Why Everyone is FLEEING Austin as Fast as They Can

Charles Lewis dives into the real reasons why everyone is fleeing Austin, Texas. From skyrocketing real estate prices to local politics, find out why big tech companies like Google, Facebook and Oracle are pulling out of Austin, leaving millions of square feet of office space and over-priced homes behind.
Charles Lewis is a REALTOR® in the Austin area and helps people buy and sell houses all over the Austin metro area. Schedule a no-obligation phone call to find out how he can help you accomplish your real estate goals: bit.ly/ATXPhone
Charles Lewis
Keller Williams Realty
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[@reabralop]

Austin is NOT conservative

[@SFSCharles]

Maybe not, but it is right in the middle of one of the most conservative states in the country.

[@bycracky22]

Hardly. They wish now!

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

Bad politics, bad cities, caused by democrats.

[@PARDS2]

@@SFSCharles CHARLES,,,,,the are on drugs,,,,,,Austin government and UT. might as well be UC Berkley and San Francisco,,,,EXTREMELY LEFT AND RADICAL

[@benniebarrow348]

@@SFSCharlesand the lack of liberal craziness made it so attractive to begin with . A lot of the escapees brought that nonsense with them . Especially the Austin city government.

[@madelinekimbro2440]

Austinite born and raised here. Austin is a shadow of its former self. Pure greed and years of horrible mismanagement has ruined Austin and surrounding areas.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your perspective as a native Austinite.

[@francisebbecke2727]

Sad, but true. I lived in Austin in the 60s and 70s. It was another world.

[@davidwatson7919]

Born and raised near Austin. In the early 90s my sisters and I wanted to live there as adults. Now we all avoid Austin like covid. ... Running joke " What is your most unfavorite Californian city? native Texans say..AUSTIN. If you guys knew how great it was in the late 80s to mid 90s you would cry.

[@davidh2550]

Native Texan lived in Austin in 90s Sucks feeling unwelcome in your homestate not being able to afford a house

[@dckatyx9577]

Mismanagement = Liberalism

[@Texas466]

The best thing about Austin is it’s only an hour away from Texas

[@SFSCharles]

That's true! Austin has a unique vibe different from the rest of Texas.

[@PopCornSheffield-ow4vm]

@@SFSCharles By vibe I’m assuming you mean that which makes Austin a hellhole.

[@margogo1057]

@@PopCornSheffield-ow4vmRgt? Because it certainly isn’t the fun, laidback Pecan Festival vibe of late 80s early 90s anymore.

[@virginiashirley4139]

Excuse me? What? How can Austin be an hour away from Texas, when it's in Texas 😂😂😂😂😂

[@LudwigVanSkorm]

​@virginiashirley4139 it's just easier to call you dumb.

[@randymiller2460]

If you are living in a modest home on a fixed income and the government suddenly doubles your property taxes just because a bunch of out of towners want to move there, you might start looking for somewhere else to live. Nothing has physically changed to increase the value of your home. Your house is the same, your street is the same, your neighborhood is the same, your town is the same, the only thing that has changed is the perceived value.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's important to raise awareness about such issues that can affect our communities.

[@ThomasNappo]

100% CORRECT

[@nextari]

wrong. your money has changed, debased through QE and inflation. Your dollars are only worth 70% of what they were. Now you're paying double with 30% less income.

[@abbyboyone]

You mean the Texas govt., not just the govt.

[@rayshepherd2479]

The politics are not conservative in Austin. It's basically progressive like California.

[@SFSCharles]

That might be what they thought when the moved here, but Austin is still part of Texas.

[@-OBELUS-]

It's funny how these people call themselves "progressive." I guess they're right, rust and cancer progress on their course.

[@-OBELUS-]

Rust and cancer are progressive too.

[@rayshepherd2479]

@@SFSCharles Yes, it's part of Texas but it has the same problems that California has because of the California style local politics.

[@SFSCharles]

@rayshepherd2479 I think the "tipping point" was abortion and that's a state policy. It's like a balance of power. Often when Austin goes too far left, the state legislature counters. Take a look at House Bill 2127. It bar cities and counties from passing regulations - and overturn existing ones - that go further than state law.

[@hopeambassador3747]

Politics are absolutely NOT conservative in Austin.

[@SFSCharles]

That's what everybody in CA thought before they moved here and then they figured out the conservative state legislation often overrides city and county progressive policies.

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

​@@SFSCharles Ask Lyin' Ted Cruz about barely squeaking by Beto in his last campaign. Texas is slowly but surely going blue. (Prime examples are Hays and Williamson counties for the past 2 years) 🌊 ⭐ 🌊

[@SFSCharles]

@@Austin8thGenTexan Beto's been waiting on the blue wave for several years, but still hasn't happened yet.

[@maryannwaters339]

​@@Austin8thGenTexanAre you on crack?😂 Wishful thinking, Pollyana.😂 Have a nice day my little, "Dream Weaver," "Daydream Believer."😂

[@jangofett5806]

@@Austin8thGenTexanyup the Hay County Republican Party leadership is a joke, they keep putting up looser after looser in HD45. I truly think they don’t care to win this house seat. Lots of greed destroying Texas Casino push by ex Gov. and Rino Rick Perry perfect example.

[@patrickbutler1784]

Born and raised here. I'll be moving away next year after 31 years. Local leadership sold this place out and now its unlivable for anyone making under 6 figures. I hope to return one day if things get better!

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It's brave of you to make such a big decision. Wishing you all the best in your new chapter!

[@sensory_deprivation4126]

Bingo…. Couldn’t have said it better.

[@Soozalou397]

I doubt it gets better. The things & people that made it great left.

[@ProxyAuthenticationRequired]

The dems are the "elites" they claim they are protecting us from. been a lifetime democrat but lost faith during the last term of the Obama term and now just have a total distrust and disdain for 90% of them. they're gaming the system and legalized thievery from the common man and woman, all while trying to divide us and keep us in divisiveness. Classical _divide and conquer_ political tactic to divide us along party lines, race, and other identity-based nonsense. I had enough of them and moved on.

[@conradk]

IMHO Austin leadership has sucked well before the 90s. It's just that when we were in our 20s we only cared about where the girls were.

[@RiggsjimJKD]

We were in Austin over 10 years. Our suburb became California 2 and lots of things changed. We left for Arizona and are much happier. Too bad , we loved the old Austin.

[@SFSCharles]

It's amazing how places can change so quickly, but I'm glad to hear you found happiness in Arizona!

[@joeshoe6184]

AZ is turning into So-Cal without the beaches, especially Phoenix metro. I got priced out a few years ago, after getting priced out of San Diego. I work in the building trades and can't keep up with the rich.

[@evastone4327]

Austin was Californiaized

[@SFSCharles]

That's one way to put it!

[@SoloHiker1]

Garbage libs moved in.

[@juliametcalf2660]

Same thing happened in Colorado ....so sad

[@kennyjohnson2771]

Where ever Californian goes, trouble comes with it.

[@rollinmckim4719]

Californicated

[@tammyteej861]

The politics of Austin are liberal….and getting worse

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your perspective on the political scene in Austin.

[@TimRogers-ir6ss]

It’s like a Cancerous Malignant Tumor that’s Spreading in the Host

[@davidwatson7919]

@@TimRogers-ir6ss Yep. it kills what was great and turns it into a husk. Rich liberals increase wealth . middle class shrinks until a tipping point. Then businesses move and bingo.. You have a urban decay.. Wonder what downtown will look like in 20? I see in SA forming. Under Trump we Blossomed like never before. Middle class and poor increased wealth. New houses and people fixed their old ones. New cars replaced POS cars. And liberals near Alamo screamed. Took awhile to figure our they lose money as competition opened businesses. They are happy and are increasing wealth as we go into debt.. To them in a form.

