AUSTIN, TX & the rest of the world

[JoeyA]

Are there any posters or lurkers in the Austin, TX area?

I would like to know a little about that general area. I've heard it is a popular "Move-To" area for many people.

Are the pool halls smoke free?

Also, just in general, would you move to your city if you were relocating? Not just because of pool but because of quality of life and the pursuit of happiness. And NO this isn't a troll post. Most of you have got to know me over the years and I have met dozens of AZers here and around the country.

My son may have the opportunity to move soon and if he does, I want to
have some input as my wife and I might even pull up stakes and move with him.

New Orleans continues to struggle. The pool hall I play at is great but the smoke is almost unbearable as I have a respiratory problem that seems to be getting worse.

My wife doesn't like the cold much and being from Louisiana, we're kind of used to hot and muggy. This doesn't mean that we couldn't opt for a different type of climate but seriously, is where you live something really special?

Many people think where they live is special. Shoot, New Orleans is special in so many ways I can't even begin to count them. There are dozens of good things about New Orleans but I wouldn't recommend anyone moving here right now.

How about you?

JoeyA

 

[ironman]

Are there any posters or lurkers in the Austin, TX area?

I would like to know a little about that general area. I've heard it is a popular "Move-To" area for many people.

Are the pool halls smoke free?

Also, just in general, would you move to your city if you were relocating? Not just because of pool but because of quality of life and the pursuit of happiness. And NO this isn't a troll post. Most of you have got to know me over the years and I have met dozens of AZers here and around the country.

My son may have the opportunity to move soon and if he does, I want to
have some input as my wife and I might even pull up stakes and move with him.

New Orleans continues to struggle. The pool hall I play at is great but the smoke is almost unbearable as I have a respiratory problem that seems to be getting worse.

My wife doesn't like the cold much and being from Louisiana, we're kind of used to hot and muggy. This doesn't mean that we couldn't opt for a different type of climate but seriously, is where you live something really special?

Many people think where they live is special. Shoot, New Orleans is special in so many ways I can't even begin to count them. There are dozens of good things about New Orleans but I wouldn't recommend anyone moving here right now.

How about you?

JoeyA

Hey Joey,

I live about 80 miles from there and can't or won't pretend to know a lot about Austin, but the only problem I have with the city is the friggin traffic which is just brutal.
They passed the ordianance prohibiting smoking, but, it isw not strictly enforced. I think that is only in Austin proper though. It seems to have slown it down enough to make it bearable though.
Other than that, I like the place. It is pretty clean and fast paced. FWIW>

 

[Brian in VA]

I visited Austin on about 10 occasions on business over the last 15 years. I think it's a great town. Friendly people, appears to be a decent economy, lots of good golf courses, no state income taxes, excellent local music scene. Haven't been there for about 4 years so not sure of the current climate.

Richmond VA, where I live, is a great place to live. We're 2 hours from the beach, 90 minutes from the mountains, 2 hours from Washington DC. Decent cost of living, low unemployment rate, friendly people, lots of history here. Smoke free? Nope. Unfortunately, we grow the stuff here so the legislature doesn't have cajones enough to try to outlaw it.

Good luck finding a new place to live!

Brian in VA

 

[JoeyA]

Hey Joey,

I live about 80 miles from there and can't or won't pretend to know a lot about Austin, but the only problem I have with the city is the friggin traffic which is just brutal.
They passed the ordianance prohibiting smoking, but, it isw not strictly enforced. I think that is only in Austin proper though. It seems to have slown it down enough to make it bearable though.
Other than that, I like the place. It is pretty clean and fast paced. FWIW>

Tell me the traffic in Austin is not as bad as it is in Houston. At least tell me that.

Where would you live if you had no house and no strings attached?
Thanks,
JoeyA

 

[JoeyA]

I visited Austin on about 10 occasions on business over the last 15 years. I think it's a great town. Friendly people, appears to be a decent economy, lots of good golf courses, no state income taxes, excellent local music scene. Haven't been there for about 4 years so not sure of the current climate.

Richmond VA, where I live, is a great place to live. We're 2 hours from the beach, 90 minutes from the mountains, 2 hours from Washington DC. Decent cost of living, low unemployment rate, friendly people, lots of history here. Smoke free? Nope. Unfortunately, we grow the stuff here so the legislature doesn't have cajones enough to try to outlaw it.

Good luck finding a new place to live!

Brian in VA

Thanks Brian. I didn't know about the lack of state income tax. That's nice. Florida has that as well but I think I am pretty much done with the hurricanes but they sure have a lot of pool talent there.

