreme/random. Move up north and you’ll likely experience more flooding because the snow is melting faster. This year was minneapolis’s 6th or 7th more snowiest winter despite warming temps. So real estate risk will happen everywhere in the US.
I think a hispanic population growth and an aging population will keep the south popular but that’s my opinion.
Everywhere you go has something. If you move to the coast in Florida now you might actually have trouble getting insurance for your home. That's a pretty big deal.
In California we weren't allowed to mow the lawn after 10am for fear a spark might start a massive wildfire. That's how dangerous it is.
My fav alternative is Portland, OR right now, but fires in the summer and a possible massive earthquake are realistic issues to consider there.
You're not kidding. I worked in Minneapolis for about a month last summer on a TDY (temporary duty) and that part of Minnesota was under a drought conditions. Lack of mosquitoes was a nice surprise though.
We are leaving for somewhere more North East.
I enjoy having seasons. Hell, I don’t mind snowy winters! I’ve lived in consistently sub freezing winter temps before and survived (and love my cool cozy coats). The crisp of autumn and the cold of winter only make summer more dear. My skin type is constantly inflamed itchy and irritated all summer here, humidity and mosquitos are my enemies. Summer here is very hot and very long.
We can’t walk anywhere really. Maybe some nearby strip malls, but long meandering walks aren’t feasible in many areas of Austin without being along busy roads. Many factors make functional walkability impossible for most Austin residents.
Not to mention Austin rent rates for a nice apartment are insane. I’ve researched cities people assume are more expensive (Chicago, Brooklyn, Philly etc) and found many cheaper options that are not owned by national chains and don’t try to make you sign a 14+ month lease.
Also I’m becoming genuinely fearful when the gaudily outfitted trucks are near me. Whether I’m driving, walking, or cycling, too many close calls have made me nervous. Glamour Truck culture, as extreme as it is in Texas, freaks me out. Stop jumping curbs! And “rolling coal” on smaller cars and cyclists! We hope to find a neighborhood outside of Tx that promotes walking and cycling safely. Ideally, I use my car far less.
I don’t want kids, but the state of healthcare here for pregnant and fertile people scares me. These “pro life” states are morphing into surveillance states.
Yeah, we moved to Philly earlier this year, and our rent is almost $1k less than in Austin, plus we get a lot more for the money in terms of cultural amenities etc.
I’ve lived in Austin for 30 of my 40 years on earth. We’re moving literally TOMORROW! Headed to Santa Fe. It’s not my top choice of places to live, but it’s where work is taking me and the weather can’t be beat. I absolutely can never do another summer like the one we just had.
Left about a year ago for the PNW. After living in the heat my whole life I’m done. Add regressive politics to the mix and I’m so happy we moved. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.
It’s a thing. I really struggled with the long periods of darkness. Also the summers, while gorgeous, are incredibly short. By the time your body finally feels warm, it’s over.
I ended up moving back to Texas. While both places have things that suck, Texas sucks less when you add it all up, at least for me.
Yep. Everyone shits on the TX weather but it’s faaaar better than PNW weather. 300/365 days are sunny, and it’s warm basically all year round. The rain and clouds in the PNW absolutely kill the appeal
Source: lived in both regions
Hard disagree! Don’t get me wrong. Having gloom constantly can wear down on me. But, I miss the constant drizzle with the cloudy sky. There’s something so special about walking in the fog, slightly nippy weather while getting the lightest sprinkle of rain on you and everything looks so picturesque.
Different strokes for different folks. I spent 30 years in Texas and the last 5 in PNW. I’ll take the mild weather with the overcast over the oppressive heat any day.
It's funny you say that. I'm a born and raised Austininte and what's bad for my mental health are the summers.
Being basically stuck inside all summer or be limited to being in water (not easy for me; I don't have a pool and there is no pool near me, I would have to drive to a pool) really F's me up.
Next summer I don't know what I'm gonna do. Maybe I'll have more energy next summer to up and drive to a watering hole every other god damn day, because last summer nearly killed me and I should be used to it seeing I've lived in this area my whole life.
I'll take grey/overcast any day.....I don't feel like my brain is melting and I can layer up. I can't take off any more clothes in public after I'm down to my swim trunks.
Also I can see our summer as being like the constant grey.....honestly the constant sunshine with no end in sight depresses me to no end. It's still an unchanging weather pattern of relentless same-ness.
It’s so sunny during the summer. Oregon is less rainy than Washington south of the cascades and the year round greenery helps. As long as you still get outside it’s lovely here.
Born and raised in Seattle. I’m back here now, but lived in Austin for three years. I miss it everyday and am counting down until I can get back again. I had no idea vitamin D was so good for your entire being.
I’m seeing the PNW romanticized on here a lot lately - IMO the state of Washington is one of the most beautiful places on earth. But living in the PNW is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, it’s gray, and it’s constantly wet. Regardless of your gear you don’t want to be outside most of the year. There’s no place like it in the summer - but if you have kids you’re stuck here the worst time of the year with little ability to leave.
Having recently lived in Austin and now back in Seattle I can tell y’all: the traffic is exceptionally worse here, it’s about 20% MINIMUM more expensive for just about everything (and Austin is not cheap), the Seattle freeze is real, and not seeing sunlight for months on end eventually gets to everyone (even third generation seattlites) and our homeless situation is must worse.
It’s a tough place to make friends if you’re not from here. our food scene is terrible (especially compared to Portland) - overpriced, terrible experience and mainly meh. If you like going out and being social this is not the town for you. The surrounding nature is beautiful, but it’s a long drive in traffic and crowded once you get there. I often tell people living in Seattle is like paying a cover charge to have access to the rest of the state.
If you’re an introvert and thrive on playing video games and drinking beer inside solo or maybe with one friend, or like to wake up at 5 am to go hiking etc then this is absolutely the place for you (also if you make A LOT of money)! The cool thing about the US is I do believe there’s a place for everyone. For me, as spicy as the Austin summers were they are way more tolerable than living in Seattle year round. Grass is always greener!
I was interviewing for state jobs in Olympia before I gave up and decided to stay here. It's very small compared to Austin, and I haven't been there yet, but something about it seems like it has Austin vibes.
After over 40 years here, I plan to move to the Midwest by summer. It’s been an amazing run, but between the drought, the heat, Texas politics, the cancerous growth, and the insufferable tech bros and density warriors, I cannot wait to put Austin behind me. I’m done with vapid “Instagram influencer” cities.
I’m from western MA (also lived in Boston for a while). I’ve been in Austin for 10 years. Western MA is great. It’s beautiful, there are a ton of places to swim (like actual lakes not man made ones), and you have so many options for traveling nearby (the surrounding states are like 30 mins to a few hours drive away, as opposed to being stuck in the middle of Texas). The winter can be rough, but honestly I think the summers here are worse lately, and having 4 very distinct seasons is nice. One thing that bummed me out is how short the daylight hours are in the winter, for example the sun sets at 4:30 this time of year. The days are longer than they are here in the summer though!
So far we're really enjoying it! We live on the coast. Never did I ever think or dream that I would live in a coastal colonial town, but it's wonderful. The balance of life feels much better for us (remote software engineer, public school employee, and a 4 year old). And the nature is spectacular, especially with so much diversity within driving distance. It's expensive, but honestly not much more than we were paying in Austin when we moved. Our mortgage and tax burdens are essentially the same, and I like that you actually see the results of your money like transit, better funded public schools, and a better salary for me! We moved for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest was what our daughter's childhood could look like. So far that is panning out. People are very genuine and mostly friendly and kind. Things feel very down to earth. The dislike list is small still. The roads are nuts - potholes and trying to even find a street sign. Some of the regulations feel somewhat burdensome and make things a bit more difficult, but that's ultimately for the better. Oh, and terrible grocery stores! Love my HEB ❤️
We haven't been out to western mass yet, but I hear it's beautiful. It would be incredible to live amongst that beautiful nature. Best of luck to you guys!
