Post by OrangePixyStix on Apr 14, 2016 15:55:19 GMT -5
Austin is great, but cost of living has gone up. Of course, you've been there, so you kinda know what it's about (margaritas, queso, and tacos, pretty much).
Being from Houston, there's things I like (it pretty much never gets below 30 degrees) and things I dislike (hello, politics!) but it's the 4th largest city in the country so obviously there is a little something for everyone, and about 50 different subcultures for just about anything you can think of. It's considered a "foodie city" based on restaurant ratings and variety of cuisine, we have very mild winters, and I like that it's only an hour drive to get to the beaches. The COL is amazing, you can get about twice the size of a house here than you can in a lot of other places (and about 3 times the size of a California house for the same price!), and obviously gas is cheap. No state taxes. A lot of concerts, festivals, and sports events (we have the Super Bowl here next year, and just had the Final Four basketball tournament).
But, you have to love the heat and humidity, and there's a lot of traffic. I can deal with those but I have generally been conditioned to "get used" to all of those being born and raised here.
FWIW, I would move up to the Pac-NW if I could afford it and had jobs lined up for me and the H! I feel like my soul belongs up there with regards to politics, environmental appreciation and being weed friendly. Holding out hope that Texas can change it's ways with some of those things, but it's a sloooooooooow journey it seems.
ABQ definitely isn't a big city (yet, I think we're on our way, though it's years off), but I really love it here. You can't beat the views, the food, the art, the outdoorsy stuff to do. But if you're not into that outdoorsy stuff, there's not a ton to do. The people are (mostly) awesome, but new people either love or hate the laid back attitude - it's truly the land of manana.
As much as I love it here, Portland and Denver are #1 and #2 on our list.
My days have been mixed up all week too, but I've been a day head. I almost walked out in jeans today before M reminded me that it's still Thursday. Womp womp.
At one point, I would have said "come to Denver". It has gotten so ridiculously expensive out here though. I feel for anyone who has just moved here and can't even afford or a house or has to be house poor. Also, everyone and their brother has been moving here so it's so packed with people everywhere you go. It's hard to even get a camping reservation these days. We're at the point of trying to decide if we should move away.
Well, there is always the greatest city in the world...NYC!
Right? I don't know why but NYC scares me. I feel like I'm too peppy and would get yelled at for smiling too much. That's a horrible stereotype but yeah...
Well...I mean, you might not be completely wrong. hahaha
I love it here, but it's definitely not for everyone.
What about Boston? It's much more manageable, if you can stand the winters.