Why Residents Are Moving Out Of Austin, Texas - The Real Story | Living In Austin

[@xavierestrada5676]

Austin may be experiencing loss but they are only moving to the suburbs like Round Rock and Leander, creating overcrowding and traffic

[@ThomasSunBorn]

I agree with all your reasons but I think the #1 reason people are leaving because there’s a culture clash between the rich and middle class. Austin was one of the most friendliest city no one looked down on anyone “keep Austin weird” But in recent years the vibe has changed. I did Uber and Shipt delivers and refused to deliver in central Austin. Condo after condo with no access to get inside and deliver and no where to park. There is like a million homeless people in downtown next to million dollar condos and they complain. I accidentally went in to a parking garage that was only meant for residents to deliver a TV with Shipt and some old guy got out of his car yelling at me because i wasn’t a resident. The middle class people that work those everyday jobs have been pushed out. Now that condo lifestyle are no longer worth it because nothing is conveniently accessible.

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

That "condo" life was never worth it. If you can't afford a house, Austin is not for you. It will only get worse as more condos have been built in Leander and Cedar Park. For what Austin offers, I don't understand the fascination.

[@Dana-712FifthAve]

@@DIVISIONINCISIONcompletely agree 💯 %

[@CueStudent]

Austin stopped being Austin when too many people moved there. The values, culture and social interaction isn't the same. Traffic, taxes, high cost of living, uncool out of state folks. Really pretentious and closed off. Once upon a time I loved hanging out there. I haven't felt that in about 10 years.

[@aprilmeowmeow]

everyone moved here, and then complained about how much it sucks here. It really killed the culture of the town and made the place miserable... this has been happening for decades

[@butterflygirl2285]

IMO - I agree. There are a lot of people from other locations who appear to be snobs, and they look down on Texans.

[@casterman2]

Lived in Austin in the 80’s. Was the last decade of what Austin used to be. Went back in mid 2000’s. Unrecognizable. Bummed it’s changed so much.

[@ja586]

You'll faint if you come and see it now hahaha. I hate how expensive it has gotten, the non-texans, the douchbags liberals, tech bros, and "creatives". Other than that it has great restaurants and crazy awesome outdoors stuff. That's all I like from Austin.

[@AgsBud]

@@ja586 Liberals are the best part. Heh

[@cconnon1912]

Austin in the 80s was impoverished and economically poor.

[@i-35vagabond56]

No, it wasn't. ​@cconnon1912

[@kuyaspanky.]

I also lived in Austin & left in mid 80s. I didn't see poverish at all & every1 that I knew were mostly middle class. Graduated HS there ( Go Cardinals!) & left due 2 the military. I miss Austin 4 the memories but I am sad that it has become like any other big city in the U.S. Still has a special place in my ❤ tho.

[@Love-dw6ry]

I so appreciate your honesty! Your expertise combined with first-hand knowledge of the area is extremely valuable! Thank you for sharing this! 🌸🏵🌼

[@AustinTX]

Awww! Thank you so much for the feedback and support! I’m so glad to hear that this info is helpful, that’s the goal! 😊😊😊

[@GratitudeHelps]

Thank you for sharing candidly about Austin. The rolodex of videos you've made is especially appreciated for us curious about making a move.

[@AustinTX]

So glad to hear it! Education is always the goal! Feel free to reach out with more questions

[@iantempleton313]

I’ve lived in Austin for 3 1/2 years and I think it’s reached its expiration date for me. It’s so overpriced, the traffic sucks, the weather is brutal, crime and homelessness is getting worse, and it just feels like one big transitional kind of place for people, no real sense of “home”; but that last part is more of a personal thing for me.

[@infoguy1978]

@iantempleton313- how many good or average months of weather does Austin have a year and what are they in your opinion?

[@taipan1234]

It is because Austin is looking like Los Angeles every single day.. they claim they would never do that..

[@AustinTX]

Can you explain the second half of your comment ?

[@taipan1234]

@@AustinTX That's always been the biggest push back from the influx of Californias coming to Texas in the first place... "Don't California, my Texas".. I must admit I'm very surprised you HAVEN'T HEARD that phrase..

[@scotttang6229]

It’s natural that a city grows and changes. I agree that it’s getting too expensive to live in Austin. I can’t imagine it going any higher from this. There aren’t any more rich Californians moving here… lol. This is it!

[@mrbillinsf]

I wish it was like Los Angeles in culture and weather vs the overblown dump of a college town it is.

[@didiermontagnier6114]

@@mrbillinsf Austin is like LA without all the good stuffs

[@yeahyouright4034]

My first business was on E 6th Street. This was decades ago when there was gambling in the alley, porn shops, and drag queens. Our shop was between the original Antone's and Ester's Pool. It was a hoot, and so much fun. We did work for a dance bar called Hall's because of our experience doing parties at Studio 54 in NYC. I can't believe what it has become. Reminds me of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

[@AustinTX]

Super curious to know what year that was 😌

[@yeahyouright4034]

'79-'81 Right out of UT, lived in Hyde Park and Tarrytown. I am loathe to admit I am this old.

[@AtariPixelNeko]

You are on point! I been here for 8 years. The closing of Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds broke my heart.

