Thinking of moving to Austin Texas

peacelovestar · Mar 9, 2007

I do not know the pay for your experience but it's likely that it is less than you're used to. BUT.. I just wanted to say that Austin is absolutely awesome. I lived there for a short while and am constantly trying to figure out a way to eventually move back there when it's all said and done.

Basically the paycut (I think!) is worth living in Austin. AND this is coming from a lady who lives in Hawaii.

Soup Turtle · Mar 9, 2007

I live in SA. From what I've seen on these boards, RN wages start at about $18-$20 in Austin. Keep in mind the cost of living is low, though!

A few things to look out for if you're moving to Austin are the property taxes and the traffic. I've heard property taxes are extra high in TX because we have no state income tax. Traffic in Austin is UNGODLY! You'll want to make sure you live close to where you'll be working or be prepared to sit in traffic for long periods of time.

Austin is a really cool city with lots of "local" type shops along with the big chains. There are also a lot of students and "weird" people there. You see a lot of, "Keep Austin Weird" bumper stickers when you drive around. I'd love to move there someday, but the traffic is so discouraging.

austin heart, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2007

Keep in mind the cost of living is low, though!
Traffic in Austin is UNGODLY! You'll want to make sure you live close to where you'll be working or be prepared to sit in traffic for long periods of time. /QUOTE]
Sorry, but the cost of living in Austin IS NOT low! We have one of the highest costs of living in the state due to the fact that everyone wants to live here. Be prepared to pay $1+ a square foot for apartments plus your utilities. Not too cheap to eat out here either unless you like to eat fast food all the time, lol.
The traffic is not that bad either, especially with the toll roads open. It is not any worse than any other big city. Traffic from Round Rock/North Austin to downtown in rush hour is approximately 45 mins to an hour if you don't take the toll roads, cut that by 20 mins if you do.
Pay here is anywhere from $17-25 depending on experience and specialty. And the job market is OK.
Austin is a beautiful town. It is a big city with that small town feel. Lots of green, trees and water. And, there is always something to do whether you are singe or have a family.

Soup Turtle · Mar 18, 2007

Austin is more expensive than other cities in Texas, but it's still cheap compared to a lot of other states. Real Estate is more expensive as are taxes, but I didn't find that things were much different, otherwise. We had a house in San Antonio while my husband lived/worked in Austin, so I drove up there a few times a week. I always knew when I was getting close because traffic STOPPED. It sucked!!! I guess that's relative, too, though. It could be even worse in other places! Yikes!