I moved to Austin in June and never felt more at home. I friggin love this town. Great people, great vibe, great atmosphere. Plus, its warm (most of the year anyways) :).

As compared to where I used to live, I've yet to run into a bad.

The people are unbelievably friendly and the food is amazing, BUT...

The weather is screwy, the traffic situation is maddening (I've lived in both Washington, DC, and San Francisco, both notorious for traffic, and I'd class this as the worst -- the timing of traffic lights and the overall flow are baffling at times), and if you're at all pre-disposed to allergies you're going to suffer.

All that said, I'd recommend coming for an extended visit first. It's a great town and many people love it lots...

move to austin now!!!!! just dont expect to be extra productive once you move there cuz its the land of slackers....ummmm so nice. its ALL good! i think you will find you love it once you have been there a short while. agreed also that the traffic situation is not adequate but eh you find that almost anywhere. there are so many pretty parks and lakes to make well up for it.

Austin's nice, but what in the name of all that is unholy are you doing in Boise? Can you clue us in on some awesome Idaho punk scene?

I love these topics about moving to Austin. As an official Austinite I would have to say that this place is great, but YES you will need guides to share with you the secrets. Transportation by bike is great if you are in a hurry. Make sure your legs are strong because we have lots of hills. Driving in a car isn't too bad if you know the best routes. Stay off the Major highways during rush hour. Move Central! Housing can be expensive so find a roommate. Austin is Dog friendly and liberal at best in the south and central areas. If you love water and nature then you can enjoy those benefits as well. We have a regional burn which is fabulous. The food and margaritas here are amazing. You will never be without a friend in our many to chose slacker hangouts. Not to mention that most of us have a tendency to be lushes. If you are career driven then North Austin may be what you are looking for. "SUburbia" Yes I agree a long visit would be good too! Come soon or you will miss out on the spring festivities.

I just moved here a few months ago and everyone I have met has been super nice. I've lived all over the world and the only place that can hold a candle to Austin is Thailand, in my opinion. So I'll go through the good and bad for you since you asked:

Bad:
-Austin is very spread out so driving time sucks.
-The Cops are Nazis
-Traffic can be annoying depending on where you live.
-Tellers at gas stations and general stores won't sell you spirits or nicotine if your ID is expired. Not that that's really a big deal, but seriously I just moved here and I'm ordering a new ID once I get settled in to a new place. I obviously wouldn't make a fake ID that was expired. I might however take it from my older , similar looking friend. AAAAH, nevermind.
-So many people want to move here that property is expensive and the job market is tough.

Good:

-People here are rediculously generous a warm. Everyone I have met has gone out of their way to make me feel at home. Everyone is very laid back.
-There is always something to do. For the first time in my life I'm having to pass up certain events to attend others.
-People communicate here and keep their peers posted with what's going on.
-The scenary here is great.
-If you like watersports, hiking, mountain bike trails or want to take your dog out for a nice nature walk this is the place to be.
-MUSIC (that's all I have to say)
-You get to tell people you Live in Austin


That's all I can think of right now. by the time I submit this I'll have a dozen more comments oh well. Anyways , hit me up if you want more infos.

hello i am one of the few remaning austinites ive been here born and raised 16 years and it is great all kinds of stuff to get into music art odd conversations with people you would not expect to meet anywhere its pretty safe too though i am a 20 year old guy thats 6'6 i walk all around austin at 3 4 5 in the morning and dont get a second glance. it is starting to get expensive downtown and near the college and there is a ton of development going on so its gonna get bigger and more packed but a bike is all you need to get around the college/downtown area. there is a place for everyone to feel confortable in austin so yes yupy development sucks there are getting to be alot of people the traffic is not very good and its pretty hot in the 8 to 10 month summers but the place is still grand if you ask me. i would say your best bet if you move here or even visit is to pick up a austin chronical or go to there web site austinchronical.com or org i dont know which and im not sure about the spelling but i think you got it i hope you love it like i do

Okay, so I am an Austinite, born and bred. I love Austin and think it's definitely the ONLY place to live in Texas. I moved out Texas two years ago and live in outside of Santa Fe, NM (which I love!!!!), but still think the world of my hometown. Austin is awesome because . . .
1. It's progressive
2. It has an awesome food coop (Wheatesville)
3. It has a huge bike culture
4. The weather is decent (except for summer, which is why I moved away)
5. It's GREEN
6. There's lots of water
7. Great food!!!! I love TEX MEX and the other gazillion kinds of food that are offered
8. It's friggin' weird
9. Great bars and music scene
10. I've never had bad encounters with the po-po
11. Lots of opportunities to get involved
12. great parties (bob marley fest/eyore's b-day/first night)
13. awesome neighborhoods
14. schools aren't bad
15. it's an attractive city
16. lots of healthy moving people

Hope you decide to move there! It's a great place to live.

there's no such thing as locals. everyone here is from somewhere else.
Austin's nice but why would you wanna leave the Pacific NW?
i would think it would be nicer up there.