[@AustinTX]

I knowww 😫

[@MTFDJF]

That’s how we felt when they closed Armadillo World Headquarters. That should tell you how long I’ve been around. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@CommonSenseHuman]

I left Austin in 2010 and even then it was changing so much that the old Austin I fell in love with had ceased to exist. Don’t even get me started on South Congress, it was the coolest part of the city and now it’s changed to the point. I don’t care if I ever see it again. However, the continental club is still awesome..

[@AustinTX]

I know 😖 South Congress has changed SO much and it's heart breaking to see so many OG stores, shops, restaurants, and bars go out of business. They are the very spots that built the vibe that Austin is known for.

[@alexgordonepic]

@@AustinTX continental club in houston is also very cool btw. :)

[@carefulconsumer8682]

Crime, air pollution, traffic congestion. Thank you.

[@AustinTX]

You’re welcome 👍🏻

[@matttucker5786]

There’s no air pollution

[@stevecorder1492]

Longtime Austinite here. Agree with everything you said. One by one, the cool “Austiny” places are being replaced by soulless “real estate developments.” And it’s true that there has always been an undercurrent vibe that avoids growth. The moniker “Live Music Capital of the World” is no longer true. SXSW and ACL are echoes of another time. We can hope that some of the quirkiness survives in the new places that being created. Austin Playhouse, Q2 stadium, and Rock Rose at the Domain are all steps in the right direction…

[@alexgordonepic]

i agree.. soulless. do you know your district rep? do you know what their vision is? please see my comment

[@Zorodrumz]

‘Live music capital of the world’ is crazy. Wasn’t like that when I moved there in 2011 and for sure wasn’t like that when they shut down half the venues for high-rises during covid

[@ATXBO]

Moved to austin in 2010 for job amazing days .. 24 years old , money in pocket, we enjoyed probably the last fun days in austin .. bars were amazing , it was not too dangerous , we saw the birth of rainy street party culture .. cougar clubs , speak easies , friendly crowd you can approach and say hi and have a conversatio without getting judged .. we saw the decline of this city before our eyes .. traffic , cost of living , crime , homeless situation , taxes .. i understand things can change but i guess the problem is it changed too fast and the city is not ready for that rate of change .. miss those old days in austin.. we still party sometimes but old 6th is a hell hole now ..

[@alexgordonepic]

mayor sADLER messed austin up. . i agree... really miss art museum collective on springdale and trailer space records and tons of houses full of artistic folk

[@rgmtz44]

As someone born & raised here I hope you're right

[@RichardKies]

See ya! LOL

[@melissamontgomery3399]

1st video of yours I've seen. I like how real you are and also fun. I subbed. Don't think I'll be moving to Austin anytime soon though ! Best : )

[@AustinTX]

I really appreciate that! That so for the support !! 🤗

[@ewesley1]

What camera and lense are you using for this video?

[@AsaLeighton]

I appreciate the honesty of the this posting. I loved Austin when I was there in 2009-2011 it was perfectly weird and cozy, by Texas standards mind you. Also I used to be a fan of development but to be honest no developer does anything other then what they can get away with to make the most money. If you want things to maintain a "feel" or any conservation of a historic space then there has to be a zoning law or some type of approval governance to require that and slow the pace. Other wise the Developer will do whatever make the most ROI on the project and bulldoze and demo anything that gets in the way of that, its a reality I know. I live in New England and we have to constantly check the development so some house that general Washington or Samuel Adams used in the Revolution doesn't become a Paved over parking lot to a Meglo-mart

[@willmckinney30]

Great video. I walked a client’s dog for years in Zilker. It was very sad how the neighborhood changed, old houses were torn down…cookie cutter duplexes and fourplexes took their place. I’ve been here since ‘04, my girlfriend and I are planning on moving in the next few years.

[@artmanjohn2]

I just turned 74 and lived in Austin a few years from 69 to 73. Back then you could buy a nice home for less than 20,000 bucks. I really miss Austin the way it was, it was literally a small town then with a lot of music and not too many people. In fact, during the day, Austin for all intent and purposes, looked deserted/empty. I remember walking down Guadalupe on a nice summer day and not even seeing another human being on the street! Can you imagine that today? You could rent a house for less than a100 bucks a month! Yep, us Baby Boomers had it pretty good for a while. I live in Fort Worth now and my rent has more than doubled in the last 3 years, thanks California. I was retired and now I had to go back to work full time at 74 years of age, just saying. Work till I die, literally! The beginning of the end was literally when Dell Computers first opened their doors in Austin, this started the flood of people moving to the Austin area and it has never slowed down!

[@milkoluna9325]

I wish I could have visited Austin back in the 80's. I would've loved to have seen the music scene while being a small town.

[@1972landcruiser]

sounds like you squandered a good opportunity

[@TeutonicTribe]

The extreme right republican stranglehold that is Texas will always mean Profit Comes First (Last & Always). You cannot blame outsiders for moving in when locals sell off their real estate to any highest bidder & policies allow for massive growth and sorawl. Pricing & sustainable planning controls are "communism", etc. etc. It's mecca for sad nostalgia.