[@crs11becausecrs10wastaken]

110% correct.

[@Klaatu2Too]

​@@SFSCharles I have lived in the Seattle area since the 1950s. in the 1970s/80s we had an influx of folks from California which also drove up property taxes. Worst of all was they brought their left-wing voting habits with them. Now my state has earned a place in the top 10 most dangerous states.

[@BringANickel]

I spoke with a state trooper who has worked all over the state of Texas. He considers Austin to be the most dangerous.

[@SFSCharles]

That's interesting to hear! It's always eye-opening to hear different perspectives on safety in different cities.

[@stevemoore-nx8cq]

Come to Houston and you will think Austin is pleasantville.

[@TexanIndependence]

@@stevemoore-nx8cq Yeah was going to say he must not have worked in Dallas or Houston. Austin has a terrible homeless problem, but it's murder rate is lower than Dallas or Houston. Austin had 73 homicides in 2023, while Houston had 348 murders and Houston only has 1.5x more population, so Austin's homicide rate would equal like 160 murders if it had Houston's size. Dallas also only had 30% more population than Austin, but Dallas had more than triple the murders, 246 murders. So clearly Dallas and Houston are way more homicides. BUT Austin does have more homeless artists and drug users. That's a different issue though with different problems like stepping in feces.

[@lunasol8057]

Houston is. Look at the statistics.

[@resistancelucayanmayo]

​@stevemoore-nx8cq exactly 💯 I have lived everywhere in texas the main cities an houston is 10 times more worse then austin

[@AnAZPatriot]

There's a reason i bought an hour north of Austin. Twice the house, half the cost, and conservative county and city management. When people in Austin were going to bed to the sounds of sirens and the smell of burning rubber and buildings that one summer, i had my windows open to the smell of fresh cut grass and the songs of crickets and frogs.

[@SFSCharles]

It sounds like you made a great choice in your location! Enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

[@TheAlexanderEdwards]

Beautifully said!

[@lss-jprep4980]

Austin has been destroyed by the influx from the West. What used to be fun, unique and quirky is now shady, dirty and unsafe.

[@SFSCharles]

It's sad to see how the city has changed over time.

[@Dan-ez6dr]

It's only going to get worse as more idiots from Cali keep pouring in. Liberal politics at work messing up Texas. VOTE RED and send the wokeness back to wherever.

[@virginiaconway374]

You left out expensive, segregated, clickish, with rotten weather and traffic.

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

Seen it turn in the 13yrs I've been here. Salute

[@benniebarrow348]

@@virginiaconway374 “segregated “ if you mean “whites not welcome”. No where is it segregated against “people of color or sexual orientation” Never has been .

[@mangle40]

Lived here for 15 years. It’s a shit hole. Disgusting politics. Traffic. Cost. Tolls. Heart aches how we went from #1 to #40. Planning on leaving end of the year.

[@SFSCharles]

It's important to hear about different experiences in Austin.

[@beyondthedetails]

Austin is still the best city in Texas

[@Tusk_Tact]

​@@beyondthedetailsDallas would like a word sir

[@beyondthedetails]

@@Tusk_Tact ….Dallas? You mean the city with the highest crime???? I’d take Houston over Dallas 😂

[@Tusk_Tact]

@@beyondthedetails that just tells me Dallas City officials actually report crime. In Houston they just dismiss calls due to lack of personnel. Isn't that why they just immediately "retired" their police chief? Yup, sounds better to me

[@TheMRZman999]

I left Austin in 2022. Couldn’t stand the homeless anymore

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's crucial to have open conversations about issues like this.

[@mattyoutubes]

It's gotten a lot better, especially in North Austin. There's one at an intersection every now and then.

[@silencedogood7297]

Did you ask why there are more homeless and why buildings are empty ? rich building owners, all republicans, gave themselves a perk. tax breaks and even payments when the buildings are unrented. Do you get a tax break when you do not use your car or lawnmower. NO. rich people do.

[@Zagirus]

@@silencedogood7297 >Rich people bad DURRRR And yet, how conveniently you ignore that it's your beloved pinkos who've truly turned Austin into what it is today, not those with a few extra dollars in their pockets.

[@ProxyAuthenticationRequired]

It's amazing how in every "liberal" city the homelessness is insanely epidemic-along with rampant crime, poor infrastructure, high housing and food costs and insane policies like no-bail releases for violent crime like attempted murder and rape even. No one of these things are unrelated to the other things. And the reason is that the criminals are in charge at the top. I truly feel it is white liberals that are to blame for all of this and now only black Americans and Latinos that can push back on the agendas that been crammed down our throats and that we don't want. We don't want the "DEI" handouts and empty virtue signaling platitudes. We want, like every American born and raise or who came here legally and was naturalized-access to the _American Dream._ Instead we have the crooked elites that dangling that distant prospect like a carrot held in front of a horse, endlessly pulling a wagon and referring to even naturalized or born citizens mockingly "dreamers," which adds a further insult to injury when you realize the term was meant for illegals preposterously called "migrants." That's how they see us: low-tier migrants happy for a handout after they created the problems we are left to face.

[@MentalSurvival]

I moved to Austin in 2001 and if i hadn't built a business here then i would have left years ago. Just a few years of steve adler and this city has become a shit hole

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your perspective and your commitment to your business in Austin.

[@billypabst3272]

Once you said Austin was conservative I wondered whether anything you said was true.

[@SFSCharles]

Surely you're aware of House Bill 2127?

[@barryraven4745]

Austin is definitely not red and I doubt you can find one anti-abortion activist there. Keep Austin Weird is a beacon for liberals.

[@Smokr]

@@SFSCharles Yes. It is conservative Texas fighting back against libtard Austin. So what is your point?

[@HarrisonCountyStudio]

It appears the politics in Austin are very Liberal and have been heading down this path for a number of years now.

[@Tusk_Tact]

As Liberal as Austin is portrayed it is still fairly Conservative relative to other places.

[@makerspace533]

"Keep Austin Weird" was the motto of the 1970's. It was fun then, but not so much anymore.

[@SFSCharles]

Yeah, times change, and so do mottos!

[@groovy1937]

I don't remember that motto in the 1970's - but I do remember it in the 2000's

[@Markham12thcentury]

What Austin is experiencing isn't weirdness. Weirdness is tolerable. What Austin is experiencing is Progressive Democrat Communism-gone-awry. They turned that (expletive) up to maximum volume and blew the speakers.

[@CAPTIVEPULSEMAKER]

Nope. The related motto of the 70's-80's was simply "Onward" it became "Keep Austin Sterile" for a few weeks in 1994 and then a stoned girl painted over the sterile part and replaced it with "weird" right before her car (hippie type VW Beetle) broke down and sit on south Lamar for a few days...the rest is history.

[@AustinZoneVIP]

@@SFSCharles What's Austin's new motto? "Don't California my Texas?" Maybe it's time to coin a new one!

[@quix66hiya22]

Traffic was miserable when I moved back there for school in 2016. Nothing like it had been in 1987.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it's interesting to see the differences throughout the years.

[@futureprimitive7465]

I lived there for 20 years and boy has it changed. Glad I left.

[@SFSCharles]

Change can be a mixed bag, right? It's interesting to look back and see how things have transformed over time.

[@AlexPatterson-co4gh]

@@SFSCharles human indignity isn't a mixed bag. Rising crime is 100% on the governments shoulders. People will do what they are allowed to get away with. That isn't change or a "mixed bag". That is intention.

