Austin tips

[jrichards]

Hi all you Austinites -

My really good friend from college is moving to Austin. Her husband just got a new job there and they're relocating from the metro Detroit area.

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips they'd be willing to pass along as far as good areas to live, fun things to do, can't miss restaurants, cool kiddie things, etc. Also if anyone would be willing to meet up with her to welcome a new-comer, or talk to her for any questions she may have to bounce off about houses, etc. that would be GREAT!

She's 36 years old, been married 10 years to a great guy, and has 2 girls (6 years and 4 years). She has a lot of energy and is a ton of fun. She was a VP of Marketing in her corporate life, but since having kids she started up her own businesses (internet rhinestone shirts, and also does marketing consulting).

I'm going to miss her, but Austin will be a great place to visit.

Thanks for your help!

Jennifer

[Meganator]

There have been two or three threads discussing Austin extensively in the past year, due to other people moving here or thinking of moving here (search for "Austin" in the title). When are they moving? There are lots of BB-ers here from the area, and definitely we would want to extend them a warm welcome. As far as where to live, there are so many choices that it really depends on what they are looking for (suburban new house, older smaller cool old house in closer, what they are looking for in a school district, price range....). Good restaurants are abundant also, so recommendations really depend on what their tastes are.

Megan

[jrichards]

Hi Megan,

I did do a search for the Austin threads, and found 71 of them! About 8 deal extensively with people moving to Austin, and tips for things to do which I'm going to forward to her. I also have a few suggestions from feedback I got before business trips there, and the things I did.

However, I thought I'd start a new thread for any new feedback, as well as updates on new restaurants since things always change. Also, to try and solicit someone to talk to my friend. ;)

She is moving in less than 2 weeks!! :eek: Her husband wants to try and buy a house right away, but she thinks they should wait and get a better feel for the area before doing so. I'm sure though they want to start out in a good school area.

I'll try to get her to log on and post her info as to what type of house/area she's looking for and the price range. Or, get it from her.

Thanks for your help and welcome!

Jennifer

[sneezles]

Your friends daughters are the same ages as Robyncz's girls. You might PM her if she doesn't see this thread! And I believe Anna's daughter is also 4...how did that happen? Not sure if they live in the same area but they can both give you some valuable information about Austin from a parent's perspective.

[Robyncz]

You're right Susan. My girls are 6 and 5, and Anna's daughter must be 5 as well since she just started Kindergarten. Incidentally, Anna and I live in the same part of Austin, and I think I can speak for her as well when I say we both really like it here.

I'd recommend waiting at least a little while before buying a house because the different parts of Austin are SO different. Although a good realtor could probably figure out the best areas for your friend based on an honest conversation. Problem is, there are a lot of not-so-good real estate agents out there, and it's sometimes hard to tell the difference.

I'd be happy to talk to your friend either before or after she arrives. PM me and I'll send you the appropriate contact information.

[jrichards]

Robyn,

I just sent you a PM -thanks again.

Jennifer