Richmond sounds nice with beaches and mountains within 3 hours of each other and you practically in the middle. Thanks for the heads-up.

It is possible that we will stay right where we are but for now we're just surfing around in case.

Thanks,
JoeyA

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

Austin is the nutz. I have been there a couple of times...pool rooms are great, people are nice and the music scene is awesome. If I wasnt married and moving to Michigan...I would seriously concider Austin as a place to live.

 

[Samiel]

Hi Joey! The few times I've been through Austin the traffic was definitely tough. However, that's only going through Austin. If you can find something on the outskirts it's not too bad at all. I was down in Austin last year and didn't go through Austin and it was a breeze. I also played pool down there and there was definitely smoking, but I'm not sure if it has changed since then.

The one time I drove through Houston the traffic was unbelievably bad. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone!

 

[ironman]

Tell me the traffic in Austin is not as bad as it is in Houston. At least tell me that.

Where would you live if you had no house and no strings attached?
Thanks,
JoeyA

Okay, I won't tell you that traffic is worse than Houston. It is pretty rough though. The good thing is that the traffic hours don't last as long as in Houston. They are building loops and so forth and are working on it, but it's a little rough.

Where would I go? I have thought a lot about that. I came to San Antonio in 1999. My job transferred me here. It has been,,,,,, let's say very different. I came from Denver and I loved it there and miss it, but, I don't miss the cold at all although I'm not real thrilled with this heat. I'm moving to Dallas in about 3 weeks, so I guess that answers the question.

When I came here I was offered options. San Antonio, Omaha, or Atlanta.

I guess everyone has their own choice of poison.

 

[Bishop]

I'm not a big fan of Austin. The town is so liberal they are narrowminded....if can make any sense. Expensive unbearable in certain areas, houty touty type of town. Middle class is almost no existant there. Traffic is ever so close to being like Houston. Overall I just don't like the town. Great for a week or weekend though.

I do however love their restaurants and the live music sceen is tremendous.

 

[Craig Fales]

Austin is the nutz. I have been there a couple of times...pool rooms are great, people are nice and the music scene is awesome. If I wasnt married and moving to Michigan...I would seriously concider Austin as a place to live.

I can't imagine someone wanting to move to Michigan...I'm on my way to leaving here and I'll never come back to live...I lived in Richmond for 6 months eons ago and loved the climate...Austin is one place to consider for me or San Antonio as I have alot of family there...

 

[Big C]

I guess it depends on what your motivation to move is. I have lived here in central Austin almost all of my 39 years. To me it's home, but there are other places I would rather live. If I were to relocate, my first choice would be San Diego. Followed by San Francisco/Bay area, Boise. The things I do not like about Austin is the cost of living. Property taxes and home costs are some of the highest in the country. It's really hard to get ahead here unless you and your wife are pulling down $150K a year. As for the pool scene it's pretty pathetic. Action is almost non-existent and the people that will play you are likely to quit on you if they get up $40. If you want Action you would have to go out of town to Waco, Houston and Dallas. Non-smoking in a pool hall. Are you kidding?

 

[Craig Fales]

I guess it depends on what your motivation to move is. I have lived here in central Austin almost all of my 39 years. To me it's home, but there are other places I would rather live. If I were to relocate, my first choice would be San Diego. Followed by San Francisco/Bay area, Boise. The things I do not like about Austin is the cost of living. Property taxes and home costs are some of the highest in the country. It's really hard to get ahead here unless you and your wife are pulling down $150K a year. As for the pool scene it's pretty pathetic. Action is almost non-existent and the people that will play you are likely to quit on you if they get up $40. If you want Action you would have to go out of town to Waco, Houston and Dallas. Non-smoking in a pool hall. Are you kidding?

Do you play in SA at all???I wouldn't pay someone if they get up a little and quit...

 

[BackPocket9Ball]

As for the pool scene it's pretty pathetic. Action is almost non-existent and the people that will play you are likely to quit on you if they get up $40. If you want Action you would have to go out of town to Waco, Houston and Dallas.

This is not an entirely true statement. While it maybe true that there is not a lot of action in Austin, James Davis Sr. and his son will gamble fairly high at one pocket and 9-ball and with players they don't necessarily know as well.

 

[Stones]

Up until the computer boom hit in the late 80's and early 90's, Austin was little more than a college town and the state capitol.

Now, it's considered the silicon valley of the south and along with that boom, the city is far behind in it's highway development. There is massive highway construction everywhere and will still take about another 5 to 10 years to catch up. In other words, the city gridlocks in the morning rush hour and from about 4:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon.