[@SFSCharles]

@@AlexPatterson-co4gh I agree with you. What I meant was some aspects of growth in Austin have been positive.

[@dancox3251]

Families have been fleeing for a lot longer. AISD enrollment has been declining for over 10 years. There are less kids in Austin today than there were in 2012 despite the population growth. The wrong kinds of people have been moving here and brought all of their problems with them.

[@Areawatch]

Most working stiffs with families had to move further out because of the cost to live there And yes, Austin politics can only financially support homeless, and "migrants". Teachers were leaving because of the cost of living some years ago.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your perspective on this issue.

[@beyourbestselfeveryday391]

Thanks for your perspective. Many cities have fallen into this trap of inviting any and all, in hopes of an increased tax base and more jobs. Be careful what you wish for because with it comes inflated prices, traffic, crime and yes, some riff raff. Take Look at Idaho, the same thing happened there. I live in CA and we would be better off if we were even a little more conservative but unfortunately I do not see that happening any time soon. I hope Austin can turn it around.

[@kennethb6211]

Austin energy is terrible you get those surprises 1000 dollar bills every now and then good luck fighting it.

[@creoleviking8433]

If you didn't have your own problems? Blame others. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Take no personal responsibility.

[@parkerpkthn]

Crime and homelessness in Austin is a problem.

[@SFSCharles]

It's definitely a concerning issue that needs attention.

[@ej2863]

Open drug markets

[@gpilsitz1783]

Hand-in-hand problems.

[@cisco1dog]

Much like California 😂liberal cesspool 😂

[@troyfall6573]

Dems like homelessness because everyone gets rich off the mismanagement of tax funds.

[@scottrevia1611]

I live in rural Texas. So many outsiders paying triple for the worst properties has raised our taxes tremendously. A house that would normally sell for 85-100k is now $295k, and they will pay it, and more. Hopefully it’ll regurgitate on itself soon and value will start decreasing.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's important to shed light on these issues.

[@Velociferon]

I have lived here my whole life. It breaks my heart to see how west-coasters ruined my town. I can't even afford to live here. Whats worse is that all those liberal policies were supercharged by those same west-coasters that they defunded the police department. It takes more than 20 mins for police to show up. Most don't even bother! Its become expensive and dangerous!

[@SFSCharles]

I appreciate you sharing your perspective and concerns. It's important to have these conversations.

[@michaelfisher1931]

Austin's problems have nothing to do with Red vs. Blue. It's cities obsession with growth seasoned with a determination to keep everything car centric. Everything gets too spread and expensive to maintain, while trapping people with the cost (call it a tax, because that's what it is) of buying and maintaining car, and having to sacrifice huge amounts of time driving every where --- with everyone else, on roads the city doesn't have enough of a tax base to maintain. Because everthing depends on a car, and hence roads and huge parking lots. Roads and parking lots don't generate tax revenue.

[@Pedro22228]

I don’t like Austin anymore 😢

[@SFSCharles]

Many are leaving Austin and moving further out.

[@1babygirlg]

Me neither just moved to ft worth and it was hard as I only liked Austin in Texas but couldn't take it anymore.

[@davidwatson7919]

Texan here. At my sister's house in Kerrville. If she even hears the word Austin from the back of the house. She yells "F..K Austin!"

[@Areawatch]

@@davidwatson7919 Grew up in Austin, then moved. It now reminds me of a slow moving parking lot when driving there.

[@adams8132]

A lot of people are leaving, primarily due to economics but it also does not have any pretty scenery around there. Too bland but for Texas, it’s unique. 😂

[@MCCAUS13]

I loved living in downtown Austin, and planned to retire there. But when I and my neighbors began to be threatened as we walked about, I knew it was time to leave. ‘Been gone two years, and still yearn for what Austin used to be. Property taxes there also hurt.

[@SFSCharles]

Man, that's rough. Hopefully, you find a new spot that's just as cool as downtown Austin used to be.

[@DainichiKichi]

@@dely193how much is the house valued? What’s the percentage of property tax in NJ?

[@---Dana----]

​@@SFSCharlesCompanies and people not just leaving Austin. They're leaving Texas. Women are leaving, doctors and nurses are leaving, teachers are leaving.

[@baduino]

havent visited austin in 20 years and yearn for what it used to be. last time I played hacky sack in the middle of 6th street with locals. go figure.

[@DT-abcd]

All of Texas has high property taxes. Vote Shelley Luther for Texas House. She will shake those fairy men and women up in Austin.

[@rl3810]

I drove out to Austin back in 2005 for a vacation and had a really awesome time, and the locals were so cool and nice. I see it has fallen. Nothing remains as it was. Such is life 😢

[@SFSCharles]

Times change, but memories of good times remain forever.

[@johnd4348]

I got out of Austin four years ago. Cut my expenses in half.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's always inspiring to hear how changes can lead to saving money.

[@joebudi5136]

Austin went woke and is going broke. Duh.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's great to hear different perspectives.

[@Austin8thGenTexan]

Austin's always been woke. Country hicks come here to drink and puke and vomit in our streets on the weekends. We clean it up, and laugh all the way to the bank... 💰

[@yaiburanakul8505]

That is what I thought. Did not even have to go there.

[@cleverusernamecl5532]

Austin has always been woke.

[@joebudi5136]

@cleverusernamecl5532 NO it wasn't.

[@ronaldparvanian6949]

Retired LE from California to Texas Hill Country. We avoid Austin. Reminds us of the "Progressive" California we left. Very much appreciate Texas Constitutional Carry.

[@vulpinemachine]

​@@wk8000I'm from Colorado and they ruined my home state. Californians are the most insufferable people on earth.

[@swlc5555]

An excellent example of insanity is liberals leaving places like California and New York because of how bad everything is from soft on crime to high taxes. So they move to places like Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Who do they vote for when they arrive? Joe Biden and other liberals.

[@davidwatson7919]

Agreed. Even the hill country is mostly gone. I was raised in the 80s in Blanco. The heart and soul are gone. I remember Fredericksburg when it was locals. Now it's decorated local and sold. Family in Bandera is leaving. That's mostly gone. I drive through the hill country with sadness.

[@davidwatson7919]

I understand vrs CA completely. If you had seen it in the 80s you would know.

[@kirkrea9719]

Thanks for not bringing California here, Austin has always been crappy and San Antonio is now too

[@eldoradony]

I was in Austin for a wedding. From the Airport to the hotel in downtown I got in a conversation with the Uber driver who was a former NYer. As we exited the expressway I noticed a large homeless encampment under the overpass. I asked the driver what the story was and he stated that Texas is conservative but Austin wasn't. He said(maybe joking)homeless are given a cheese sandwich and a one way bus ticket to Austin. As I walked around town I noticed homelessness and vagrancy all around like you see reported on the news in other "blue" cities. I think that says it all... I visited the capitol building which I must say was awesome.

[@SFSCharles]

It sounds like you may have visited when the camping ban was lifted. In an effort to decriminalize homelessness, the City Council said it was no longer illegal to camp in public places. This meant the tents popped up all over town and created a lot of what you may have seen. This policy was eventually overturned and slowly implemented, but of course it didn't solve the homeless problem. All it did was move the tents out of public view.

[@sadjaxx]

He wasn't joking. Its one way conservatives "punish" liberals.

