Portland vs. Austin

[Xtina]

I have a very tough decision to make: my husband is considering a job in Austin, Texas. There so many details that affect this decision, but the biggest of these are 1) all of my friends live in Portland, 2) I hate the weather in Portland and my husband would hate the weather in Austin, and 3) I could afford 20 acres in Austin, whereas I could never afford that here. There are countless minor pros and cons to each place that I can think of, but it’s more what I don’t know that concerns me. So I want to hear from anyone who’s spent a lot of time in both places, who can tell me from your perspective which you preferred and why.

 

[Frost Homestead]

all I can say is I LOVE AUSTIN!!! Austin is really one of the best places to live int he country right now as far as the economy is concerned, no wonder he's considering a job here. I say moved down here, you will not regret it. TONS of awesome people in Austin

ETA: PS I have been to Portland but I haven't spent a considerable amount of time there

 

[Xtina]

The people are one of the most important things to me, and I know that in a lot of ways, Portland and Austin are twin cities. Especially in that regard. It seems like there's a lot of like-mindedness between the two places. But what else do you love about it? I need specifics! And thank you

 

[Xtina]

Oh, one big question I have is about what types of things I wouldn't be able to grow there. It seems like I could grow a lot, but I want to know what sorts of things don't grow well.

 

[Frost Homestead]

I grow pretty much anything, this last summer was hotter than usual so all I kept alive was bell peppers and other assorted chiles, onions, herbs, and such. The growing year is actually a lot longer here.

Personally I love Austin BECAUSE of the fact that it's similar to Portland, especially as far as the people go. Here people are friendly and there are a lot of alternative types LOL. Lots of anarchists

free state people, and activists. Lots of hippies, unfortunately lots of yuppies too since they all move here from out of state. Lots of different political views, but Austin is definitely the most free-thinking place in Texas. There a big lake here and it doesn't take too long to get out into the country. Traffics not as bad as people say it is either, just depends on whether you wanna live in the middle of the city or on the outskirts. Things are pretty laid back here, honestly, I'm not from Texas but I love it here. It's the only place in Texas worth living

 

[Frost Homestead]

one thing that didn't grow well for me is tomatoes, this summer was just too hot, but in a normal year the grow fine. The only thing I KNOW of that doesn't grow here is stuff like apples that requires a colder climate. because the growing season is so long you can get away with planting cooler loving plants int he spring and fall and everything else just grows right through the summer.

 

[chickened]

Oregon: tons of public land
Texas: very little
Oregon: clean air
Texas: not so clean (down wind of old Mexico)
Oregon: mild climate
Texas: too hot!

I can think of some other reasons to not live in Oregon and Texas but will keep them to myself.

 

[Frost Homestead]

Quote:
very little land in Texas? you've got to be kidding and Texas is clean. the motto here is 'Don't mess with Texas!' Maybe Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston is dirty but Austin is pristine hill country covered in cool caves and artesian springs

 

[CrestedGirl]

Quote:
very little land in Texas? you've got to be kidding and Texas is clean. the motto here is 'Don't mess with Texas!' Maybe Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston is dirty but Austin is pristine hill country covered in cool caves and artesian springs

I think fort worth is pretty clean. I'd go for Austin

 

[DuckLover2399]

Quote:
very little land in Texas? you've got to be kidding and Texas is clean. the motto here is 'Don't mess with Texas!' Maybe Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston is dirty but Austin is pristine hill country covered in cool caves and artesian springs

x2 spent much time in austin