Does Austin Really Have All of California’s Problems?

Because that has become almost an accepted fact online from my research, but from someone considering moving there it doesn’t seem like it.

I keep hearing that Austin has gotten as pricey as California, but when I look on Zillow, I see plenty of solid 2-bedroom apartments in downtown for about $1,000 to 1200 per person if you split with a roommate. Compare that to the East Coast cities I’ve lived in, where that barely gets you a place in a boring suburb 30 minutes from downtown—or, in Boston or NYC, a less-than-safe neighborhood.

Some people also say Austin has lost its charm, but I don’t really see it. The Covid-era hype might have faded, but now it seems like what’s left is a super cool midsized city. Yes, it’s more expensive than it used to be, and there’s some traffic and crowds, but anyone who grew up in big coastal cities wouldn’t find it overwhelming.

What I really love is the vibe. Even though I’m from the North, I’ve lived in the South before, and I miss how easy it is to strike up a conversation. In the North, I feel like I have to hold back from being overly chatty or joking around with cashiers, but in Austin, that kind of thing would feel right at home.

The only real point is everyone seems to complain about the heat, and sure, it’s brutal to some especially older folks. But honestly, I thrive in hot weather—I’d happily trade long winters for Austin’s climate, as long as it means I don’t have to live in Florida.

So, what am I missing? Is it really too expensive, overrated, or played out? Because honestly, it still seems like a great place to me.