[@IamFree4Life]

I moved here 15 years ago after getting married (husband is a Texan). The biggest things I observed are sky-rocketing taxes which makes a modest home unaffordable, poor quality of life due to traffic - you have 3 choices: take the expensive tolls, put up with long commutes via the streets or get stuck in traffic on the 35. When I moved here I was shocked to find there was no rapid train transpo😮 and even more shocked to find there was no transit system outside of ATX and doubly shocked to find there was no rapid transpo connecting ATX, Satx, Dallas and Houston. Add in the investors who are grabbing up properties and driving up rental prices and you’ve got the perfect recipe for disaster. Even the music scene has changed; sxsw used to be geared towards the local artists and now the focus is bringing top label artist in which has squeezed out local up and coming artists. It just seems ATX is for those with deep pockets🤷. My prediction is the place will continue its unsustainable ways until things go all the way down. Then we’ll see new investment strategies and ATX will be reinvented and maybe even livable again for regular people.

[@SFSCharles]

Your insights are valuable. It takes residents like you to highlight areas that need improvement for the community's benefit.

[@furyofbongos]

I was disgusted when they made 183 between Austin and Lockhart a toll road. What pissed me off were the stop signs they put on the old 183 at each toll road exit to give them the right of way merging back on to the original 183. It made avoiding the toll painful as hell. They did that on purpose to basically force you to pay the toll, totally screwing low income Lockhart residents commuting to Austin. Their choice: pay the toll or take way longer than before with all those stop signs.

[@donnerblitzen1388]

It’s the overwhelming majority of new residents coming in from other states that are jacking up the rent and making it harder to get around anywhere now without having to plan ahead five to six hours in advance. I’m in San Antonio and it’s starting to creep into here too. Please stay up there. We have enough traffic and junkies roaming around here now..

[@davidwatson7919]

Texan here. You are correct. Yep SA also within the last 8 to 10 years. Now same thing from CA is doing that to Nashville. Locals get screwed. I-35 is almost city from SA to Dallas Ft Worth. Hate 35.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the changes in your area.

[@baduino]

yall gotta remove all yer sidewalks like in Houston to fix that ofc. :p.

[@jeffpiatt3879]

Since the 1970's, Lost Creek has always been a community of people who wanted to raise healthy families. Most of Austin is no longer family oriented. Austin is a place more suited to deviant lifestyles than it is families. Glad to hear that Lost Creek got out.

[@SFSCharles]

91.2% of the votes were to leave Austin, so it looks like it's happening.

[@Tusk_Tact]

Meanwhile in Del Valle, we never made that mistake to begin with

[@dfwjac]

And they say Austin isn't conservative...

[@user-iy7lk7ig4h]

​@@dfwjac Lost Creek is one tiny jurisdiction in the Austin area.

[@DexterHaven]

Big cities in Texas sound like no country for old men now.

[@karengordon6610]

Y’all can blame all your city council members from California!!! Where I live in Austin, Texas developers building everywhere, empty lots, tearing down live oaks so they can build apartment complexes, houses where there were ranch lands and farmlands. If I had the money to get out of Texas, I would be gone. Please do not move here.

[@SFSCharles]

It's unfortunate to see the changes happening in your area. Hopefully, things will improve soon.

[@furyofbongos]

Yep. I moved out in 2014, but it still broke my heart to learn that Shady Grove closed down. I used to live 1/2 block away from it. Can you believe Shady Grove's property taxes were over $2 million a year?

[@jumperstartful]

Too LATE, The Blue Cancer is a commin'!!

[@furyofbongos]

I left Austin in 2014 after 20 years. It wasn't too bad in 2014 but it was getting noticeably worse. Barton Springs pool was contaminated by algae nearly 100% of the time, started to be very difficult to find parking there, and traffic was getting hard to bear. Barton Springs pool used to be clear of algae all the time. It comes from pollution, fecal matter specifically.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience and insights about Austin.

[@SogoTX]

Please see my Austin Rant from an Austin Native posted above... ;)

[@godsdozer]

raised in Austin back in the 60's, 70's and 80s. what a great city it was. Now I wouldn't visit there.

[@davidwatson7919]

LUVEd Austin 90 -92. Grew up near there. I thought it was the most awesome place . My sisters and I all wanted to move there as adults and grow roots.. Then the Californians came. End of story.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your memories of Austin's golden years!

[@blueburytreasurelaurabrown8482]

California was also great in the 70s and 80s…but now I live in texas and miss California until I go back to visit family and realize how lucky I was to be out of there!

[@baduino]

@@blueburytreasurelaurabrown8482 lol I fly out to The Vandals Christmas show every other year and have watched LA go so nasty its insane. TBH for a Liberal Paradise, even 20 years ago every neighborhood was ethnically separated and it always looked like a dystopian vision of a city pretending to be integrated. Being from Houston and living in the Lao, Thai, Saudi, Iraqi and North Chinatown area up north with no boundaries and Mosques across from Synagogues makes me think Cali was always a lie.

[@talkingbread2012]

Good.

[@TheRealRoch108]

Austin sucks. It was Shangri-La when my wife and I arrived in the early 90's. Literally my favorite place in the country...Left 9 years ago. It is one of my least favorite cities now

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your memories of Austin from the early 90s.

[@joebudi5136]

Austin went woke. Now its broke.

[@allenrwhite]

Similar story. Moved there in 95. Loved it. Lived there for 18 years. Moved out about 10 years ago and don’t miss it.

[@davidwatson7919]

Yes it was. Born and raised near Austin 80-90s .Grew to an adult on 6th street. So did my sisters. How many times my friends and I piled into one car and went clubbing for girls. LOL It had a bar for everyones taste. Sister goth on 7th.. Stay away from 5th ..Those were not girls in dresses. No hate of centralized view. We were Texans. Now Austin is NOT Texas.

[@baduino]

@@davidwatson7919 The Black Cat burned down in 2002, save The Continental Club yeh, Austin is and has been ded for a long long time.

[@tyvovo]

Prices of housing has outpaced wages in the whole United States at this point.

[@SFSCharles]

It's a concerning trend that's affecting many people across the country.

[@OffGridColoradoLiving]

We sold and moved out in 2020 - JUST IN TIME. The majority of Austin City Council and Mayor at the time turned the pristine city into a filthy homeless camp. Bad policy!

[@SFSCharles]

It's unfortunate to see the city change in a way that made you move out.

[@OffGridColoradoLiving]

@@SFSCharles We’d have moved one way or another, as I retired. But we did get lucky to go at the right time.

[@jumperstartful]

Gee it worked for San Francisco!?!?!?

[@BrokeDadProductions]

Paid $325,000 and sat back seeing new neighbors paying $930,000 or so in 2022/23 now prices are coming down so I expect to be living in a neighborhood full of repos pretty soon.

[@SFSCharles]

Looks like you've got front-row seats to the real estate rollercoaster! Hang on tight!

[@richardevans3084]

Californian here: Repos & Squatters very soon then the fires as people try to claim, fun fun 😂😂greed and price gouging the Conservative way Buy Buy Austin; Detroit of South

[@tenabarnes3269]

One problem with your statement that is the lib/progressive way, go to the number one cities in America take 10 years to slowly make it the worst city in America, move when you’re overwhelmed by crime and violence, repeat until there’s no city that’s not shi**y.! Guess then you’ll move to another country, but good luck all the other countries are now following your progressive lib ways.

[@drivewithbishop4426]

You’ll have rentals and lots of crime…

[@BrokeDadProductions]

@@drivewithbishop4426 the reason I moved from New Orleans. Haha…I better start saving boxes for the move.

[@panamamcc]

Same thing happened to San Diego! San Diego was the best kept secret in the country in the 60’s and 70’s, as was Austin… those days are gone… probably forever!

[@SFSCharles]

Looks like the secret's out! Time to find the next hidden gem city before it becomes the next big thing.