[@adrianam2157]

Wish transplants would have done their research before turning a previously great city like Austin into the unaffordable, over crowded, fairly new crime infested mess it and nearby suburbs are today. Many people and animals have been displaced and forced to move. You complain about the heat, traffic and missing the businesses forced to close, really? Don't you also miss the fresh and unbelievably cheaper or comprarably priced restaurant food from California, Boston, Washington or Oregon? What about cool commutes on ferries as opposed to 100 plus degree weather stuck in traffic jams. Hmm, maybe there is such a thing as Karma????

[@vinivmoraes]

The content of your videos is amazing, but for some reason the audio is quite low.

[@AustinTX]

Thanks for the note. I’m not sure why this is. Every now and then will comment the same thing. Are you watching with ear pods or on your phone? Just curious

[@vinivmoraes]

@@AustinTX watching on my TV. The issue is only while it cuts to your comments.

[@AustinTX]

Huh.. 🤔 I’ll share with the team and see what’s up. Thanks for the details !

[@susankiec1176]

Hello, At the 8:11 mark that is downtown Fort Worth looking north toward the Tarrant County Courthouse. It’s my new hood. Used to call Austin home !

[@AustinTX]

Wowwwwww, good eye!! Love the Fort Worth area! Hope you’re enjoying Dallas 😊😊

[@michaelboydTx]

Just for my curious state, I'm a 50 year old, and a 7th generation Texan. I've saw tons of things. I know what started it. I know the hardships and how they were filled. I know a ton of county info and City news. My family's made the1 Austin American new paper printed... My great grandfather was get cows down Congress on the way to North Texas to sell and trade. One of them got loose and broke tons of items, clothes line, personal things..and the listed item cost for the destroyed things.

[@michaelsix9684]

well done, very enjoyable to see this, miss the music scene in Austin a lot, plus UT resources, people in Austin were always fun to talk to, it's not like that in Houston

[@miller-n2n]

Thankyou for Sharing 🙏

[@antoniahamilton3201]

Nothing stays the same! Life is change.

[@AustinTX]

Constantly !

[@FreedomLovin]

Nice work on this video. I actually see Austin has having generally good weather from Sept-Dec, and March-May. Even June many years is pretty nice. Like 7-8 months of good weather in general. I;m hoping the summer of 2023 scared some people away and things will go back to the mean again this year. BTW, I'm from the bay area and no the public transportation is not good, we had BART but it got super expensive and it too doesn't go everywhere.

[@AustinTX]

Hey ! Thanks for the feedback and input. You're right, we have 7-8 months of good weather (depending on what your threshold is). I don't know much about BART. I have a cousin who lives in SF and takes it twice a week to work. She hasn't complained about pricing, but she says it's not really the most efficient way to move around either. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@atmydesktyping]

It’s good that Austin is growing. It creates tourism which means economical growth, which entails $$$. There’s good and bad things. I’m sure if you’re a local it’s not good but for everyone else, it is.

[@21cvagabonds86]

Not to mention the homeless problem.. that's a givin these days now I guess.

[@AustinTX]

Yeah, for sure e

[@alexgordonepic]

mayor sALDER made austin like la. VOTE FOR GOOD DISTRICT REP!!!

[@heythere6983]

I wonder what the average is for electricity and utilities? Obviously the size of a house matters but I wonder what numbers are available to go by. Also groceries over there..

[@AustinTX]

Howdy! I have a series of videos outlining specifics on the cost of living in Austin. Check it out 👉🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJnTgXqoeqhsg6csi=GdIeP0qbNaglR9ms

[@ToddSterling]

Austin's summer heat in 2023 was extreme..........I could understand how newbies would freak out after experiencing last year's heat. I have lived here for 25 years and have never felt heat like last year before. I have heard our excess heat last summer was related to a huge volcanic eruption in the South Pacific that released a ultra-massive amount of moisture into earth's atmosphere. Another negative thing I have heard is that Austin's police department is now in crisis and crime here is now on the rise.....a natural consequence of defunding the police department. Who's idea was that anyway? (Perhaps too many Californians have moved here!)

[@AustinTX]

Yeah the heat was wild this past summer. I think the only comparable one was summer of 2009 when it was literally above 110° for over 30 days (maybe 60?). The police situation is frustrating. We really need them to help the community. Have you seen they the police force is advertising a signing bonus of $15k for new officers ? They’re really hurting 😕

[@heathernevill2405]

Cannot wait to retire and get out of Austin for good. Came here in the early 90s (from Houston), had an anchor baby in 1999, and have seen it go downhill since the early 2000s. Have been looking at smaller towns to retire in where homes are more affordable, there are good hospitals/health care, less traffic, fewer people, and entertainment is more accessible.

[@AustinTX]

Oh nooooo! I'm so sorry to hear that you haven't been loving your time here ☹ Its hard when things change so quickly. It can feel like it spirals out, right? What towns have you been looking at? Thinking Texas still or heading out all together?