There are basically two economies in Austin. The students and the yuppies. Plenty of cheap and expensive things to do. My daughter lived there for a few years and I always had a ball when I visited without spending much money. Lots of good independent restaurants and eclectic weird little shops. If you like music, Austin is the center for it in Texas.

The people in the pool community there are some of the best around in ability and personality. Just good people overall.

One thing I would suggest. The central Texas hill country is unique in its flora and fauna which a lot of people from out of state have problems with allergies. Ironman can attest to this.

Spend a week and see how nose and lungs do before moving.

Overall, I like the city.

Stones

 

[JoeyA]

Up until the computer boom hit in the late 80's and early 90's, Austin was little more than a college town and the state capitol.

Now, it's considered the silicon valley of the south and along with that boom, the city is far behind in it's highway development. There is massive highway construction everywhere and will still take about another 5 to 10 years to catch up. In other words, the city gridlocks in the morning rush hour and from about 4:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon.

There are basically two economies in Austin. The students and the yuppies. Plenty of cheap and expensive things to do. My daughter lived there for a few years and I always had a ball when I visited without spending much money. Lots of good independent restaurants and eclectic weird little shops. If you like music, Austin is the center for it in Texas.

The people in the pool community there are some of the best around in ability and personality. Just good people overall.

One thing I would suggest. The central Texas hill country is unique in its flora and fauna which a lot of people from out of state have problems with allergies. Ironman can attest to this.

Spend a week and see how nose and lungs do before moving.

Overall, I like the city.

Stones

Good advice about the nose and lung. Will do that wherever I go. I don't think it can't get much worse than breathing the mold that is in the air around New Orleans. There are THOUSANDS OF houses that haven't been gutted let alone treated for mold. I think some of my respiratory problems may be just that because I have heard MANY people in our area are having first-time respiratory problems so I guess it is not just me and my smoke filled lungs.

As to what one of the other posters said, $150K a year to make ends meets seems a little high. I don't know if I can afford that. I might have to get a financially rewarding job like playing pool.

Wherever we would go I would do some testing, spending days, weeks or even months renting to see if we liked the area as a family and individually.

None of this may happen but at least I can decide which pool halls I want to visit on vacation.

Thanks to all who responded. If you think your town is rather special, please let me know why.

Thansk,
JoeyA

 

[9balllvr]

Are there any posters or lurkers in the Austin, TX area?

I would like to know a little about that general area. I've heard it is a popular "Move-To" area for many people.

Are the pool halls smoke free?

Also, just in general, would you move to your city if you were relocating? Not just because of pool but because of quality of life and the pursuit of happiness. And NO this isn't a troll post. Most of you have got to know me over the years and I have met dozens of AZers here and around the country.

My son may have the opportunity to move soon and if he does, I want to
have some input as my wife and I might even pull up stakes and move with him.

New Orleans continues to struggle. The pool hall I play at is great but the smoke is almost unbearable as I have a respiratory problem that seems to be getting worse.

My wife doesn't like the cold much and being from Louisiana, we're kind of used to hot and muggy. This doesn't mean that we couldn't opt for a different type of climate but seriously, is where you live something really special?

Many people think where they live is special. Shoot, New Orleans is special in so many ways I can't even begin to count them. There are dozens of good things about New Orleans but I wouldn't recommend anyone moving here right now.

How about you?

JoeyA

I am from Texas and lived in Austin for several years (about 6 years ago is when I left) - I visit family at least a couple times a year, but in a nutshell, I would recommend it for any age. I would suggest just on the outskirts (off of hwy 2222) near the arboretum (kind of northwest of downtown) as I am sure this area is still well maintained. There are apartments and residences up there that you have a great view of the downtown skyline. The traffic is brutal and always has been, but you can always find back roads to get where you need to be. Oh and the pool room from the area I mentioned above is about 15 minutes away to reach a Clicks. Hope this helps.

 

[ironman]

Up until the computer boom hit in the late 80's and early 90's, Austin was little more than a college town and the state capitol.

Now, it's considered the silicon valley of the south and along with that boom, the city is far behind in it's highway development. There is massive highway construction everywhere and will still take about another 5 to 10 years to catch up. In other words, the city gridlocks in the morning rush hour and from about 4:00 to 7:00 in the afternoon.

There are basically two economies in Austin. The students and the yuppies. Plenty of cheap and expensive things to do. My daughter lived there for a few years and I always had a ball when I visited without spending much money. Lots of good independent restaurants and eclectic weird little shops. If you like music, Austin is the center for it in Texas.

