Considering Austin

[pugluvr310]

Hi everyone! My husband and I are considering a relocation from Chicago down to Austin. I wanted to get some info on the area... Weather, cost of living, expected wages for an RN with a year of experience, how the job market is - if a lot of places are hiring, outdoor activities, the nice areas to live etc... Any info anyone can give would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all!

[MissBrahmsRN]

PS:

i definitely agree with you about no competition to help with pay...2 hospital systems controlling everything is annoying maybe if there were more they could compete more..of course too many nurses doesnt help.

[phlox]

I have worked in both the Houston and Austin area. Houston paid better and was higher tech, generalization, I know. Houston is a HUGE city, keep in mind. Austin weather is hotter in the summer and colder in the winter than Houston because Houston is located closer to the gulf. I have lived in both areas for over 20 years at each place so have a good basis for comparison. There are no real winters in Houston because it is rare when a freeze occurs. Austin gets several hard freezes each winter. So Houston has a prettier, more floral city with taller trees because some winters there is barely a frost. Austin drier and rockier and hillier with scrubbier trees, less rainfall than Houston. Houston is very humid, it is after all, a jungle.

And you should taste the bbq brisket at "Snows" in nearby cow town of Lexington. Voted best in Texas :)