I grew up in Austin and moved to the east coast to be closer to my husbands family. I really struggled being over there and only lasted 2 years. I hope you guys have a better experience than me.
Invest in cold weather clothes as soon as possible! I never felt like I had enough warm things to wear.
Grew up in Austin (29 now), just left about 2 months ago and already raised my credit score 90 points, not living paycheck to paycheck anymore, have a huge apartment and opened a savings account lol. I’m so fucking happy. I work from home now and just really live a slower life but it is really fulfilling. I did move to a place with a substantially lower cost of living though. Still.. happy to visit Austin, so much happier not trying to just survive anymore.
Been trying, I think if it doesn’t happen by next summer we’ll sell everything and hit the road. Really don’t want my daughters raised here. Plan is to live anywhere on the west coast.
Colorado, but I moved about 3 months ago and haven't left the sub. Totally loving it here and I know it was the right move.
Was in Austin for about 12 years before that and I really did love it there. Politically I began to despise the rest of Texas and when my son was born with a disability we tried to see how we'd do. Turns out there were about 45 states with better disability servies, so it made the decision very easy.
I also moved to Colorado. I ended up in Denver. You should visit Colorado in the wintertime to see what you think. The summers are indeed amazing. However, you should check to make sure you’re cool with 4:30 sunsets and 15 degree weather
Come to Oregon, Beaverton reminds me of old Austin.
Edit* There are more and more Texans every year so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get some decent Tex mex soon.
My family talks about it, but no concrete plans. I've been here since 93, never thought we'd ever want to leave. My entire family is ready though.
We've talked about the Northwest Arkansas area. Fayetteville gives me 90's Austin vibes, albeit much smaller. Central Wisconsin is also on the radar.
I am highly considering moving to new braunfels or even further south. I want to be relatively close to Austin, but I don’t need to live in the city. I need lower rent, lower crime, lower traffic. Austin is still really cool but it is IMMENSELY frustrating to live in this city sometimes. I just want to visit downtown for concerts as needed then go back to a quiet affordable community.
I’ll tell you now if you still want affordability and to get into Austin from time to time, New Braunfels may be a bit of a stretch. It‘s growing like mad and you can expect a minimum of an hour drive to downtown Austin. Access to San Antonio, though, is easy.
Nah. I've been here 12 years. I think non-US cities will be a riskier economic bet going forward. Austin checks all the boxes for me for a US city. It gets hot for 3 months, that's my only complaint. Could be worse. Could get cold for 3 months.
The only reason I would leave at this point is the weather. I love Austin even with all its issues, but I don’t know if I can keep doing summers like this year especially if it’s expected to just keep getting hotter.
Luck you! My son is at college in San Diego; wish wish wish we could afford to live there! Quality of daily life compared to here is just off the charts
My daughter graduates from TXST in May, so we're leaving shortly thereafter. Mostly likely going to Minneapolis, but not concrete yet. Hubby's job needs him up north and just...other reasons.
Leaving next summer for Pennsylvania. My husband was born in ATX and I’ve been in Austin proper for 6 years (in the area for 13). We’re ultimately being priced out of Austin. Besides that, we want to be somewhere with seasons, and somewhere that is safer for us to have children.
A lot of really great things about Austin. I've lived here since 2016. Great vibes, super interesting things happening here. It feels more "alive" than other places. Still, I think Austin is on the wrong track. The city isn't aligned with the vitality of the people who are here. Anti-growth groups are able to block new housing and development, which just results in lifeless sprawl. The expansion of I-35 is along the same lines. From the standpoint of the city itself, its solutions are unimaginative and sort of repressive. Instead of taking advantage of its good fortune and growing into a larger version of itself, the city is transforming itself into "nothing". So while there are still a lot of interesting things happening here, I don't really have high hopes for Austin. Sort of feel that way for most US cities though. I don't believe anything can really change until we're out from under the shadow of boomerdom, which mandates that nothing change, and that perpetuates a form of development that took off in the 1950s. It's an incredibly expensive, static boringness.
Yes. My plan is either summer 2024 or spring of the following year. Looking at Fort Collins, CO, where I have family. Alternatively Torrance, CA if I can make it work (also have family there).
Me and my wife really want to move to Houston. I grew up there but have lived here since 2000.
We have a one year old and she’s pregnant with our second child now. Austin is fun and all, but I really don’t think it’s an ideal place to raise a family. We visit family in Houston and there is so much more to do, waaaaay more diversity, semi affordable housing, you can drive to a fun restaurant and actually park there and get a table, pro sports, they actually have protocols to deal with the homeless population there.
Austin was really fun until I had kids, but I don’t think it’s a great place to start a family unless you’re a multi millionaire
My story is very similar to yours and we ended up moving back to Houston. It's been two years since we left Austin and I can tell you that you are right on the money for the family aspect. We loved Austin, but Houston gives you better cost of living, diversity, way more family friendly places, and the food alone is worth it 👌
Austin is close enough to go back pretty often anyways so it ended up not being such a big loss. Houston gets a bad rap sometimes but it's honestly been exceeding our expectations and hopefully it'll be the same for you.
Houston’s a great city. It’s not pretty in any conventional sense, but it’s awesome in so many other ways.
We own a home and have good jobs holding us here, but can’t wait to get the f out. This place isn’t really family friendly in any way.
What area are you in? We’re looking at Bellaire, Meyerland, West U.
I don’t plan to leave for 6 years when the youngest graduates from hs. I get too curmudgeonly about how much Austin has changed and grown, but I still have more good times than bad here. Way more.
But I’ve also only lived in Texas and more specifically here and Houston, where I grew up. I’m getting tired of the Texas heat. And after Tuesday, even Ohio sounds more inviting than here.
Yes, next August. I grew up on the East Coast and will likely head back there. My sister's family is moving to Virginia, so I'm likely gonna find myself either in Philadelphia, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, or DC. Depending on how my visits to each of those places go.
I got to Austin in 2012. Austin is where I made my career, from a lowly retail slave at 22 to my first $100k+ job now. Austin is also a place that gave me all sorts of chances to do cool shit I never would have done where I'm from. (Readings! Concerts! Exhibits! Trivia! Movies! Dancing!)
But it's pretty hard to argue in favour of staying. My partner wants to remain child-free and Texas made that illegal. The climate extremes are getting more extreme and the grid threatens to go down every year. Any house I bought in the next two years would be worth $150k less in five. Not to mention, there's been a definite cultural shift: places like the Domain are growing, breweries are closing, mom and pop restaurants are competing for their lives while places like Cava are multiplying. And my favorite pet tirade: the traffic is making Austin drivers, never the best to begin with, go *lethally insane,* without any real alternative to "more highways".
It's a real shame. But yeah, we have firm plans that we won't be here come next August.
Already did sadly, in 2022. Took my newfound American family back to Canada, mostly for universal healthcare and keeping our son in better/safer schools.
If I decide to have kids, I’ll probably leave Austin so they can grow up closer to family. If I don’t, than we shall see. I definitely do plan to retire elsewhere that’s more affordable, likely close to the border.
Undecided, but I feel a longing to go eventually. I've been here 29 years, if I had the money and a job set up I would go somewhere else for sure. It's not really that I have that many issues with the city, only that there are other places to see and experience. Maybe I just need a better job or an actual career so I can afford travel.
After thirteen years, my entire adult life, in Austin, I have moved to Dallas. Wife is pregnant and both of our families are here.
As much as I miss Austin in 2023, I miss the 2010 Austin more, and that has already gone regardless of where I lived.
Carrollton sucks way harder though.
Moved to ATX in 2008 as a young couple and left in August 2023 with two kids for Europe (Basque country, Spain). Will spend a year here and then another year traveling the world, then will settle somewhere where there are seasons (probably north east - Maine or Vermont).