[@benfaubion]

@@SFSCharlesforget it, we live in an instant snapshot culture. One marketing article in the theme of “top 5 hidden places you can’t miss…” changes everything.

[@judyhalsell9510]

Lived in Chula Vista loved the small town atmosphere and the cleanliness of it . Moved went back to see relatives after several years went to CV and did not stay long.Filth gang signs a complete disaster just like so many other places in this doomed country.

[@elliotoliver8679]

Yes, I was at University in San Diego, getting robbed of my bike by three thugs was enough, moved 'back' to Arizona, where I had not been living since a small child, went to high school in North LA but it's not nice now

[@silencedogood7297]

Thank rich mean republicans. When they move in, jobs move away, rents move up and families move out.

[@spacemonkeyfive]

There’s been lots of gang- and drug-related crime in Austin for years. They’ve always tried to keep it quiet.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for bringing awareness to this important topic.

[@AmericaCirclingTheDrain]

I'm old enough to remember when Austin was a wonderful Texas town. My heart breaks for the downward spiral that's taken place there. Liberalism destroys everything it touches.

[@SFSCharles]

It's sad to see the changes in Austin over the years.

[@jumperstartful]

The Blue Cancer and no cure!!!

[@Hellkite-er5pg]

I live in Austin, people are not leaving fast enough and not in high quantities!

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@Markham12thcentury]

They will. Just play the long game. Everyone's hitting the panic button, here in Cape Coral. Well, those who way, way over-paid for a run of the mill house and now can't insure their precious McMansion. I'm just sitting here, absorbing the panic in the air.

[@davidwatson7919]

@@Markham12thcentury when they leave it won't help. Their policies remain. Only way positive is the return to logical common sense by Govt. Never reversed in a single US city after they come. damage is permanent. Businesses leave and don't return, Then crime explodes. Opps too late on that one.

[@baduino]

@@davidwatson7919 blame your property tax assessment board. they did the real damage and it wont go away any time soon.

[@kingpetra6886]

Austin has had a liberal streak, kind of like the stripe down the back of a skunk, for a long long time.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for pointing out Austin's long-standing liberal streak, it's a unique perspective.

[@davidwatson7919]

@@SFSCharles Yep Liberal since the late 90s.. linear with the Arrival of Californians.

[@BP-ry6mw]

Great description

[@53dogg]

Now the skunk is marxist😂

[@davidfrost1685]

As a retirees we sold our house in South Austin in Shady Hollow in February of 2022. The buyer managed to get the contract before interstate rates rose and here we are in Mexico. Even though inflation has increased here it is nothing like the cost of living in Austin. Count us as part of the exodus!

[@SFSCharles]

That's a big move! Mexico must be a nice change from Austin.

[@marccano5061]

I'll be heading your way here in a bit,,,I just got my temporary résidence from the Mexican consulate in Austin

[@lezcaz1223]

Where in Mx?

[@davidfrost1685]

@@lezcaz1223 Puerto Vallarta. Not the least expensive place in Mexico; it’s a big country! Really a fun place.

[@aprilackerman6513]

I used to love Austin and lived there at one time in the 80's and 90's; But not anymore. I live in a smaller town now and love it.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's wonderful to hear that you've found a place that makes you happy.

[@SogoTX]

I have a warning for you about moving to a small Texas Town... Please see my Austin Rant from an Austin Native posted above... ;

[@David-nx2vm]

Did you just say Austin was conservative? Compared to where? San Francisco?

[@davidwatson7919]

LOL yep. If Austin is conservative...THEN I AM BATMAN>

[@SFSCharles]

Review House Bill 2127. It bars cities and counties from passing regulations - and overturn existing ones - that go further than state law. In other words, Austin is as liberal as the state legislature will allow.

[@kennethb6211]

It's a college town still goes by state laws the da is progressive and the city council is clueless but that's where the problems are not saying it's liberal policy the city was built around poor infrastructure to accommodate the growth so they put high rises on 2 lane streets they want to eliminate cars so they have to make it almost impossible to get around.

[@greggpennington966]

Houston, perhaps ? 😅😅😅😅

[@davidwatson7919]

@@greggpennington966 Houston is sliding into Dem /liberal as well. It's like cancer in Texas. Honest rational and good hearted is being replaced by delusional people who think they are helping. Despite the increasing problems by their policies.

[@therosarylady]

Austin has been tortured to death over the years...had to move, crazy politics and nasty, dirty streets, crime, homelessness and rabid drug overdoses. Its dangerous and filthy now. All the beautiful places are gone now, and the wildlife is dying off. A treasured nugget of my home texas, now a shameful, filthy mess.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories of Austin. It's important to reflect on the changes and preserve the good times.

[@jumperstartful]

I remember the music show, I think it was called Austin City limits. Big time liberal companies came into Austin and destroyed it. It will take a miracle to save it. Just like it will take a miracle to save California. Libs are just filthy politics!

[@barbaramohler6895]

I live in SC and we’ve been invaded by NY and NJ. Now housing values have skyrocketed, rural areas are selling off their land where cheap cookie cutter houses are being built. Crime has increased at an incredible rate. I’m looking at Austin and thinking that’s what we are about to face.

[@SFSCharles]

Prices shot up during the pandemic but have been stabilizing for nearly two years now. They're higher than they were at the start of the runups, but if you average them out over a 4 year period, that average yearly appreciation is close to what the yearly average was before the boom.

[@kerrykerry5778]

I lived in the Pocono Mountains. The place that boomed for 20 years straight as NY and NJ folks moved in to find a cheaper, better place to raise their kids. The influx badly damaged everything about the region. The funny part is that, now that it is retirement time, the preferred relocation destination for all those retired folks leaving my neighborhood is the Myrtle Beach, Conway area.

[@davidmckendry7684]

Beautiful city and people, with very little water. From Georgetown to south of San Antonio, they are on the Balcones Escarpment. This ancient limestone is the reason for all the springs coming out of it. They are finite. They're dependent on rainfall and rate of use. Austins popularity has a price, beyond all the other issues and traffic.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for highlighting this important issue.

[@jonb32oz]

Been here 4 years… leaving on Monday. What can I say.

[@SFSCharles]

Best of luck on your next chapter.

[@djhdz3928]

Don't let the door hit ya

[@dorrisben1]

I hope many follow...sick & tired of housing unaffordability exacerbated by newcomers post covid. Leave & spread the word about how awful the city has become.

[@garyagentg]

@@dorrisben1 - This isn't just an Austin phenomena it's happening all over the world especially in places that mean income is less than $100 US a month.

[@idnintel]

@@djhdz3928 he will be careful with the door, thanks.

[@marykincaid8348]

I lived in Austin from 2000-2006. Loved it, but now would never move back. The hill country is right there, and spring fed lakes and creeks. Lots of hiking trails. Now it is not even considered part of Texas from the majority of Texans. Yup born raised, 3rd generation Texan.

[@davidwatson7919]

Agreed. Born and raised. Blanco as a kid. San Marcos in early 90s. All are ruined now. The locals with good hearts and rational minds either moved or died. It's strip malls , endless Surburban sprawl , and traffic. Mean people in comparison.

[@SFSCharles]

It's amazing how places can change over time, right?

[@RM-cf4pw]

Good info buddy. Thanks!

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel! Your feedback means a lot.

[@Noodleydoo]

The City Council here in Austin said that their main goal was "economic justice." There is nothing remotely conservative about that.

[@SFSCharles]

I assume that as an Austin resident, you exercise your right to vote and make your opinion known so that the Council's agenda reflects your preferences and priorities?