[@MrIvangron]

thank you for the information and the opinion on the Austin area

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

Back in 2019 when I was looking at housing, I never considered Austin due to the inconvenience of getting around in the city and overpriced housing. Why would I buy an old house in Pflugherville or Round Rock when I could have a custom new build north of Austin? It's a no-brainer. Now that housing has become even more inflated, many native Austinites are leaving for good. I visit Austin for Alamo Drafthouse and to get out once in awhile, but that's about it. The juice is not worth the squeeze.

[@DerrayJones]

U betta Preach!! I am leaving in a few months and everything u said was the truth!!

[@AustinTX]

Where ya headed ?

[@TXRBL]

I first visited Austin in 2008. It was incredible. I now live in the burbs of SE Texas, but Austin was an amazing place.

[@ja586]

Where?

[@marcDC-c2m]

Agreed! Lots of changes but I’ve been here forever and I’m sure other places say the same thing 😢

[@AustinTX]

I think that’s accurate. So many cities through the US are growing by leaps and bounds!

[@MrLeovaras75]

Question to any Austinite: A friend of mine decided to move to Austin, TX, from South Florida, supposedly to start a new life. She claims rent and cost of life over there is cheaper. Was that a smart move, or not? 🤔

[@Brou15O]

im in soflo also thinking about it lol 🤔

[@chrisyonts9652]

Wherever Californians move, go in the opposite direction (I'm a Californian). I think I'll stay here!

[@AustinTX]

You stayin in Austin ?

[@chrisyonts9652]

@@AustinTXNope Newsomland - enemy territory

[@charlotteglenn5763]

The garbage created by the homeless that are still everywhere despite a “camping ban” has had the most negatively transformative, impact to living here. The disastrous and demoralizing impact can’t be overstated. Austinites used to be actively protective of the environment and the wildlife we coexisted with and protected. The combination of lakes and hills and green belts, made it a breathtakingly, uniquely beautiful, and for the most part, safe place to live. The city was green and clean. That experience at one time wasn’t just reserved for the wealthy. It’s demoralizing to those of us who remember experiencing Austin like that, to see that beautiful place all but disappear. It feels like Austin is becoming a residential landfill.

[@youtopia2000]

I got to Austin in late 80s. Stayed for about 15 years and it was great, but I could see it happening back then and got out. Haven't been there in years and probably wouldn't recognize the place anymore.

[@AustinTX]

You’re right. It changes so much from year to year, let alone from what it used to be like in the 90s Where did you relocate to ?

[@Jorgie1944]

We moved to Austin over 30 years ago from the northeast. It made sense at that time: housing was cheap, UT tuition was regulated and cheap. My biggest complaint is that its in the middle of nowhere and there's not much to do. And the summers seem to get hotter and longer.

[@AustinTX]

Austin is in the middle of nowhere ?

[@Jorgie1944]

@AustinTX yes, I think that's the conclusion most people come to. A long way to the beach, a long way to the mountains. The nearby hill country is a saving grace. I just never understood the recent hype about Austin. I certainly wouldn't have gotten into an overpriced bidding war to move here.

[@AustinTX]

Are you still living in Austin ?

[@Jorgie1944]

@AustinTX unfortunately yes. I would have loved to have sold at the peak, but having raised a family here, I am tied by family bonds now. I can't seem to convince everyone to change jobs and move out of state. I am working on it.

[@AustinTX]

Let me know when you’re ready to sell

[@ajaxsf]

Good video but what's going on with your sound? Was the mic not recording?

[@AustinTX]

At what point? Audio is good on my end

[@ajaxsf]

It sounds like the kind of audio you would get out of a camera instead of a lapel mic. I could be wrong. It could just be the echoes in the room. It could be you just need some acoustic foam around you.

[@drewfire7]

Born and raise in Austin. The culture has definitely changed, ultimately this effected my decision to stay. Other determining factors were the politics, taxes, and congestion, its just not the same anymore. My wife and I decided to move to Georgetown in 2019. The day we decided to get out, we were driving to home depot, while at a red light at the Woodward St/I35 over pass, a bum dropped his pants and literally defecated on the bridge right in front of us, wiped his ass with his shirt and then flung it off the bridge on to I-35. I looked at my wife and said "we're moving." We kept our house and turned it into a rental property. Its true, taxes did double in 2023. We released our home stead exemption because our Austin property was no longer our primary residence. Our taxes that year went from $4500 to almost 9K! In 2024 our escrow analysis is now reflecting a more normal tax assessment and its obviously that home values are dropping dramatically. Overall its discouraging to see Austin change so much over the years and although some might blame one contributing factor, I think the reality is a lot of different things happened in conjunction, which has made it less appealing. Meanwhile we are loving Gotwn! Fantastic place to raise a family. Reminds me a lot of Austin as a kid. There is my 2 cents...take car yall.

[@angel2703504]

It’s great for us HVAC people.

[@AustinTX]

lol! Yeah I guess so 😆

[@alexgordonepic]

lol good point! at lest we can charge more to keep up with inflation :)

[@heythere6983]

is there high mold issues over there? Lots of condensation i assume. I recently learned about cleaning the AC coil which most people dont seem to do. Now i feel i have ptsd when it comes to moldy homes

[@msKita43]

Gawd I miss the city I grew up in. Getting around on the city bus for a dollar a day, free activities everywhere. We didn't pay for the trail of lights or the botanical gardens. Watering holes had water! Good food wasn't over priced. People were friendly and welcoming. 6th street was safe and so much fun! There was just a vibe to the city that is completely lost.