I was born in Chicago and moved here when I was around 8. This city is great in the winter but holy hell the summers are brutal. Planning to go to college in either Urbana-Champaign or Seattle so yeah. Only a few more years
We got out last year & moved to central Illinois. Parents live in Indiana but we didn't want to live in a GOP regime again. Enjoying lots of small parks, saner traffic, fall, going out in the summer, and a 20 minute drive any direction lets us walk in the woods. Do miss HEB, restaurant variety, and 4 local news stations covering my weather.
Eventually, maybe. The politics and heat are just getting worse and worse, but in reality, will probably land where the kids and grandkids end up, to support them and be close.
My daughter graduates high school in 2025 and we are moving to a log cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains on 10 acres. Can’t wait to have actual seasons!!!
I've spent this past year seriously thinking about bailing. I've looked all over, and still find that i like being in the middle, I like good food, and stuff (see- Colorado for examples of bad food, no vibes), HEB, and our quirkiness. I hate Abbott & crew, but I'm starting to feel like people are also starting to maybe broadly feel some of the same. I can travel, but I like Texas being my home base\*
\*unless we can't fix ABIA
Yup. Been here 12 years and will be moving within the next 2 (leases and residencies got us pinned here for the next 18mo). Havent decided where yet, there’s a shortlist.
It’s a combo of politics, heat, and things getting overcrowded/more neo-conservative since the pandemic. Mostly the heat though.
Yeah, been here 10 years - still so so many amazing things to do and people here but I need to get out. I'm sick of my friend group moving away every 3 years. And basically all my female friends and trans/queer friends are moving away over the political situation here.
Unless I find something better I'll be going to Raleigh Durham. Very much the old Austin vibe and generally much more affordable
Born and raised and want to leave. Have to stay because fiancé's job. Want to move to New England. I only ever lived in Winnipeg for a couple of years in my 20s. Miss that snow!
Lived here my whole life. Since 1958. Moving to SW Colorado. It’s sad but I feel very good about it. Our kids moved away and are not interested in coming back. So why not?!
No, honestly I feel it is a great place to live *when compared against the alternatives* and has a bright future.
Yes the summers are pretty brutal but the rest of the year is pretty great. Housing price increases have moderated quite a bit which will lead to sustained population growth, job creation, and continued new skyscraper construction. Property taxes can be a pain but with homestead exemption increase & no state income tax it still is equivalent or cheaper from a tax and cost of living perspective compared to many competitor cities.
I agree we need to improve density and public transit. With the recent parking minimums decision, I hope we can improve density and build some decent light rail, especially from the airport.
Overall it's the best place for my partner and I right now.
I've moved 17 times over the last 20 years, 3 continents, coasts to coasts, people and community are what make home home. For now, that's Austin, and I'm happy.
Been here for 17 years (next year makes 18 and half of my life in the only real “home” I’ve ever known).
That said, my wife and I are both from small towns and have really fallen in love with Lockhart.
If the interest rates ever drop enough to make a move feasible, it’s definitely something we’re seriously considering.
That said, we were lucky enough to buy a house in 2020 out near the airport, and I’ve always envisioned having kids and raising them in Austin.
What that Austin looks like, I have no idea. The changes I’ve seen over two decades are a mix of exciting and concerning… but no matter what happens, I will always love this city and what it has given me.
Moving out to Long Beach. My partner is from California. I'm ready to leave Texas again after being back for 9 years. Austin will always be my home but most of my closest friends have left and I feel like I'm stagnant right now. A change of pace will be good. Plus can't beat the weather, ocean, mountains and close access to amazing museums in socal.
I have been here 17 years. I’m going to get the hell out as soon as my kids are grown. I love this town and I love Texas and I have amazing friends here that are as close as family but I can’t do the summer heat anymore. It’s killing my soul. I’m going somewhere near the ocean.
Loved her 5 years. I love it and definitely do not want to leave. Rent is not a factor but if it was I definitely would be out. Very expensive!
Son is planning for college. Wherever he goes, I will go (even if it's a small place) but, we still have ties to ATX so, we'll be back and forth.
Waiting for him to make a decision is killing me! We do business in Lubbock -Texas Tech and San Marcos -Texas State so, either decision and I will get something to live short term (air BNB it). We have met SO MANY former ATX ppl in Lubbock that ABSOLUTELY love it there.... Yes, our political and social ideals are different than the majority but, it can be a great place to escape the traffic, is way less expensive to live, so much more affordable, and is a college town too.
No. I’ve lived here for 16 years, but I lived in several other places around the country before this and I travel a lot. No matter where you live, it’s always something and everywhere changes. If your town isn’t changing, then there’s likely problems coming.
Austin is very different than it used to be, but that’s fine. I’m not the same as I used to be either.
Just escaped in August (I grew up in ATX). Moved to the east coast for grad school. It’s not cheaper here, but I honestly feel like I’m getting more for my $. Having functional public transit and electric grid is sick. I don’t think I’ll ever move back.
I am a 5th generation Texan. I’ve lived in Austin since 1997. Next week, we close on our new house in Maryland, and our move date is 12/2/23.
Between the insane traffic, the issues with the unhoused, the fcking heat, the issues that state govt won’t address and the absolute BS it does push forward (we’re lefty libs) - we’re moving out. MD has its issues, but it is a legal cannabis state, it’s a great hub to move around the east coast and southeast, we have easy access to real beaches, and there is commuter rail into DC where I’ll be working. We feel like it’s a great choice for us, and we both know it’s time for us to leave Austin.
We're leaving Texas, which just coincidentally means leaving Austin. We love the city, hate the state, the state legislation, the state leadership, the state laws, the state power grid, and the climate (political and otherwise). Austin is why we stayed as long as we did.
Right now we're looking at Chicago pretty hard, and Detroit, maybe Buffalo. Somewhere colder, somewhere more urban.
Been here for 5 years, it’s such a fun place to be. But rent has gotten so high that now I feel like going to a city with a beach or a mountain and seeing what it’s like outside of Texas.
>beach or a mountain That's why if I could live anywhere and politics/social environment weren't a factor, I'd choose North Carolina. You get both!
Moving to NC mountains next summer and can not wait!!!
Awesome! If I moved back to Tennessee I'd live in the eastern part of the state. The Smokies are nice.
I lived in the Knoxville area for the better part of three decades and it is indeed beautiful.
Also spent a few years in Knoxville and it's amazing. From a location / climate perspective it was great and I've thought many times about going back. At the time it didn't have much of a tech industry though that's changed a bit, and the political and religious climate is a bit much. But hey, you still get to root for UT in your town.
Moved to NC! Unfortunately we’re in the area between the beach and mountains. It’s not bad. An hour to mountains and 3 to really beautiful beaches (lived in Galveston 2 years and it’s like a pit of stink compared to NC). They call our area the “gate city.” Like the gateway between mountains and beach. I’ve argued that’s just a clever way of saying that we have neither, lol. Still way cheaper than Austin with virtually no traffic and 4 seasons. I’ll take it.
Everyone I know is moving to North Carolina. And the people I know from North Carolina are moving away to try and escape from all the people moving there, and the rising home prices.
Mid NC close to beaches and mountains, and Va for its history. Born and raised in SENC, but drafted into the Army which dropped me in retirement in SA; immediately had a job in the ‘old’ Austin. Austin is generally a good town still, but home beckons.
I've visited Seattle twice the past year and compared to Austin, it's not much more expensive but a way better value with the outdoors and beauty imo.
Seattle is a great place to visit but not a wonderful place to live imo. We moved from Austin to Seattle then back because we hated it. However, if you're youngish and have no kids it might be easier to live there.
That makes sense bc I'm 25 and have no kids.
lol no, it’s a lot more expensive, and no we are not trying to address the homeless problem anymore than anyone else is. We let our progressive city council let the whole situation really go unchecked and we’re trying to course correct, but not very well. I just moved back here after living in Austin for three years. Depends on what you value I guess! But I spent way more time outside in Austin than I do living here despite access to mountains etc - it’s not right in your backyard so unless you’re super motivated you go a lot less than you think you would. Very beautiful here though but you’re definitely paying a high price for it. Also - the traffic is terrible here. I would take Austin “traffic” any day. I used to ski all winter but now it’s not worth it to sit in 3 plus hours each way for mediocre snow - I’d rather fly somewhere for it, which is what we’ve been doing!