[@kngjoea3743]

Jarrell, Taylor, Killeen are where homes and rents are still affordable (250-350k). In Killeen, for example, I can rent a entire very nice home for less than $1800 a month. While in Austin, that same home would run $4500 a month or a 1 befroom apartment in Austin would be about $2000 plus parking fees.

[@SFSCharles]

It's amazing how prices can vary so much based on location!

[@texaslegend5076]

Taylor? Killeen? What family would want to move to either of these places. A couple of years ago I enrolled my kid in a Taylor elementary school in the morning and withdrew him after I picked him up that same day. Also homes are cheap in Killeen. But all the crime that is everywhere in that town negates those low prices. While I’m at it let me inform people that Waco is a cesspool also. Ol Chip and Joanna don’t even live there. I believe they are in or near Crawford, Tx. Even white flight is becoming difficult these days. I worked in Lakeway area of Austin for 1 1/2 years. Drove 80 miles each way. My commute time was right at 2 hours each way. 60% of that time was a 15 mile stretch to my work destination. Utterly ridiculous. I quit my job even before I had found another one.

[@lalalalalalalala4264]

Really? I live in NW Austin paying $1,800 on my mortgage.

[@heathernevill2405]

Austin rents are going down in some areas. Our rental is currently overpriced - if rents continue to lower, we plan to move out of our current 3/2.5 bath + study rental house in December unless we can negotiate rent down. It's currently $250/month+ over market value. We live in the Avery Ranch area in a 2400 sq ft home.

[@pano360]

Pretty much only Active Duty/Retirées or those booted from the Army live in Killeen 😂

[@franklinpenaranda8520]

Great memories of Austin in the late 80's and early 90's...🥳

[@SFSCharles]

It's amazing how memories from decades ago can still bring a smile to our faces!

[@davidwatson7919]

Yep .. Same here. class of 90 so 6th street with fake ID at 18.... paradise.

[@jessewilson8660]

The 70’s were the best…. I been in Texas for 62 years . Texas is changing for the worst in the last 20 years . Listen to the song deep in the heart of Texas. I still live in Texas.keep Texas conservative not radical liberalism

[@UrbanSwagger]

I miss Cheapo Records.

[@giniaa2707]

Thanks for the balanced presentation of information about current conditions in Austin.

[@SFSCharles]

I'm glad you found the information helpful!

[@Pastelbluesox]

Thanks for the video.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment!

[@mwebb3014]

Hour long one-way commutes become grueling over time. So, if people are leaving the city for surrounding towns, they will probably regret it. Been there done that in Dallas and family life suffers greatly as does personal health and wellness.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's important for others to know the challenges of long commutes.

[@kylesummers1565]

Simple answer...Austin is little CA.

[@SFSCharles]

Ah, the age-old debate of Austin vs. CA! Each place has its own quirks and perks.

[@airmcd86]

Great info! Thanks!

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for the kind words! It means a lot.

[@user-of5se2zi7t]

I moved from California to Texas in 2005, but we knew for years on the West Coast that Austin was a Leftist city and sister city to San Diego, CA where I moved from. I don't live in Austin because of that tag on that city. The sad news for freedom loving Americans who are thinking about moving to Texas, be aware, "ALL" major cities in Texas are now Progressive/Blue!

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your perspective on the political landscape in Texas!

[@MrBogushogus]

During covid, Whole Foods and Book People were all woke and masky and Book People had their coffee area all sectioned off with yellow tape, and a lady screaming to put mask on. I will never forget that, but the rest of Texas was totally different.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience, it's important to remember how different places adapted to the situation.

[@fcalba]

Austin area grew up too fast with no infrastructure to support it. House prices are through the roof and the property taxes do not help. Add to that the power grid that failed miserably in 2021, and nothing really was done to make it better, but energy costs almost doubled. So all that is a recipe for disaster. This affected most of Texas, but Austin was already the most expensive city in Texas. So it’s getting hit the hardest.

[@SFSCharles]

Austin's growth spurt has been like a teenager hitting a growth spurt - awkward and expensive!

[@fcalba]

@@SFSCharles for real

[@davidwatson7919]

That is small potatoes of the problems. However correct but far from root cause. Native Texan and I avoid Austin for the people. I prefer rational good hearted people. That..aint Austin. lol

[@furyofbongos]

Bought a 3/2 1180 sq ft house in East Austin a few blocks east of I35, doable walking distance to downtown for $120K in 2003. A gentrifying area at the time. Sold it 3 years later for $225K. It sold about 2 years ago for over $700K. Now it did undergo a complete renovation inside, a big deck in the back and some landscaping. I wouldn't say it had great bones though: 2x4 exterior wall construction.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's always inspiring to hear about successful real estate ventures.

[@SogoTX]

People have not fully figured out that, your home is not worth MORE... it is that the dollar is worth LESS... the dollar you paid towards your house years ago, is only worth a FRACTION of what it is today... ;)

[@mrarfarf]

Great vid. Thanks

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for the kind words! Your support means a lot to me.

[@ronaldleach9899]

I live in Austin....and it's screwed. Getting out first chance I get.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's important to prioritize your happiness and well-being.

[@s.m.whiteII]

It ain’t just Austin buddy….😂😂😂😂

[@SFSCharles]

Haha, thanks for the comment.

[@bankroll716]

Excellent analysis, thank you. Subbed.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for subscribing! I'm glad you enjoyed the analysis.

[@joeshoe6184]

You never want your favorite town to become the "in" place to move. It wont be your favorite town anymore.

[@SFSCharles]

It's true, the charm can fade when everyone discovers your hidden gem town.

[@groovy1937]

I remember back in 1973, my dad bought a swanky new Caprice Classic from Henna Chevrolet after the oil embargo. They were giving good deals on big sedans with big V8 engines The new car lots always smelled so good. You always needed a good road car in Texas.

[@SFSCharles]

That must have been a great memory! Classic cars always have a special place in our hearts.

[@TheR3alRyan]

We had a bunch of homes torn down in my neighborhood and rebuilt to try and raise the values here. One finally sold after like a year on the market. Sold for almost 2 million, has no yard, and is one of the most hideous layouts I've ever seen. Almost completely clashes with the aesthetic of the neighborhood. It's like some goofy modern looking thing when most of the houses here are old stone buildings. Dudes the biggest sucker ever for buying that monstrosity imo.

[@SFSCharles]

It's my belief that those types of homes have the biggest risk for significant price drops. (Supply and demand)

[@esjabear1168]

There are more than one properties in Austin that could fit that description.

[@MsDonna]

it’s the folks who’ve only visited or moved away 10+ years ago trying to tell us who have been here for 25+ years what it’s REALLY like to live here…

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Many times, the true picture becomes clear when you look at a longer timeline

[@marileehamlin804]

Massive rapid growth definitely produced infrastructure challenges. People are willing to pay for a high quality of life, but with Austin City Councils feckless progressive leadership, crime has risen exponentially. Defund Law Enforcement and suffer the consequences. No one enjoys living in crime-ridden cities. Sadly, Austin is following Los Angeles' lousy example. Significant changes are required to head off the ge looming downslide. Keep voting for failure, and you will reap failure.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the current situation in Austin. It's crucial to raise awareness about the impact of decisions made by local leadership.

[@chrisd1328]

Austin is one of the last places I would want to move to. California transplants have ruined it. Texas is a great state. Austin is an island of Libtards in a conservative state.

[@70s80sVintage]

Left several years ago as I saw where it was headed... Still my favorite place...in my memories from the 80's, 90's, and 00's.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your nostalgia and love for the place. It's heartwarming to hear about your fond memories.