The people in the pool community there are some of the best around in ability and personality. Just good people overall.

One thing I would suggest. The central Texas hill country is unique in its flora and fauna which a lot of people from out of state have problems with allergies. Ironman can attest to this.

Spend a week and see how nose and lungs do before moving.

Overall, I like the city.

Stones

The allergies are just brutal. Last year I was ready to die. Just didn't care.
I actually hated life. Took more precautionary measures this year though and have avoided it.

The pool players aren't bad people, but, action is just about non-existent. You win a $100 and they want to call the police and then act as if you owe them something.

 

[twilight]

I live in Austin. I like it and I plan to stay here for a long while.

Here's what I think, the action is definitely there, Last month I saw $1000 sets and $500 games of 1 pocket. I don't shoot as often as I Like but when I go I have seen action. It's usually on the cheaper end, however it exists depending on where you go.

If you have allergies to Cedar, it's not a great place to be. It is definitely the silicon valley of the south. Lots of High tech stuff going around. The City is developing like crazy. The traffic is BAD. I won't lie. It is however Not as bad as Houston. THere are toll roads that are finishing up and that should alleviate some traffic.

As far as your kid what age is he? The University has a college billiards club that I was a part of for a few years. When Eric's Billards used to host the TX 9ball open you'd see pros like Allison fisher in Austin. I don't know for sure if they host the Open anymore, I think G-Que does now. But I'm sort of out of the loop on that.

Austin is a healthy town. It's been said in many magazines, news articles etc. that Austin is definitely one of the better cities to live in. The music is great. There are Bike routes on the roads huge running trail on the lake. I don't agree with too liberal that it's narrow minded. I've been here for 9 years and I've meet so many different people from yuppies, government officials, law enforcement, poor low class, millionaires, all walks of life and I will say there is a huge spectrum of people.

It's fairly well known for it's pool, huge in Music, growing with mixed martial art, lots of gun lovers, huge following of Cyclists and runners, It's cuisine is good and growing... Oh and did I mention live music too? Any way if you have any specifics just ask I know the city well. THere is plenty of stuff to do in austin that It's hard to get bored. You'll hate the traffic and cedar though. Oh and the most important part, I think there's over a dozen pool halls, there are 2 snooker tables and a 3 cushion place. Last I counted. I haven't played much in the last year or so, 2-3 times a month but thats about what I remember when I was more actively playing. Oh the pool halls don't enforce the no smoking policy as well as I would like. Casual shooters won't smoke but regulars do.

 

[JoeyA]

I live in Austin. I like it and I plan to stay here for a long while.

Here's what I think, the action is definitely there, Last month I saw $1000 sets and $500 games of 1 pocket. I don't shoot as often as I Like but when I go I have seen action. It's usually on the cheaper end, however it exists depending on where you go.

If you have allergies to Cedar, it's not a great place to be. It is definitely the silicon valley of the south. Lots of High tech stuff going around. The City is developing like crazy. The traffic is BAD. I won't lie. It is however Not as bad as Houston. THere are toll roads that are finishing up and that should alleviate some traffic.

As far as your kid what age is he? The University has a college billiards club that I was a part of for a few years. When Eric's Billards used to host the TX 9ball open you'd see pros like Allison fisher in Austin. I don't know for sure if they host the Open anymore, I think G-Que does now. But I'm sort of out of the loop on that.

Austin is a healthy town. It's been said in many magazines, news articles etc. that Austin is definitely one of the better cities to live in. The music is great. There are Bike routes on the roads huge running trail on the lake. I don't agree with too liberal that it's narrow minded. I've been here for 9 years and I've meet so many different people from yuppies, government officials, law enforcement, poor low class, millionaires, all walks of life and I will say there is a huge spectrum of people.

It's fairly well known for it's pool, huge in Music, growing with mixed martial art, lots of gun lovers, huge following of Cyclists and runners, It's cuisine is good and growing... Oh and did I mention live music too? Any way if you have any specifics just ask I know the city well. THere is plenty of stuff to do in austin that It's hard to get bored. You'll hate the traffic and cedar though. Oh and the most important part, I think there's over a dozen pool halls, there are 2 snooker tables and a 3 cushion place. Last I counted. I haven't played much in the last year or so, 2-3 times a month but thats about what I remember when I was more actively playing. Oh the pool halls don't enforce the no smoking policy as well as I would like. Casual shooters won't smoke but regulars do.

Thanks for the info Twilight. If things keep going the direction that they are now, I may be calling on you for more info.

JoeyA