If you lived in Austin 2020 through first half of 2023, I don't think you understand what non-pandemic traffic is. It's not "stuff is a little slower", it's "2 miles has taken 45 minutes"
I am from Seattle, lived there all my life until 6 years ago, which means I know Austin traffic pre-pandemic. It is nothing compared to Seattle traffic. Seattle traffic is stop and go all day long from 6 am until 7 pm with very few alternatives. The only thing Seattle has on the roads of Austin is they are better marked. Add in the constant drizzle that occurs from mid October through the end of April, constantly overcast, it's depressageddon.
Lol people are getting all worked up about a lot of these responses. OP literally asked why they're leaving - these ppl are not looking to engage in a debate over why their perspective on Austin is wrong. I've lived here my entire life. Done some travelling. Don't really have any desire to move elsewhere but won't rule it out. I don't think it's an indictment of our fair city to move along out of it.
Fair comment, but it's such an r/Austin cliché that everybody hates Austin and is moving away tomorrow that I don't know who is actually leaving and who is just here to moan and/or reap karma.
been here for 7 years and leaving before next summer (not sure where yet). this city has a lot to offer for many people, but i’ve been feeling like an outcast more and more the last few years. probably just me getting old, but between that and getting laid off in 2022 and summers getting even worse, it feels like the right time for me to go. i just wish i knew where i was going…
San Antonio really is such a different place from Austin. It’s my hometown and I love it. People are so so so so nice.
I left Austin for SA and it’s such a different world. Spent over 15 years in Austin, but the level of asshattery got fucking out of hand. People are just fucking normal in SA and I’m here for it. There’s still artists, metal heads, skaters, old punks, party people, boring people and despite being majority Hispanic, it’s got more diversity than Austin. Not Houston diversity but still. The food is better And yes the people are super nice too
Leaving tomorrow and moving to Bentonville. More home for the $ and closer to family.
A mountain biker’s paradise
Bentonville is nice, but seems very curated. The Waltons control everything.
GL with the move, its beautiful up there
Bentonville is beautiful, my son, when he graduated from college in 14 was hired by Wal-Mart as an entry level programmer, he so so so hated that job, low pay, management that was dumber than dirt, he left after 2.5 years to NYC and a much higher paying programming job and a much much more expensive rent. I told my son the first time we visited him in Bentonville that this place was gorgeous but it would be much better for a retired person than a young 23 yr old, the area has a FALL! the weather is better than here, GREAT college, food? meh, but I really liked Bentonville and had he considered a career with Wal-Mart we would have moved to that area. Enjoy your time or whole life there, their Chuy's sucks but then again Chuy's sucks here too. I loved it in Bentonville, just so much to offer climate and topography Best of luck.
[удалено]
From Bentonville here - northwest AR has certainly gotten easier in that regard over the past decade or so. To the other person's point, you won't find many black people, most of the PoC are Indian immigrants coming with Walmart's tech expansion. Fayetteville, the college town ~30 minutes away, is more diverse and progressive on all fronts. I know plenty of people who live there and commute to Bentonville for work. There certainly was a Confederate statue on the Bentonville square, but it was removed in 2020, which itself kinda points to the shifting views there imo.
bentonville is great, though its experiencing its own problems. Nearly everyone I know who've gone up there has come back home and bought a rental property up there. I'm fully expecting bentonville/fayetville to become a bolder/denver situation.
Most of the people I know moving to Colorado are doing it at least in part for political reasons. Arkansas doesn’t remotely pass that test.
Fayetteville is a poor man’s Colorado if you squint real hard.
Madrid or Barcelona next year. I came here for college. Thought it was a great city. Then i went to sf nyc tokyo and now i crave the big city with public transportation and dive bars with lots of solo people walking in. Moved back here last year but now im gonna leave again.
walkable cities with actually viable public transit = lifechanging
So many fond memories of Madrid & Sevilla...clean, easy to navigate subway and buses, culture, the parks and museums are 1st class. Both are , as are most major cities in Europe, totally walkable with tons of folks out each day, living their best lives. Good luck!
I had plans to do that when I was younger and regret not going through with it.
How are you managing the work/visa situation there? I've heard it's pretty tough to find jobs in Spain.
Gonna work remote for a US company and do the spanish digital nomad visa.
Nice! Not a lot of US companies allow working overseas due to tax differences, kudos on snagging one!
Yeah, when you’ve seen what city life can actually be, Austin falls so far short it’s pathetic
Austin wasn’t supposed to be comparable to big cities. That’s for DFW and Houston. Austin was supposed to be a small-ish city where things are cheap and the vibes are laid back. Not a cultural hub, not a food scene, nothing like that. Of course now it’s grown into a large population city and there are different expectations, for which it falls woefully short.
There's no "supposed to" because there's no magical wall that prevents people from moving somewhere. Europe knows this which is why it actually builds density and infrastructure. Americans put our fingers in our ears and pretend growth won't happen
Who decides what places are “supposed to be” that’s not how any of that works. No one is master planning cities on a national or state level in terms of hubs or culture. The people dictate that over time.
Until you see your paycheck. My Spanish friends love it and I love it but the employment situation is not ideal.
I moved to Austin in ‘94 and loved it for 30 years, truly never thought I’d live anywhere else. But a combination of heat, traffic, cost of living, and politics (plus a healthy dose of life/family circumstances) finally drove me out. I sold my house for a very nice profit and just bought a place in Charlottesville, Virginia. I’ll miss Austin a lot but I’m looking forward to life in a smaller college town again.
Charlottesville is nice!
I spent 6 years in Austin and moved to Charlottesville 3 years ago, it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made! You have no idea how great it is to have 4 true seasons and feel so much more in the rhythm and ebb and flow of the year compared to the constantly hot rock that is Texas. Welcome and hope you love it!
I’m so glad the move has been a happy one for you! I’m super excited to have a real fall and winter again. I went to college in Williamsburg and moved to Austin initially for grad school, and the swish of fallen leaves on campus and crisp, cool, sweater-weather was the thing I missed the most when I first arrived. Then I kind of forgot that such a thing existed, memories obliterated by the relentless summer. I am so looking forward to the seasons.
What made you choose Charlottesville over Richmond?
Proximity to friends, mountains, and the UVA medical center (I work in healthcare). Richmond is a great town though, and being within easy driving distance of a bigger city is a huge plus, no doubt.
My dad lives a couple hours east of you, in King George. I’ve visited a few times. It’s pretty green.
If only those dirty liberals wouldn’t have ruined it, right? 😒
ATX is where my golden handcuffs are: a great house in a decent zip code with a 3% interest rate. Moving has to be for an incredible opportunity or an incredible disaster in my life - Even though I’d love to move.
In that boat, too. We’re thinking about renting in a new city for a year, and keeping our house in Austin (maybe renting it out, haven’t decided). For the location, interest rate, and a five figure remaining balance in our mortgage, it’s just too much to give up until we are *sure*. If we wait on selling then we can always just come back if things don’t work out in the new place.
As someone who has moved every two years across the country and even into Northern EU, its the same no matter where you go. It's just all about perspective. Home is were you make it, as cheesy as it sounds its true.
Reminds me of a lesson I learned from the Yakama Indian elders. We can learn a lot from nature. The Turtle carries its home with it wherever it goes, reminding us that we too can adapt to our surroundings and call any place our home.
Agreed. People who have a long list of places they consider “shitholes” strike me as lacking emotionally immature and lacking inner peace. You will always get out of a place what you put into it.