[@davidwatson7919]

Grew up 80 and 90s near Austin .. Luved it. Everytime I had a day off .. 6th street paradise. Late 90s the liberals didn't like so many bars. So they passed a law limiting the number of liquor licenses. By 2000 the licenses were traded like a commodity. Cost more than opening the bar and sold the same.

[@ligandwater]

Geesh, Austin is not bad at all, I live in the Walnut Creek area. Absolutely love the park with my 3 kids, wife and dog. We bike and go for long hikes in the trails. I hit Barton Springs pool about twice a week and the 68 degree water feels great all year round. They clean the pool every Thursday and it is constantly replenishing and flowing into the Colorado River. I work for the city and have done so for over 6 years. My kids all swim and play sports. We go to church as often as we can. We have a strong community and great neighbors. Overall, I have been here since 2012 and can say that not much has changed. Yes, it is expensive here and everywhere else now. Inflation did not just happen in Austin but every city across the USA. Our house has never been broken into and I have never had any crimes (as of yet) happen to me or anyone else I have known here in Austin. Is Austin Perfect. No but I'd rather live here than most other cities in Texas.

[@SFSCharles]

It sounds like you have such a wonderful life in Austin! It's great to hear about your positive experiences in the Walnut Creek area.

[@FDR_progressive_liberal]

I lived in Austen back in the early 2010s. It got too expensive by 2014. So I moved to Colorado. I paid half for a two bed apartment as a one bed in Austen.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It's great to hear about your cost-saving move.

[@groovy1937]

I lived near Austin in the 1970's. My family would go to Austin practically every weekend for shopping, movies, eating out at Luby's, etc.. Highland Mall was the big thing then and shopping was great at JC Penny, Sears, Dillards, Joske's, etc.. Life was great and Austin was great back then. Now, it is a shameful disgrace and I'm so glad I don't leave near there anymore. Place is ruined. Still have furniture from Cabanas Brown. When our house was built, everything came from Stripling Blake.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your memories of Austin in the 1970s. It's always great to hear about the city's history from those who experienced it firsthand.

[@groovy1937]

@@wk8000 Agree, UT has got problems. I remember there was a staircase in the Highland Mall that had long thin plastic strands that went from the top to the bottom that had water (I think it was water may have been oil) that dripped down it, it was like a rain fall. It was all around the stair well. It was so neat! I have so many good memories of Austin and my childhood in Texas. Scarborough's was another nice store. The other Mall that opened late 70's was North Cross and it had an ice skating rink as I remember. That Mall was "fancier" than Highland at that point. Montgomery Wards was at another location and I remember there was a theater there that we would go to sometimes but most of the time we went to Fox theatres - I remember seeing Towering Inferno there among others. There was a place called Texas Dinner Playhouse or something along those lines that my parents would go to when entertaining out of town corporate guests for the company my dad worked for - they saw a lot of stars there (stars at that time).

[@godsdozer]

I used to hand out Christian tracts in the 70's in Norcross mall. Hahahah

[@groovy1937]

@@wk8000 I remember Yarings! I don't recall Texas Tumbleweed. I remember we would drive by a place called "Villa Capri" I think it was a lounge. There was a good Mexican Restaurant we would go to I think it was called El Patio. Then there was the Spaghetti Warehouse, we went there a lot - I remember the arcade inside.

[@groovy1937]

@@godsdozer Maybe I got one!

[@richardjackson7560]

I can’t believe you said Austin is conservative. Makes me doubt the rest of the video. Austin is a spot of blue surrounded by a sea of red on political maps. Don’t mix up the Texas government in Austin and the Austin city government.

[@SFSCharles]

For someone like yourself who has an understanding of the local politics, I'm sure you're familiar with House Bill 2127? It bars cities and counties from passing regulations - and overturning existing ones - that go further than state law. In other words, Austin is only as liberal as the state legislation allows.

[@angiev1840]

All of the major cities are blue now and that's why you see the same progressive disease destroying Dallas and Houston. They destroy everything they touch and people still vote for them.

[@user-bs1zo6tr2g]

Austin needs a Switzerland style form of public transportation to shine. It's a huge purely car oriented city. I grew up in Round Rock, last year lived downtown and the experience was rather cold in feeling. The only way in and out of the city are highways and one slow Amtrak train per day. Now they want to expand Interstate 35....they are crazy.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's eye-opening to hear about your experiences with the transportation challenges in Austin.

[@TexasGolfer]

😂 Public transportation in a democrat city is just a place for the druggies and homeless to sleep, urinate and OD. It would be a massive was of money, people do not respect public property.

[@dubcuda874]

Good video, straight to the point!

[@SFSCharles]

I appreciate your kind words, they mean a lot!

[@galleste]

I believe it's more than politics. Traffic in Austin is a nightmare. Always congested on I-35 coming and going into Austin. The state of Texas has never been able to get ahead of the curve on highways for the last 40 years. Property taxes are going through the roof as appraisals are increasing big time. Crime and homeless people all around don't help either. Property crime is rampant due to the doofus DA in Travis County. Also, for Californians and New Yorkers, the summers are unbearable. Tennessee is much more moderate in temps (Nashville). The narrator mentions abortion is a big deal. If it is...good riddance....should have done your homework before moving here. I know before I move anywhere, I'll check cost of living, taxes, climate, politics. California and New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Minnesota, Alaska, Hawaii North and South Dakota, Illinois, Michigan and Washington are off my list right off the bat for the reasons listed above.

[@SFSCharles]

I appreciate your insights into the issues in Austin. It's great to hear different perspectives.

[@richardtibbitts3841]

Best of luck in Tennessee!

[@frankmazzie4855]

Way to stay informed

[@davidwatson7919]

YEP..Grew up near Austin in the 80s to mid 90s. I am in San Angelo now. Boring and ugly. But the people are still Texan and cost of living is low.

[@jumperstartful]

So property taxes, appraisals, crime and homeless aren't political???

[@repsaknivek]

Two years ago I spent time in Austin and Phoenix - especially the East Phoenix metro areas of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Chandler to decide where to live. The choice was incredibly easy. So now I live in Tempe.

[@SFSCharles]

That's awesome to hear! Tempe is a great choice.

[@ovweve-3266.okwueme]

I went to grad school at UT Austin from 2009-2011. Left after graduation and had hopes to return to find a job. After visiting recently, I was sad to see how the city had become an absolute shithole. No reason ever to go to Austin again

[@SFSCharles]

I'm sorry to hear that you had a disappointing experience in Austin. It's always tough when a place you once loved changes for the worse.

[@ScatRiverbend]

Interesting Perspective....

[@SFSCharles]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!

[@groovy1937]

Who remember the big store called: BEST - - we would shop there a lot. Then also another place was Hancock Center.

[@jrshields683]

Service Merchandise, Winns, and Mom-and-Pop stores out in the (then) suburbs.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for bringing back those nostalgic memories!

[@Ninurtha1]

Same thing happened to Florida, new yorkers moved to Florida like zombies following zombies.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your observation! It's always fascinating to see how different regions attract new residents.

[@lesliemoore1656]

South FL is where you find the Northeast liberals living, North FL they are seen as condescending, rude invaders, with liberal entitled attitudes, its Southern hostility, no longer Southern hospitality. I have lived 90 min from FL panhandle beaches 67 years and visit frequently throughout the year. This is how it is these days, they are now uninvited and they brought this on themselves.

[@mrbillinsf]

I lived in that hell hole for three years 2019-2022 and hated every minute of it

[@SFSCharles]

I'm sorry to hear that you had a tough experience. It's important to look forward and focus on the positive now.

[@jumperstartful]

@@SFSCharles I'm positive.............positive it's a hell hole just like the Calif. I left.