[@DjMicr0dot]

i own a home downtown Austin and its in a bad way butin a very good spot...i feel like the city wants us to move cuz there harassing us by towing our cars and tgeirs a massive homeless issue in my neighborhood which is literally terrifying...do you hv any suggestions like should i gv in and jst sell or should i hold out and fix it up to rent? wwyd?

[@AustinTX]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment 🤗 That’s a really good question. It’s hard to answer that without gathering more information. So much of that depends on you, your lifestyle, long-term goals, etc. Personally, I’m a fan of hanging on to property so I would probably just hang onto it and maybe move to a different neighborhood. I guess a couple questions for you; do you have enough equity? Are you willing to go to another part of town? What is your lifestyle like and are you OK potentially being further away?

[@DjMicr0dot]

@@AustinTX i as a musician love my spot! im east of 35 jst 5 blocks tho. i really feel like the homeless issues are worth movinv tho. i get nervous jst walking the block is jst too dangerous by myself 4ft 10in tall. ide hate to sell it but its mine and my dads and he jst had a stroke so fixing it up has been a ruff time....the code department hss been harassing him about things that arent even relevant to our home its weitd like cited for not having a water heater when its not hard to find and a bunch of random weird trivial things really. i feel like there exasperating the homeless issue cuz they were harassing our neighbor then he sold....now our house is theonly one left on the block and sure enough, now there harassing us. i think theres a bad bit of Gentrification going on and our community is vanishing. Thank you for responding back to me....i really am torn on what to do ide really like to do something with entertainment since were on the sxsw strip literally or rent it out to a business or lastly i guess sell it....but only if we can stay close like riverside or even oltorf maybe but im smack dab in the best spot dt ...its got potential..like for real!

[@kozmokohler]

Lived there from 2007-2018. Its a dieing city living on an image it had many moons ago. Out of 25 artists I was close to when i lived there only one remains in the city limits and only because she has a sugar daddy. Artists and hippies being able to thrive were what gave it it's charm and character. Now its sunken in mere survival of the masses and corporate profits.

[@rosetta13k]

Hi Daphne! I am loving your channel! I've been here since 1999. Graduated from UT in 2002. Now live in NW Austin. What makes me sad is that all of the quaint homes on Rainy St., Hyde Park, etc. are being torn down and replaced with these ultra contemporary homes and condos with no soul.

[@AustinTX]

Howdy 👋🏻 thanks so much for watching ! I agree with you. These little pockets of Austin originally had so much character and really made up the original fabric of Austin. The evolution of Rainy St blows my mind. It has changed SO much in just 8 years. 😢

[@grants5383]

I moved to the Austin downtown area about 2 years ago from the Midwest and I'm moving back soon. Honestly, the biggest reason I want to leave is the people and culture. Obviously this is all extremely anecdotal, but in my experience this city is extremely vain and shallow. Seems there's an infinite source of drinking buddies, but you'll have a hard time finding any real connections. It's like it attracts all of the worst people from college who aren't ready to leave their prior lifestyle. I've met sooo many people here who cheat, lie, straight up manipulate others, and hell even drink and drive but don't seem to think much of it. Once the initial excitement of living here wore off I became hella depressed. Like I said, this is all based on my personal experience and who I am. It is a city of a million people so obviously there's some good ones out there (I found a few! I'm very grateful for them and I'll miss them dearly). I would guess my age group (mid 20's - mid 30's) has something to do with the type of people I met, and the fact I mostly stayed within the downtown area. However, it does seem like this city does generally attract a certain type of person. Perhaps the massive amount of bars and clubs has something to do with that. I appreciate this video, sorry to dump on your city! I'll definitely miss the BBQ, and most of all the dogs. Definitely have never seen more good pups anywhere else!

[@grants5383]

@@Adam-u8u6c LOL

[@diamonddoor33]

In general, that's the case for the entire USA.... hard to get real friends.. people living very lonely. You should try Latin America or Europe.

[@lisasdfwhightechworld9946]

@@diamonddoor33 I don't see her complaints on the Dallas or Ft. Worth relators' videos. I watch and read most of them.

[@michaelsix9684]

Austin is full of ppl suffering from arrested development and immaturity, saw this even when I was there 84-87, it was tolerable then now it's annoyimg

[@jimflask1164]

I have a solution to all of those reasons. I think I want to move to the area because of the natural landscape. I like hiking on trails, exploring canyons and watching out for sunsets. Somewhere there is a legendary swimming hole north west of Austin in the cliffs and has waterfalls. This is the kind of lore that just makes my hair stand up. When I was 6 I used to run around El Paso with my pockets full of horned toads. My mom wanted to leave Texas after the bought a house and the first night sleeping in it. They woke up to 10,000 scorpions all over the walls, inside my crib. We were really blessed. I've always wanted to move back there because who doesn't want more memories?

[@em4475]

Lots of great information. I just got hired at a manufacturing plant in the Austin area and am looking at apartments but I appreciate your videos for my research. Especially when you’re brutally honest!