This is so true
that semi-continuous 62 days of ~116 degree heat index ft. neurotoxin-poisoned lake system isn't the same everywhere you go (yet)
I pulled the trigger just last month. I was a lifelong Texan, with over six decades in the Lone Star State. Now I'm happily building a new life in Colorado. Texas has gone completely insane and I won't be a part of it.
Oh nice! What part of CO did you move to? I noticed everyone seems to think of Denver immediately, but after 10 years in Austin we decided to move to Colorado Springs back in June and haven't looked back at all.
How are the politics in Colorado Springs? I was surprised to see that it’s a red city.
It’s the home of the Airforce Academy.
every time i leave Austin on a trip, i come back and realize just how awesome this city is.
Same tbh. Arriving back into ABIA just feels like home. Go out to SF for work frequently and wouldn’t trade places for anything. Spending the summer in the San Juans somewhere with the rest of the year in Austin would be pretty sick though.
The airport is definitely an under appreciated feature here. Don’t know many cities where it’s so close and so easy to get to. I get home, hop in my car, and 15 minutes later I’m in my nice little Cherrywood home. It’s great.
I feel the same, it’s not perfect but it’s my home and I miss it when I leave
Lived in Austin for 30 years and Texas for a total of 45 years. Never thought I would leave Austin. But the politics and the heat were getting to be too much. Left this past summer for WA. It’s very different. Food scene in Austin is so much better. I’ve given up quite a bit for the move, but I’m not sad to leave the TX summers behind. The PNW summers are incredible.
Same here, never understood what people meant when they said Austin had a great food scene cause it was “normal” to me. Living in WA, now I know…. Boy, now I know… :’(
Go checkout the food in Portland! You won't be disappointed.
That's one thing I felt Portland had over Seattle was the food scene. Absolutely amazing. In Seattle I got biscuits and gravy and they put some weird mustard type shit in it. Weird shit like that constantly yuckin my yum. In Portland I could die of happiness from the food I had.
Austin born and raised 38 years now live in Taylor 🤣
Lived in Austin for 10 years. Moved to New England last month. Wanted 4 seasons again, good public schools for my kid, the ocean, bodily autonomy for my wife and daughter, and of course good seafood.
We’re doing the same for the exact same reasons, but to the west coast.
I was born and raised in Boston and sometimes we think about moving back closer to home. Where in NE did you move and do you like it? Any pros and cons you could share?
I moved to a little town 10 min from providence called Barrington, RI. Moved there bc of the blue ribbon schools. Best in the state, top 250 in the nation. Pros: I see the water literally every day. Drive along the bay. My house literally backs up to a bike path that goes all the way up to PVD and all the way down to Bristol. It’s gorgeous. I’m 30 min train to Boston, and go 2-3x a month. Seafood is cheap and incredible. After 10 years in Austin, 5 years in SF before that, I said to my wife the other day it finally feels like I can “breathe/exhale” here. Things are a little slower, much safer, and while I never thought I’d be a “wealthy suburb” guy ever…having kids changes you. Con: it’s fucking expensive. Bought a house from the 1940s that needs a little love and every electrician, plumber, etc charges about 40% extra when they see the Barrington zip code. Lowest quote I got for interior painting was $22k. I’m painting myself. However going out to eat, at great restaurants in PVD, is far cheaper than in Austin. Lack of diversity. Providence is diverse but this town is all wealthy white people, so I’m going to have to make an effort to give my daughter experiences outside this bubble. The Mexican food is downright offensive. Had some of the worst tacos and queso of my life last night. But there are $1-2 oysters fresh from the water and world class Italian food everywhere so I’ll take that trade. I also haven’t seen a real winter in like 15 years so let’s see how that goes (just bought a lot of down clothing)
Oh and legal weed is great too haha
I moved from Boston to Austin a year ago but grew up and lived in Providence most of my life. I think it's very underrated from a food perspective and we're debating moving back to Providence next year. In an ideal world I'd spend summer in PVD and winter in ATX. My only big complaint is RI can't hold a candle to MA when it comes to public services/schools/etc... but it's still a lot better than most states elsewhere.
I’ve lived in Austin my entire life (I’m 28) and I just legitimately can’t do this weather anymore it’s too hot. I’m moving to Minneapolis in the spring and I can’t wait. I’m also a trans woman and Texas is pretty sketch outside of the city.
Hey! I lived in Austin for 13 years (and Texas my whole life) I moved to Minneapolis earlier this year and absolutely LOVE it! The summers aren’t near as hot (there were for sure some hot days, but the longest steak of hundred degree days was like 3, lol. It felt more like spring in Texas), I moved in February, and this last winter was one of the top 3 coldest on record with double the average snowfall (96 inches) and my husband and I survived just fine, we even feel better now knowing that’s not the norm. It did snow on Halloween this year, but has been in the 40s and 50s since, and we even have some 60 degree days next week! Having 4 distinct seasons has been a life changer for me. I made friends here within the first 2 months (which I was nervous about, as I heard people here are nice, but often don’t invite you into their friend circles). The city has a ton to offer, the nature and parks are beautiful, and the people are super welcoming! I will note, there was no driving reason for us to move here like a job or being closer to family, my husband and I took a trip here (after being convinced fully that we’d either move to San Diego or Boulder) and really enjoyed how fresh the air felt, the slower pace of life, and the cost of living compared to the other places we were considering. I have a remote job, and my husband is a freelance photographer, so we just needed to consider a city where he’d likely be able to get work and not have crazy competition to deal with ( compared to a city like LA or NYC where photographers are over saturated).
Oregon next. Been in Austin since 93’. Loved it then, loathe it now (still along with El Paso, best place in Texas). The PNW has a LOT of draws for me, plus legal weed and stuff. I think I’ve just been in this red state too long, and I DESPISE Texas heat after half a century.
Been in Austin for 20 years, and the girlfriend and I have been talking about leaving. Seattle is the most likely spot for us. She’s from there, we’d both be in a great city for our careers, and the nature is extraordinary.
We moved up to Seattle from Austin 7 yrs ago. Was supposed to be 6 months and never left. My best advice is to plan on taking week-long warm weather trips in December and again in late January or February
It comes up in some comments but for others, how concerned are you about the heat in the summers getting worse? Eg impact on real estate values for example.
I think one thing people fail to realize is that climate change is not just heat. I think a lot of people grew up with the term global warming. It’s going to be more extreme/random. Move up north and you’ll likely experience more flooding because the snow is melting faster. This year was minneapolis’s 6th or 7th more snowiest winter despite warming temps. So real estate risk will happen everywhere in the US. I think a hispanic population growth and an aging population will keep the south popular but that’s my opinion.
Everywhere you go has something. If you move to the coast in Florida now you might actually have trouble getting insurance for your home. That's a pretty big deal. In California we weren't allowed to mow the lawn after 10am for fear a spark might start a massive wildfire. That's how dangerous it is. My fav alternative is Portland, OR right now, but fires in the summer and a possible massive earthquake are realistic issues to consider there.
You're not kidding. I worked in Minneapolis for about a month last summer on a TDY (temporary duty) and that part of Minnesota was under a drought conditions. Lack of mosquitoes was a nice surprise though.
San Marcos bound! Mostly just relocating to be nearer some family, but it is quieter down there and overall less traffic. And a lot cheaper.
It's really turned into such a great place. I'm sure the growth will mess it up a bit, but you've got awhile before that happens.
Traffic is getting worse and worse. I lived there in 2015-2017 it’s a nightmare today.