[@lunasky5635]

Cedar fever kept me away. Only place where i have suffered bronchial spasms. Was teaching a tech class at Dell (awful experience) and had to stop talking to catch my breath. The people in the class laughed and said, “you have cedar fever!” They thought it was funny that i was gasping for breath. Nice

[@SFSCharles]

It's a real thing and empathy and compassion are in short supply these days.

[@AVToth]

As a native Texan, and I mean my family were immigrants from Germany to Mexico that became the Republic of Texas that became the state of Texas. My CV. I never understood why companies and their employees, who are almost rabid climate change adherents, would move the company, lock, stock and barrel, build a new facility, employees build new homes in one of the hottest places in the country. How much energy consumption does that mean? The tech companies need cooler than cool not to mention the water issues. I know times change but it guts me every time I see a new subdivision going in. Most of the time it means that someone died, and the ranch that has been in the family for generations, was sold. The kids of the deceased are working, probably for some of the big companies coming in, nobody can afford to buy out their siblings, who are dreaming about all the stuff they can buy with the chunk of cash they see coming their way. This is despite all the heehawing and law making in the 90s about recharge zones, aquifer maintenance and water conservation. Limiting development, right. In the interest of good relations with people thinking of relocating to Texas, FYI, did you know the Hill Country, anthrax is endemic? Yep, those little critters live in the dirt. Look it up. Rumor hass it that Kerr county and Kendall county are potential death traps when there's an occasional outbreak. Sure it's rumor and who can remember the last time someone died a slow death from ANTHRAX, but to be on the safe side, between Austin and Dallas are pretty safe. Just sayin'.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your perspective on the changes happening in Texas. It's important to consider the environmental impact of rapid development.

[@davidwatson7919]

Answer... They are not rational and are by definition insane ( insanity. the lack of ability to understand)

[@mikeobearle]

This guy knows nothing about Austin. Politically it is definitely NOT Conservative.

[@SFSCharles]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Austin might be liberal, but it sits right in the middle of one of the most conservative states in the country and state legislation often overrides city and county progressive agendas.

[@SuperLooneyrooney]

@@SFSCharles Sorry but Texas state government is not conservative. Just because a supermajority of Republicans do NOT make it conservative. I also live in one of those supermajority Republican states (MO) and they are anything but conservative. The citizens, yes

[@gskyle4822]

​@@SFSCharles hi Charles, thx for vid! Do you live in TX? Have you ever visited Austin?

[@SFSCharles]

@@gskyle4822 Glad you liked the video. I have lived here for many years.

[@SFSCharles]

@@SuperLooneyrooney That's a very interesting interpretation. Thanks for sharing.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Clear analysis, presented well.

[@SFSCharles]

I appreciate your kind words, they mean a lot to me.

[@RonaldSaylor]

DON’T MOVE TO AUSTIN!!! I moved to Austin in 1971 to attend the University of Texas. The city was a paradise. Imagine this: 250,000 population with 50,000 college students and the main employers in the city were the University of Texas and a state government controlled by Democrats. We were the ‘liberal’ oasis inside of conservative Texas. Rents were cheap. I rented my first apartment for $200 per month. There was lots of live music, restaurants, and other fun things to do. People were easy-going, welcoming, and friendly. Traffic was quite reasonable. Rush hour lasted about 30 minutes. You could be the only car on a major thoroughfare. For me it was the perfect city-small enough to get around and escape but big enough to provide everything you needed. Now just the opposite is the case. The population of Austin is pushing 1,000,000 and the entire metro-population is almost 2,500,000. We are still struggling to get by on the road system that was largely in place when I moved here, and all the modern improvements to the road system turn out to be toll roads. We have a continuous rush hour that never stops. It can take hours to get to and from work and going anywhere between 7 o’clock in the morning until about 8 or 9 o’clock at night can be a very aggravating experience. Don’t think that public transportation will offer relief. Expect public transportation to take twice as long because the buses are stuck in the same traffic as the cars and giant ‘man’ trucks. That’s why drivers in Austin drive very aggressively and are angry all the time. Housing is very expensive and continues to go up. My friends that rent are paying $1700 to $1800 per month for one bedroom apartments. Soon their rents will be above $2000 per month. Wages are low. After all, Texas is a ‘right to work’ southern state. If you don’t have an elite high-tech job, expect to live in poverty. Live entertainment still exists but expect to be packed in like sardines and driving for hours in heavy traffic to get there and later to escape. Austin’s ‘liberality’ is eroding in a very hateful and draconian state. So, don’t expect to be welcomed if you move here. People trapped in a city that doesn’t work for them with no relief in sight resent the people that move here and just make things worse.

[@SFSCharles]

I appreciate you shedding light on the challenges of living in a booming city like Austin.

[@hartsickdisciple]

I moved to the Austin metro in 2009. I've lived in Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, and now Jarrell. I bought in Jarrell because of the home builder permanent interest rate buy-downs and somewhat reasonable prices. I'm concerned that the house/land may lose value in the next couple of years, but I had rented apartments for over 10 years. I was done renting. Another major issue I didn't hear you mention is infrastructure. Austin has terrible traffic, mainly due to infrastructure that can't come close to handling the population growth. Traffic really wasn't bad until about 2013-14. I know people who moved out of the Austin area for that reason alone.

[@edblalock5707]

I moved out of Austin area in 2000. The traffic was horrible then. I grew up in RR, back when it was @10k population

[@SFSCharles]

When they're done, the state will have spent well over a billion dollars on that I-35 upgrade.

[@hartsickdisciple]

@@SFSCharles Which is ridiculous, since what they really need is a beltway. Austin is the only city of this size that I know of that doesn't have at least one beltway.

[@hartsickdisciple]

@@edblalock5707 I can tell you that between 2009 and about 2013-14, the traffic wasn't bad. It was very manageable, and bumper to bumper was rare. Now it's an everyday thing.

[@SFSCharles]

@@hartsickdisciple Do you understand what's west of downtown?

[@dormandavis2767]

GET OUT OF THE CITY. Live in a small town. Best decision I made. Too much BS in the city.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Small towns can offer a great sense of community.

[@heathernevill2405]

I can't wait to retire somewhere else. Renting for now & saving up to buy retirement home in a small town.

[@pepsico815]

I've been here 17 years and I want to leave, but I have no idea where to go. I'm single, retired, and can live anywhere.

[@SFSCharles]

It sounds like you're embarking on an exciting new chapter in your life! The possibilities are endless.

[@r.pres.4121]

Austin was never meant to be a big major city. It never had sufficient infrastructure yet local business and civic leaders kept advertising and attracting businesses and new residents to the city. I lived in Austin from 1993 to 2001 and even than it was getting very expensive and the traffic was horrible. Plus Austin was also very unfriendly and cold hearted. I am glad that I left Austin long before it became an urban disaster area.

[@SFSCharles]

Thank you for sharing your experience of Austin from the past. It's always valuable to hear different viewpoints.

[@badhair5435]

Politics in the city of Austin are far from conservative.

[@SFSCharles]

That's what everybody in CA thought before they moved here and then they figured out the conservative state legislation often overrides city and county progressive policies.

[@parajerry]

@@SFSCharles The state overriding leftist insanity in the cities and county is the ONLY reason Austin hasn't become Denver, CO yet. We have the exact same setup in Florida and the state is keeping Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee from going full woke-tard. Otherwise, you would see all 3 cities depopulating. Even leftists have figured out they have to leave their leftist hell holes for opportunity. Unfortunately, they are too stupid to connect the dots and keep voting woke.

[@badhair5435]

@@SFSCharles 😂