[@AustinTX]

So glad you find it helpful! Honesty is always the best route haha ☺️

[@spinetickspressing]

The homelessness is really a major issue. People camp out in the open, and many of our greenbelt areas are taken by the homeless, and they leave trash and shopping carts everywhere.

[@AustinTX]

Realistically, I wouldn’t say everywhere. It’s a problem, yes. There are many parts of Austin that are really well-maintained, clean, and homeless-free. Parts of central Austin are significantly more affected than others. I’m also not a fan of the situation, but there are a lot of great places in town that don’t have a homeless problem at all.

[@spinetickspressing]

@AustinTX I live in North Austin near Parmer and Metric our greenbelt areas are trashed and people panhandle at every major intersection. The downtown areas are free because these people in need have been chased into the suburbs. It may not be everywhere, but everywhere is affected to a small and larger degree.

[@AustinTX]

I’m familiar with the ones on Parmer and metric- the lady with the dogs ? The guy with dreads and a shopping cart ? (There are many more) Those are major intersections which is why they go there so they can pan handle. Also worth mentioning are the folks who are gathering funds.. etc Go NW, go West of down town, go to the true burbs (cedar park, Leander, east Pflugerville) they’re not there.

[@starry.nights.]

​@AustinTX lol. What a take. Of course there are less homeless om the west of 35. That's where a lot of the wealth is concentrated. And those are largely the people who give no fuck about the homeless and communities push them out. The homeless are an inconvenience to them and since they're wealthier parts of the city, they get what they want. They don't want homeless around, yet they don't have any solutions for them. And there is 100% a ton of homeless in north east austin and east pflugerville. Idk what you're talking about.

[@rbletitgo4948]

It is so hard but I take your advice. I have a choice between Austin, Knoxville Tenn and Richmond Virginia. I think I will choose Knoxville.

[@AustinTX]

Enjoy Knoxville

[@michaelcummings8119]

Hello....will houses be cheaper in a year? Thanks Michael

[@AustinTX]

We’ll know more after elections.

[@janeforever]

We are native Texans, grew up there, went to hi school & UT, had our kids at the old Brackenridge Hospital, worked in the area until other job opportunities took us around the US. Our final jobs were in north central CA just S of the Bay Area. Our plan was always to move back home from wherever we were when we retired. That's been a pipe dream because of the cost of housing & property taxes all around the Austin area & surrounding metro areas & counties. A 10% cap on properties with a homestead exemption is still obscene. We're stuck in CA now that we're retired & can't afford to move home to family because we can't afford a house payment many times higher than our current nor can we afford property taxes almost triple what we pay in CA, believe it or not. And as far as traffic - it's always been terrible. Austin's never been proactive about planning for any kind of growth, except when it's too late & a big mess with construction everywhere, like now. The only things different are the political climate in TX where politicians used to come together for the good of the state & its citizens, now the maggots are in it for their own power & cramming their minority beliefs down everyone's throats. And the 2nd difference is the climate - way to hot for too many days that turn into months OR too freezing in the winters because of Texas' ERCOT mismanagement & do nothing politics when it comes to holding ERCOT execs accountable for what Texans are having to suffer thru, be it blast furnace heat & not enough power for AC or frigid temps & ice damaging power lines unable to provide power to keep the heat on in the winter's extremes.

[@sbman436]

The fact that you think Austin is more expensive than the Bay Area is mind-boggling.

[@melissamontgomery3399]

Gene Taylor, the keyboard player for the Fabulous T-Birds, Kim Wilson, and many others, including his own band, froze to death in his house in Austin , I think that was the winter of 2020? When the grid went down. I'm still now over it. He was an American roots icon. I was there in 2004 for sxsw and in 2007 to see James McMurtry at the Continental club, Joan Jett at Stubbs, & Chrissie Heinz at the Convention center. I always thought about moving there, but after this video and your comment, no way. Best to you : )

[@vmarieself]

Great content! #truthaboutAustin

[@AustinTX]

Thanks Vickie!! 🤗

[@josephperez7995]

More people need to leave Austin !!

[@johnangellrealestategroup]

I can only speak from my experience in Dallas. They're not apples and oranges, but they're both rapidly growing Texas cities. Texas population densities have become rife with crime, homelessness and drug abuse. Homeless encampments are everywhere. Dallas has gotten bad, to my knowledge Austin is even worse. For some reason no Austin real estate report I've watched will talk about this. You're absolutely right about property taxes and the heat, although those have always been a problem. We have horrific traffic as well and it's only getting worse. Good luck down there. I know a couple of brokers and it's been a challenge since 2023.

[@yaumelcruz6092]

I would like to moved Austin, i went like 1 month ago and I like what I see. Cheapest place than Miami

[@AustinTX]

That’s true, the downside is we have higher property taxes than Florida. Glad you liked Austin though !

[@euphoricmonk]

@@AustinTX I talked to the city on a phone hearing and talked them down 200k off my taxes, it's possible.