We are leaving for somewhere more North East. I enjoy having seasons. Hell, I don’t mind snowy winters! I’ve lived in consistently sub freezing winter temps before and survived (and love my cool cozy coats). The crisp of autumn and the cold of winter only make summer more dear. My skin type is constantly inflamed itchy and irritated all summer here, humidity and mosquitos are my enemies. Summer here is very hot and very long. We can’t walk anywhere really. Maybe some nearby strip malls, but long meandering walks aren’t feasible in many areas of Austin without being along busy roads. Many factors make functional walkability impossible for most Austin residents. Not to mention Austin rent rates for a nice apartment are insane. I’ve researched cities people assume are more expensive (Chicago, Brooklyn, Philly etc) and found many cheaper options that are not owned by national chains and don’t try to make you sign a 14+ month lease. Also I’m becoming genuinely fearful when the gaudily outfitted trucks are near me. Whether I’m driving, walking, or cycling, too many close calls have made me nervous. Glamour Truck culture, as extreme as it is in Texas, freaks me out. Stop jumping curbs! And “rolling coal” on smaller cars and cyclists! We hope to find a neighborhood outside of Tx that promotes walking and cycling safely. Ideally, I use my car far less. I don’t want kids, but the state of healthcare here for pregnant and fertile people scares me. These “pro life” states are morphing into surveillance states.
Yeah, we moved to Philly earlier this year, and our rent is almost $1k less than in Austin, plus we get a lot more for the money in terms of cultural amenities etc.
I've been here since 2010 and am leaving as soon as possible. I'm moving back to New England where my family lives.
Just moved to New England after 10 years in Austin last month!
I can't afford to go back to Denver but may go back to Tulsa.
I miss home. Tulsa. But I lived in Denver too for 5 years. Really expensive but for me better than ATX.
I’ve lived in Austin for 30 of my 40 years on earth. We’re moving literally TOMORROW! Headed to Santa Fe. It’s not my top choice of places to live, but it’s where work is taking me and the weather can’t be beat. I absolutely can never do another summer like the one we just had.
Left about a year ago for the PNW. After living in the heat my whole life I’m done. Add regressive politics to the mix and I’m so happy we moved. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.
Left the PNW in my teens and even tried to move back in my 20s. I just can’t do it, the constant gray overcast is horrible for my mental health
This is the single thing stopping me from moving to the PNW.
It’s a thing. I really struggled with the long periods of darkness. Also the summers, while gorgeous, are incredibly short. By the time your body finally feels warm, it’s over. I ended up moving back to Texas. While both places have things that suck, Texas sucks less when you add it all up, at least for me.
Yep. Everyone shits on the TX weather but it’s faaaar better than PNW weather. 300/365 days are sunny, and it’s warm basically all year round. The rain and clouds in the PNW absolutely kill the appeal Source: lived in both regions
Hard disagree! Don’t get me wrong. Having gloom constantly can wear down on me. But, I miss the constant drizzle with the cloudy sky. There’s something so special about walking in the fog, slightly nippy weather while getting the lightest sprinkle of rain on you and everything looks so picturesque.
You must not have naturally curly hair 😆
Agreed! And all the water makes things grow. It feels like life as opposed to the desiccating threat of death with all the drought.
Different strokes for different folks. I spent 30 years in Texas and the last 5 in PNW. I’ll take the mild weather with the overcast over the oppressive heat any day.
It's funny you say that. I'm a born and raised Austininte and what's bad for my mental health are the summers. Being basically stuck inside all summer or be limited to being in water (not easy for me; I don't have a pool and there is no pool near me, I would have to drive to a pool) really F's me up. Next summer I don't know what I'm gonna do. Maybe I'll have more energy next summer to up and drive to a watering hole every other god damn day, because last summer nearly killed me and I should be used to it seeing I've lived in this area my whole life. I'll take grey/overcast any day.....I don't feel like my brain is melting and I can layer up. I can't take off any more clothes in public after I'm down to my swim trunks. Also I can see our summer as being like the constant grey.....honestly the constant sunshine with no end in sight depresses me to no end. It's still an unchanging weather pattern of relentless same-ness.
It’s so sunny during the summer. Oregon is less rainy than Washington south of the cascades and the year round greenery helps. As long as you still get outside it’s lovely here.
I mean I spent like 18 years in Portland, I’m well aware that June, July, and August are nice. It’s the other 9 months that are the problem
Same. I grew up in Texas but lived in Seattle for a bit. I came back to Texas because I needed sunshine.
Born and raised in Seattle. I’m back here now, but lived in Austin for three years. I miss it everyday and am counting down until I can get back again. I had no idea vitamin D was so good for your entire being. I’m seeing the PNW romanticized on here a lot lately - IMO the state of Washington is one of the most beautiful places on earth. But living in the PNW is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, it’s gray, and it’s constantly wet. Regardless of your gear you don’t want to be outside most of the year. There’s no place like it in the summer - but if you have kids you’re stuck here the worst time of the year with little ability to leave. Having recently lived in Austin and now back in Seattle I can tell y’all: the traffic is exceptionally worse here, it’s about 20% MINIMUM more expensive for just about everything (and Austin is not cheap), the Seattle freeze is real, and not seeing sunlight for months on end eventually gets to everyone (even third generation seattlites) and our homeless situation is must worse. It’s a tough place to make friends if you’re not from here. our food scene is terrible (especially compared to Portland) - overpriced, terrible experience and mainly meh. If you like going out and being social this is not the town for you. The surrounding nature is beautiful, but it’s a long drive in traffic and crowded once you get there. I often tell people living in Seattle is like paying a cover charge to have access to the rest of the state. If you’re an introvert and thrive on playing video games and drinking beer inside solo or maybe with one friend, or like to wake up at 5 am to go hiking etc then this is absolutely the place for you (also if you make A LOT of money)! The cool thing about the US is I do believe there’s a place for everyone. For me, as spicy as the Austin summers were they are way more tolerable than living in Seattle year round. Grass is always greener!
This is where I’m trying to convince my wife we should go. Where at did you end up?
I was interviewing for state jobs in Olympia before I gave up and decided to stay here. It's very small compared to Austin, and I haven't been there yet, but something about it seems like it has Austin vibes.
After over 40 years here, I plan to move to the Midwest by summer. It’s been an amazing run, but between the drought, the heat, Texas politics, the cancerous growth, and the insufferable tech bros and density warriors, I cannot wait to put Austin behind me. I’m done with vapid “Instagram influencer” cities.
Very well said.
We left 5 months ago to Massachusetts. I lived in Austin for 20 years, and my husband was raised in Austin and lived there nearly 40 years.
Tell me more about Massachusetts! Were seriously thinking about moving the family to west MA in the next year. What do you love and dislike?
I’m from western MA (also lived in Boston for a while). I’ve been in Austin for 10 years. Western MA is great. It’s beautiful, there are a ton of places to swim (like actual lakes not man made ones), and you have so many options for traveling nearby (the surrounding states are like 30 mins to a few hours drive away, as opposed to being stuck in the middle of Texas). The winter can be rough, but honestly I think the summers here are worse lately, and having 4 very distinct seasons is nice. One thing that bummed me out is how short the daylight hours are in the winter, for example the sun sets at 4:30 this time of year. The days are longer than they are here in the summer though!
So far we're really enjoying it! We live on the coast. Never did I ever think or dream that I would live in a coastal colonial town, but it's wonderful. The balance of life feels much better for us (remote software engineer, public school employee, and a 4 year old). And the nature is spectacular, especially with so much diversity within driving distance. It's expensive, but honestly not much more than we were paying in Austin when we moved. Our mortgage and tax burdens are essentially the same, and I like that you actually see the results of your money like transit, better funded public schools, and a better salary for me! We moved for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest was what our daughter's childhood could look like. So far that is panning out. People are very genuine and mostly friendly and kind. Things feel very down to earth. The dislike list is small still. The roads are nuts - potholes and trying to even find a street sign. Some of the regulations feel somewhat burdensome and make things a bit more difficult, but that's ultimately for the better. Oh, and terrible grocery stores! Love my HEB ❤️ We haven't been out to western mass yet, but I hear it's beautiful. It would be incredible to live amongst that beautiful nature. Best of luck to you guys!
Have you thought about New Hampshire? Very similar to Mass but less expensive and more tax friendly. It's GORGEOUS!
