Relocation advice requested (X-posted by recommendation of DUer)

[darkstar3]

First, let me get this off my chest.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIGOTAKICKASSJOBWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

OK, I feel better now.

Anyway, darkspouse, darkpooch, and I have to relocate to Austin, TX, and I know next to nothing about the city. I'm going down there in about three weeks (and I just found out yesterday :wow:) to basically stay in a hotel, work during the day, and scout the place at night. We're going to rent somewhere in Austin (that's OK with a 90 pound dog), and we have to sell our house in St. Louis.

This is my first relocation that involved more than the transferral of a dorm room from one location to another. I'm really excited about this opportunity, but there's a little part of me that's afraid I'm going to foul everything up. ANY advice from the Loungers is appreciated. Tell me about Austin, renting with a dog, moving, selling a house, pitfalls, gotchas, or ANYTHING else that you think might be interesting or helpful.

I feel exactly like I did the first time I buckled my seat belt on a roller coaster: Excited, happy, bouncy, and mildly nauseated by fear of the unknown.

[TxVietVet]

1. Austin's a cool town. I always enjoyed the place and the music.

[AgainsttheCrown]

2. I just got approved for a rental home in Austin...

It was hell trying to get a place because houses are going like crazy (snatched up within hours of listing) and everything's overpriced (I think).

If you have to find a place for a large dog, that may significantly limit your options. Most places we found only took small and medium dogs and balked at our two medium dogs.

The place we were able to snatch up is in East Austin....I haven't seen it myself and know nothing about that part of town. :crazy:

As TxVietVet said the music is nice. I think that the food's great and the culture is a bright spot in this Red cesspool.

However. The traffic is HORRIBLE! :banghead: :nuke: :argh: and most importantly :hurts:

The city lacks decent through roads going East and West, so I'd suggest you:
Make sure you have plenty of time for commuting because it's so unpredictable
Find something as close as possible to work
Make sure to factor in school traffic for commute times


Other than that...I love it. Hope you enjoy your stay in the sane part of Texas and maybe I'll see you around!

[momrois]

3. South Austin

I don't really know a lot about Austin housing, but I do know that my college student son and his room mates have had success in finding houses in South Austin that take pets...that have dogs and cats. Costs are @ $1200/month for 3 bedrooms.

[sonias]

4. Depends on where your job is located

Try to minimize your drive time. If your job is in N. Austin rent or buy in N. Austin and vice versa for S. Austin. Traffic does suck, so if you have the opportunity to time shift your work schedule then you'll be fine. Driving to work after 9 a.m. is so much easier than being stuck in traffic 7:30-8:30 in the morning. Same for the rush hour 4:30-6:30.

If you can telecommute even better!

East Austin is a very good value these days. This was the area that historically was the minority community. It is being rapidly gentrified, but its very multi-cultured right now. Lots of flavor. Prices are cheaper than the rest of town. Very hip and trendy. Lots of walkable areas with restaurants, clubs etc

Austin is a very dog friendly town, but like some of the other posters said rentals with pets can be sticky.

Rental Search on our local paper
www.statesman.com/classifieds/content/classifieds/realestate/rentalssearch/index.html

Austin Home Search widget. You may want to check out the areas even if you don't plan to buy. Home sales give you a better idea about the areas around town.
www.austinhomesearch.com/Info/widget.aspx

Best of luck to you!


Oh and Welcome to Texas and Austin! :hi:

[white cloud]

5. As a visitor to Austin

Love the city and outdoors surrounding Austin. Prettiest part of Texas.

Welcome to Texas

[darkstar3]

6. Thanks everyone, for the great advice, both here and in PM form.

I appreciate it! :hi:

[onestepforward]

7. I'm jealous ; )

You'll love Austin! A beautiful city filled with beautiful people! Congratulations and best wishes with your move!