[@cowpunkability]

Condos in soco are less expensive, and I would never wanna live out in the suburbs in a house I love living here in soco. I can go to any music event in a matter of seconds so I can walk to everything and we have a giant dog park. It’s just really fun and cheerful. I like seeing Jimmy Vaughn every Wednesday I literally walk across the street. They still have lots of bungalows. All the houses are different and the music scene for me has been awesome. I’m an amateur but I play out every night. There’s still that vibe I know that you’re talking about but there’s still that vibe it’s the people and there’s a lot of people that didn’t sell and those people are around. They’re very supportive of each other and the musicworld you just can’t find that many places

[@caprcorn28]

Beautiful Hill Country….but Austin is NOT my personal vibe. Have done some girls trips there over the years and met up with someone that finished the MS150, ugh. Every one of those trips were frustrating for several of your reasons discussed. And traffic…incredibly aggravating….and I come from Houston traffic……Austin is just like gridlock.

[@waynesimpson4081]

Part of it is: people didn't necessarily choose Austin, large firms choose it as a Texas location that would be acceptable to "talented" employees. Highly paid, creative types who want big city, college town amenities usually with outdoor activities. (California tech firms really didn't rush to Amarillo, Lubbock or Wichita Falls. A Texas site had to be somewhat Ann Arbor, Palo Alto or even Brooklyn like.) Transplants who were willing to try Austin because of UT and image might be disappointed. And when those firms started to lay people off, there was just no reason to stay.

[@amantedelmondo1787]

A few weeks ago Joe Rogan said that in his opinion Austin has already hit its peak and that what comes next is a period where the city will go through a number of adjustments. Some good, some bad, but that in the end Austin will remain a great place to live with a lot to offer and as one of the many California's transplants everybody in the comments keeps rambling about, I agree, and I also think that any changes the city has gone or will go through, it will never look anything like the madhouse LA has become. Love it here!!

[@AustinTX]

Thanks for the well thought out comment 😊 I agree, ups, downs, then finding some sort of new normal will come about. Crazy how people just ramble off about Californians, isn’t it? There are many, but people are relocating from so many different parts of the US. Any way, thanks for watching! 😃

[@steveadams2888]

FYI I have been in Austin over 50 years and it has always been HOT

[@AustinTX]

Great feedback

[@gigglyfart7]

When I went to UT in early 2000, weather was 120 F.

[@aprilmeowmeow]

right... I have no idea why people are complaining about the weather suddenly. It's business as usual.

[@gigglyfart7]

@@aprilmeowmeow because the TV said to

[@stevennolte4830]

Being raised there from 1964 to 1981...then traveling...and living there again 1994 to 2001... Breaks my heart...oh what a sad sad place it has become...

[@guilhermemvsoliveira]

the #2 reason is everywhere, especially in cities were hot summers were already a reality.

[@didiermontagnier6114]

The pandemic was a blessing in disguise since I no longer have to go downtown for work. I used to love hanging out downtown but not anymore. Austin is now just like LA without all the good stuffs

[@anthonycorey5448]

Morning rush and evening rush hour Austin is like a giant parking lot.

[@AustinTX]

Really depends where, but generally yes

[@FractionalMateo]

I will be heading to Dallas as soon as possible. I am in my 15th year in Austin and yeah. 100% true. All of this is accurate.

[@Proudmary7]

Dallas is boring AF.

[@rfink222]

@@Proudmary7True, but so is Austin.

[@ztradezoptionstrading1513]

Because it went Liberal and turned into a heaping pile of crud. There's a reason why people are leaving left cities and states in hoards. Dallas has high property taxes as well, but it leans to the right which is why everyone in the country is headed there.

[@MTFDJF]

Austin has always been a liberal town. Now it’s a liberal metroplex.

[@gomerhanger2285]

Well that’s not necessarily true 🤪.. many are moving out of Austin and into neighboring cities 😊 cities like Hutto, Plugerville , etc.. are considered “Austin” while towns as far as Jerrell or Jonestown up north and San Marcos down south are those neighboring cities.

[@AustinTX]

That’s accurate also!

[@patrickharty9214]

Homicide rate has more than doubled from any other previous years for the City of Austin, Texas, due to the de-funding of the Police in 2020. One third of the budget was cut resulting in cuts to the amount of Officers on the force, which bled over to 2023. That's why it takes Police hours to respond to 911 calls (It has emboldened the Criminal element).

[@letsgojmo]

Let it be true

[@davidpristupa1629]

Austin was expensive 14 years ago😂 I remember seeing ATMs every where in the entertainment district. Clusters of machines on every corner.

[@AustinTX]

You think so?? I remember when I first moved here in 2010, homes seemed so much less expensive than they were in the north. Intreated in hearing more of your perspective though 😊😊😊

[@vikm1341]

Austin is still small in my opinion . I think its barely about 1 millon people. The traffic isn’t bad. Compared to larger cities. But I have lived in Larger cities like Houston and LA. Its better than sitting in traffic for 5 hours. But yes very very hot and humid.

[@josephwells5953]

I moved to Austin to 2008. It was still a Fun, Colorful, Affordable place to live. I lived in Windsor Park. It was Fun , Affordable and Safe. None of those things hold true anymore. South Congress was an area where locals could Shop, Eat and Hangout. In real life who can afford or wants to shop at any of the overpriced chain stores that took over So Congress and ran off the locals? The shine is off that penny now.