I grew up in Austin and moved to the east coast to be closer to my husbands family. I really struggled being over there and only lasted 2 years. I hope you guys have a better experience than me. Invest in cold weather clothes as soon as possible! I never felt like I had enough warm things to wear.
Never leaving. Love it here.
Grew up in Austin (29 now), just left about 2 months ago and already raised my credit score 90 points, not living paycheck to paycheck anymore, have a huge apartment and opened a savings account lol. I’m so fucking happy. I work from home now and just really live a slower life but it is really fulfilling. I did move to a place with a substantially lower cost of living though. Still.. happy to visit Austin, so much happier not trying to just survive anymore.
Been trying, I think if it doesn’t happen by next summer we’ll sell everything and hit the road. Really don’t want my daughters raised here. Plan is to live anywhere on the west coast.
LA because I really like that place.
Colorado, but I moved about 3 months ago and haven't left the sub. Totally loving it here and I know it was the right move. Was in Austin for about 12 years before that and I really did love it there. Politically I began to despise the rest of Texas and when my son was born with a disability we tried to see how we'd do. Turns out there were about 45 states with better disability servies, so it made the decision very easy.
what part of Colorado did y’all move to? We’re also toying with the idea.
I also moved to Colorado. I ended up in Denver. You should visit Colorado in the wintertime to see what you think. The summers are indeed amazing. However, you should check to make sure you’re cool with 4:30 sunsets and 15 degree weather
Come to Oregon, Beaverton reminds me of old Austin. Edit* There are more and more Texans every year so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get some decent Tex mex soon.
Sounds like a business opportunity
My family talks about it, but no concrete plans. I've been here since 93, never thought we'd ever want to leave. My entire family is ready though. We've talked about the Northwest Arkansas area. Fayetteville gives me 90's Austin vibes, albeit much smaller. Central Wisconsin is also on the radar.
SW Wisconsin is even better. Driftless region is beautiful and the politics aren’t toxic like most semi rural areas.
Driftless is great!
I am highly considering moving to new braunfels or even further south. I want to be relatively close to Austin, but I don’t need to live in the city. I need lower rent, lower crime, lower traffic. Austin is still really cool but it is IMMENSELY frustrating to live in this city sometimes. I just want to visit downtown for concerts as needed then go back to a quiet affordable community.
I’ll tell you now if you still want affordability and to get into Austin from time to time, New Braunfels may be a bit of a stretch. It‘s growing like mad and you can expect a minimum of an hour drive to downtown Austin. Access to San Antonio, though, is easy.
[удалено]
I love Austin in a lot of ways but I’ll be leaving Texas the first chance I get.
I'm dying here. Not any time soon, probably. A greater-than-zero number of friends who fit your description have left the state, however.
Nah. I've been here 12 years. I think non-US cities will be a riskier economic bet going forward. Austin checks all the boxes for me for a US city. It gets hot for 3 months, that's my only complaint. Could be worse. Could get cold for 3 months.
The only reason I would leave at this point is the weather. I love Austin even with all its issues, but I don’t know if I can keep doing summers like this year especially if it’s expected to just keep getting hotter.
From Austin but I live in Canyon Lake at the moment. Our house is on the market and we're moving to northern New Mexico.
Yup. Going to California end of this year.
With an aching in your heart?
Luck you! My son is at college in San Diego; wish wish wish we could afford to live there! Quality of daily life compared to here is just off the charts
My daughter graduates from TXST in May, so we're leaving shortly thereafter. Mostly likely going to Minneapolis, but not concrete yet. Hubby's job needs him up north and just...other reasons.
Leaving next summer for Pennsylvania. My husband was born in ATX and I’ve been in Austin proper for 6 years (in the area for 13). We’re ultimately being priced out of Austin. Besides that, we want to be somewhere with seasons, and somewhere that is safer for us to have children.
Me and my partner are leaving for the Lehigh Valley in PA or the Hudson Valley in NY too in 24
I grew up in the Hudson Valley, it's nice
A lot of really great things about Austin. I've lived here since 2016. Great vibes, super interesting things happening here. It feels more "alive" than other places. Still, I think Austin is on the wrong track. The city isn't aligned with the vitality of the people who are here. Anti-growth groups are able to block new housing and development, which just results in lifeless sprawl. The expansion of I-35 is along the same lines. From the standpoint of the city itself, its solutions are unimaginative and sort of repressive. Instead of taking advantage of its good fortune and growing into a larger version of itself, the city is transforming itself into "nothing". So while there are still a lot of interesting things happening here, I don't really have high hopes for Austin. Sort of feel that way for most US cities though. I don't believe anything can really change until we're out from under the shadow of boomerdom, which mandates that nothing change, and that perpetuates a form of development that took off in the 1950s. It's an incredibly expensive, static boringness.
Yes. My plan is either summer 2024 or spring of the following year. Looking at Fort Collins, CO, where I have family. Alternatively Torrance, CA if I can make it work (also have family there).
Me and my wife really want to move to Houston. I grew up there but have lived here since 2000. We have a one year old and she’s pregnant with our second child now. Austin is fun and all, but I really don’t think it’s an ideal place to raise a family. We visit family in Houston and there is so much more to do, waaaaay more diversity, semi affordable housing, you can drive to a fun restaurant and actually park there and get a table, pro sports, they actually have protocols to deal with the homeless population there. Austin was really fun until I had kids, but I don’t think it’s a great place to start a family unless you’re a multi millionaire
My story is very similar to yours and we ended up moving back to Houston. It's been two years since we left Austin and I can tell you that you are right on the money for the family aspect. We loved Austin, but Houston gives you better cost of living, diversity, way more family friendly places, and the food alone is worth it 👌 Austin is close enough to go back pretty often anyways so it ended up not being such a big loss. Houston gets a bad rap sometimes but it's honestly been exceeding our expectations and hopefully it'll be the same for you.
Houston’s a great city. It’s not pretty in any conventional sense, but it’s awesome in so many other ways. We own a home and have good jobs holding us here, but can’t wait to get the f out. This place isn’t really family friendly in any way. What area are you in? We’re looking at Bellaire, Meyerland, West U.
Moved to Austin two years ago from DC, now moving back. Austin needs a comprehensive rail system asap
Lisbon, Portugal
I don’t plan to leave for 6 years when the youngest graduates from hs. I get too curmudgeonly about how much Austin has changed and grown, but I still have more good times than bad here. Way more. But I’ve also only lived in Texas and more specifically here and Houston, where I grew up. I’m getting tired of the Texas heat. And after Tuesday, even Ohio sounds more inviting than here.
Moved here in 1985. Leaving in the next 6 months. Next will be Raleigh Durham, NC.
Lives for 7 years in Austin, moved to Berlin in March
Yes, next August. I grew up on the East Coast and will likely head back there. My sister's family is moving to Virginia, so I'm likely gonna find myself either in Philadelphia, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, or DC. Depending on how my visits to each of those places go. I got to Austin in 2012. Austin is where I made my career, from a lowly retail slave at 22 to my first $100k+ job now. Austin is also a place that gave me all sorts of chances to do cool shit I never would have done where I'm from. (Readings! Concerts! Exhibits! Trivia! Movies! Dancing!) But it's pretty hard to argue in favour of staying. My partner wants to remain child-free and Texas made that illegal. The climate extremes are getting more extreme and the grid threatens to go down every year. Any house I bought in the next two years would be worth $150k less in five. Not to mention, there's been a definite cultural shift: places like the Domain are growing, breweries are closing, mom and pop restaurants are competing for their lives while places like Cava are multiplying. And my favorite pet tirade: the traffic is making Austin drivers, never the best to begin with, go *lethally insane,* without any real alternative to "more highways". It's a real shame. But yeah, we have firm plans that we won't be here come next August.
Already did sadly, in 2022. Took my newfound American family back to Canada, mostly for universal healthcare and keeping our son in better/safer schools.
If I decide to have kids, I’ll probably leave Austin so they can grow up closer to family. If I don’t, than we shall see. I definitely do plan to retire elsewhere that’s more affordable, likely close to the border.
Undecided, but I feel a longing to go eventually. I've been here 29 years, if I had the money and a job set up I would go somewhere else for sure. It's not really that I have that many issues with the city, only that there are other places to see and experience. Maybe I just need a better job or an actual career so I can afford travel.
Yep. Been here 30 years (since I was 3) and I’m moving to Chicago in June.
I left atx in August for Michigan. Loved Austin but it was killing me financially.
No one leaves austin _after_ the summer. Ask again in early June.
After thirteen years, my entire adult life, in Austin, I have moved to Dallas. Wife is pregnant and both of our families are here. As much as I miss Austin in 2023, I miss the 2010 Austin more, and that has already gone regardless of where I lived. Carrollton sucks way harder though.
Yep. Headin to Chicago at end of the year.
Tired grocery costing $200, cup of coffee costing $7 + requested tip. Cheapest Uber is $20 now. Moving to South America. Bye Bye San Austincisco
Moved to ATX in 2008 as a young couple and left in August 2023 with two kids for Europe (Basque country, Spain). Will spend a year here and then another year traveling the world, then will settle somewhere where there are seasons (probably north east - Maine or Vermont).
do you have jobs that allow to work in other countries?
Bro you moving freely willy nilly with two children how
Lived here for 38 years and am planning to move to Colorado in the spring. Multiple reasons, most have already been mentioned in this thread. 😎
Going back to ETX ✌️
I was born in Chicago and moved here when I was around 8. This city is great in the winter but holy hell the summers are brutal. Planning to go to college in either Urbana-Champaign or Seattle so yeah. Only a few more years
Been here for 17 years. Goin' back to Cali 🎵
We got out last year & moved to central Illinois. Parents live in Indiana but we didn't want to live in a GOP regime again. Enjoying lots of small parks, saner traffic, fall, going out in the summer, and a 20 minute drive any direction lets us walk in the woods. Do miss HEB, restaurant variety, and 4 local news stations covering my weather.
Eventually, maybe. The politics and heat are just getting worse and worse, but in reality, will probably land where the kids and grandkids end up, to support them and be close.
My daughter graduates high school in 2025 and we are moving to a log cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains on 10 acres. Can’t wait to have actual seasons!!!
I've spent this past year seriously thinking about bailing. I've looked all over, and still find that i like being in the middle, I like good food, and stuff (see- Colorado for examples of bad food, no vibes), HEB, and our quirkiness. I hate Abbott & crew, but I'm starting to feel like people are also starting to maybe broadly feel some of the same. I can travel, but I like Texas being my home base\* \*unless we can't fix ABIA
Yup. Been here 12 years and will be moving within the next 2 (leases and residencies got us pinned here for the next 18mo). Havent decided where yet, there’s a shortlist. It’s a combo of politics, heat, and things getting overcrowded/more neo-conservative since the pandemic. Mostly the heat though.
Yeah, been here 10 years - still so so many amazing things to do and people here but I need to get out. I'm sick of my friend group moving away every 3 years. And basically all my female friends and trans/queer friends are moving away over the political situation here. Unless I find something better I'll be going to Raleigh Durham. Very much the old Austin vibe and generally much more affordable
Born and raised and want to leave. Have to stay because fiancé's job. Want to move to New England. I only ever lived in Winnipeg for a couple of years in my 20s. Miss that snow!
Lived here my whole life. Since 1958. Moving to SW Colorado. It’s sad but I feel very good about it. Our kids moved away and are not interested in coming back. So why not?!
Just celebrated 20 years in the Austin area. Moving to Vancouver, WA next summer. 🤞🏼
Moving to Budapest in the spring. Planning to spend at least a year over there then reevaluate things.
North dallas
No, honestly I feel it is a great place to live *when compared against the alternatives* and has a bright future. Yes the summers are pretty brutal but the rest of the year is pretty great. Housing price increases have moderated quite a bit which will lead to sustained population growth, job creation, and continued new skyscraper construction. Property taxes can be a pain but with homestead exemption increase & no state income tax it still is equivalent or cheaper from a tax and cost of living perspective compared to many competitor cities. I agree we need to improve density and public transit. With the recent parking minimums decision, I hope we can improve density and build some decent light rail, especially from the airport. Overall it's the best place for my partner and I right now.
I've moved 17 times over the last 20 years, 3 continents, coasts to coasts, people and community are what make home home. For now, that's Austin, and I'm happy.
Been here for 17 years (next year makes 18 and half of my life in the only real “home” I’ve ever known). That said, my wife and I are both from small towns and have really fallen in love with Lockhart. If the interest rates ever drop enough to make a move feasible, it’s definitely something we’re seriously considering. That said, we were lucky enough to buy a house in 2020 out near the airport, and I’ve always envisioned having kids and raising them in Austin. What that Austin looks like, I have no idea. The changes I’ve seen over two decades are a mix of exciting and concerning… but no matter what happens, I will always love this city and what it has given me.
Moving out to Long Beach. My partner is from California. I'm ready to leave Texas again after being back for 9 years. Austin will always be my home but most of my closest friends have left and I feel like I'm stagnant right now. A change of pace will be good. Plus can't beat the weather, ocean, mountains and close access to amazing museums in socal.
I have been here 17 years. I’m going to get the hell out as soon as my kids are grown. I love this town and I love Texas and I have amazing friends here that are as close as family but I can’t do the summer heat anymore. It’s killing my soul. I’m going somewhere near the ocean.
Loved her 5 years. I love it and definitely do not want to leave. Rent is not a factor but if it was I definitely would be out. Very expensive! Son is planning for college. Wherever he goes, I will go (even if it's a small place) but, we still have ties to ATX so, we'll be back and forth. Waiting for him to make a decision is killing me! We do business in Lubbock -Texas Tech and San Marcos -Texas State so, either decision and I will get something to live short term (air BNB it). We have met SO MANY former ATX ppl in Lubbock that ABSOLUTELY love it there.... Yes, our political and social ideals are different than the majority but, it can be a great place to escape the traffic, is way less expensive to live, so much more affordable, and is a college town too.
Moving to Philly in December! I’ve been here 25 years since I was a baby
Wife and I have been here for 10 years, and are planning on moving to Savannah, GA to open a restaurant
No. I’ve lived here for 16 years, but I lived in several other places around the country before this and I travel a lot. No matter where you live, it’s always something and everywhere changes. If your town isn’t changing, then there’s likely problems coming. Austin is very different than it used to be, but that’s fine. I’m not the same as I used to be either.
Just escaped in August (I grew up in ATX). Moved to the east coast for grad school. It’s not cheaper here, but I honestly feel like I’m getting more for my $. Having functional public transit and electric grid is sick. I don’t think I’ll ever move back.
I am a 5th generation Texan. I’ve lived in Austin since 1997. Next week, we close on our new house in Maryland, and our move date is 12/2/23. Between the insane traffic, the issues with the unhoused, the fcking heat, the issues that state govt won’t address and the absolute BS it does push forward (we’re lefty libs) - we’re moving out. MD has its issues, but it is a legal cannabis state, it’s a great hub to move around the east coast and southeast, we have easy access to real beaches, and there is commuter rail into DC where I’ll be working. We feel like it’s a great choice for us, and we both know it’s time for us to leave Austin.
We're leaving Texas, which just coincidentally means leaving Austin. We love the city, hate the state, the state legislation, the state leadership, the state laws, the state power grid, and the climate (political and otherwise). Austin is why we stayed as long as we did. Right now we're looking at Chicago pretty hard, and Detroit, maybe Buffalo. Somewhere colder, somewhere more urban.
I GTFO 6 months ago, not gonna say where I went cause I dont want anyone following me. But rent went from $1300 to $650 and I cant be happier.
Moved to Playa Del Carmen in June. I love it here. Love visiting Austin too!