[@ziggyflame6988]

Summers in Texas have always been freaking hot! Been here for 30yrs and ain’t nothing new about the summers. Every summer is the same thing, especially in the news about the heat waves and people dying 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️like how did people not learn how not to die during Texas crazy hot summers

[@o1egm]

so CA ppl did turn Austin into CA? What a surprise! :)

[@awakeandthriving4858]

Weather, bugs, proximity to the ocean and mountains, housing prices, geography, politics.

[@hologramhouse729]

I was shocked at how average Austin was when I spent a week there a couple of years ago. Doesn't help place is full of Chuds

[@AustinTX]

What’s a Chud?

[@steezli]

I personally have found Austin natives to be extremely friendly. It's kinda odd since myself and other new transplants are making everything more expensive and traffic worse.

[@AustinTX]

I agree, people are still kind and fairly welcoming. (My experience)

[@Grooveriff]

Don't worry. We're just friendly. Deep down, we really don't like you.

[@AustinTX]

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@euphoricmonk]

@@Grooveriff I knew you were faking it, you sonofffaaa B........

[@lionardo]

if people are leaving where are they going?

[@AustinTX]

Some folks are going back to their original towns, others relocate for work etc

[@jhmrem]

Good content. The speaking audio is a little too soft.

[@AustinTX]

Thanks for the feedback

[@lrs7777]

Traffic congestion & overpriced housing!!!

[@streetsharkz]

1) It's too hot to enjoy anything outdoors 2) you live in air conditioning 3) Driving anywhere takes an hour minimum now

[@MisterProducts]

Why stay?

[@ericcollette183]

Been in Austin since March 1990. It was so nice to live here back then! City pretty much ruined

[@tmyni]

I’m born and raised here. 40 years old. Traffic has always been an issue here lol

[@AustinTX]

But it’s gotten worrrrrrrse

[@michaelsix9684]

my prop. taxes in Houston are now 417/yr. at 68 I am lucky, but I hate it here! can't wait to leave after 35 yrs.

[@dukeloo]

Where are people leaving to?

[@AustinTX]

Good question- A lot of folks I’ve talked to are usually headed to either costs

[@rgmtz44]

Colorado

[@mrbillinsf]

Back to the saner blue sky’s, great weather in California

[@Garrbanzic]

Every state need people its what moves the economy

[@AustinTX]

100%

[@anthonycorey5448]

You can say that again, the Summers are getting hotter !!!

[@AustinTX]

Some how they are 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@lisasdfwhightechworld9946]

@@AustinTX Texas had 7 years of hard drought back in the 1950s. Weather is better now than it was back then.

[@harshoperator]

Been in Texas since 2010...when I finish my degree here, I'm moving back to Long Island. I can't take the gentrification and weather anymore.

[@lrmbvv]

folks don't understand tx geography, basically you need to be leaving within about 10-20 miles max of central austin, otherwise your spending a lot of time in your car, No benifits of a large body of water, that means HUGE swings in temps, it's called a high "continentality" geographic location, because you are not in the vicinity of a Ocean, to offset those temps

[@adriencloud2130]

My complaint about this city my home is that every problem that everyone complains about is a self inflicted wound that no one truly wants to address. its always someone elses fault and as a local its suffocating. Yall this idea that Austin wasnt meant to be this is so dumb. No town, village, settlement in the world isnt meant to be anything it just happens. Texas one of the largest states in the country, Austin the capitol of a state with one of the largest economies that compare to other medium first world nations i mean come on it was inevitable. People knew back in the 80s a boom was coming and nothing was done to prepaire for it. Back in 2000s we would have had started a rail line which could have been the spine of a wonderful transit system..in the gutter it went. this idea that all trees must be flattaned for these subdivisions that only add to high traffic could have easily been avoided. our concious act in 2024 to reject what this city has become is only going to get worst. I still love my city though Im not giving up on it.

[@XOAliciaMarie]

Austinite of 20+ years AND 17+ years of real estate. To say Austin wasn't built to be a city like Houston or Dallas is just NOT RELEVANT. 1/2 of this town is "Hill Country" and beautiful, protected Reserves with wild life...... so NO WAY it would have been cost effective to literally try to build like Houston, Dallas, or SA. Plus, not all parts of the world are meant to be major cities like Houston / Dallas / San Antonio.

[@mnz6324ify]

If Property taxes from the City had went up so how come people keep electing city politicians that is raising up their taxes? Stop electing local leaders who think that they can tax their way out of city issues.

[@Kinai89]

Both Austin and Dallas.............. car traffic is insane

[@AustinTX]

I’ve been in Dallas a lot over the last year and I feel like the drivers are a lot more careless. Also significantly longer distances between things

[@michaelsix9684]

prop. taxes drove out lots of small businesses, very sad

[@chfaisalaltaf8062]

Ur just absolutely natural!! Love ur blog ! Can’t wait to settle down in Austin as soon as you can help us find the house and our immigration to come through …honestly Looking forward to living in Austin !!! Keep up the good work … highly appreciate your kind help ! Regards Faisal and maham