Looking to move to Austin, any advice?

Lights

Sup guys, my roommate and I are thinking about making the move to Austin from Dallas. I haven't been there much so I'm not too familiar with the area. I know that there's a ton of opportunity for game developers there so it seems like a logical move.

You guys have any insight on any good budget friendly areas to look into? Even if it's not exactly in Austin but close, I that would be worth considering as well. 

Appreciate the help!

Brian "Panda" Choi

https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/

Lights

@Brian "Panda" Choi thank you for that! I always forget to check out reddit.

Taylor Brown

I'm out here and it's a great place to be. My family is about 15 mins south of downtown (78745), paying $1700 for a dope 3 bedroom house with a garage and huge backyard, lovely neighborhood. Ten minutes closer and it would be about $1400 for a small 2 bed apartment. Keep in mind though that the majority of studios up way up north or out west. Far north austin is mostly boring suburbs and outdoor shopping malls. West is expensive. Feel free to hit me up with any other specific questions

Brian "Panda" Choi

@Taylor Brown
Short list of restaraunts to ABSOLUTELY eat at?

Lights

@Taylor Brown really appreciate the insight! I'm hoping to get a 1 bedroom around $800 - $1000 or so, but I'm sure that'll probably be tough. I'm planning to drive out there for the day Sunday to scout out some apartments. 

So as far as proximity to studios, its probably best to stay towards the middle, huh? What about traffic? Is it tough to get back and fourth to work around there?

Justin Meisse

The closer to the river you are the worst your commute will be. I live up in the Wells Branch suburbs, I usually have a 10-15 minute commute. At nights, going to shows and restaurants downtown takes me 30 minutes, during rush hour that would take an hour. If you have a game dev schedule like 10-7 you'll probably miss the worst traffic.

As far as restaurants to eat at, we'll have to see what survives the pandemic, a lot of iconic places have shut down

Taylor Brown

I work from home for a studio that was already completely remote pre-covid. There's no way in hell I'd deal with the commute up north during anything close to rush hour. Would be hours of travel per day. Austin has a growing issue with this (though it's been pointed out for like 10 years). We have a one train line that goes from the city to up north but it was built on old freight lines and is next to useless. It's not Los Angeles bad but it's still a major hassle to get anywhere during large blocks of the day.


My favorite places to eat:
Gus's Fried Chicken (small chain across the US)
Old Thousand (incredible chinese food)
Homeslice (pizza and super popular but for good reason, try the italian sub)
Casino El Camino (its a bar so I'd avoid it till covid is gone.. go for the burgers, stay for the metal, trash movies and surly bartenders)
Baton Creole (cajun soul food food truck)
Elizabeth Street Cafe (french vietnamese)
Phoebe's Diner (A+ breakfast food.. everything is so damn good)
The Little Darlin (chill mostly outdoor bar and venue, rowdier biker crowd at night. food is delicious)
Asiana (indian food, get the family platters. $30 will feed you for a week.)

Tooooooons of good food out here though, this is just a few of my favorites

Lights

@Justin Meisse really appreciate the help. I think I'll check out that Wells Branch/Windemere area next weekend to see what the apartments are like in that area. Also thanks for the game dev map, I think I might be a creep and just drive past a few of them lol

@Taylor Brown oof I'm actually used to a 45 min commute but I would lose my mind if I had to do more than that. But then again if it means getting that illusive first industry gig I'll drive 3 hours if I have to... don't know how long I'd survive though lol

And a lot of those food spots sound right up my alley. I'll give one a try on the trip out and give a proper review!

ElysiumGX

I moved to Austin 11 years ago, and it has changed quite a lot in that time, and the pandemic has only made things far more different than before. As far as good location on a budget, you would save on your commute by looking around the Metric Blvd area. I'm personally a fan of the Jollyville Rd area. Some areas around The Domain are still cheap, and close to a lot of offices and food options.

Justin Meisse

@ElysiumGX Speaking of Metric, you ever go to a PWR show at 4th Tap?

ElysiumGX

@Justin Meisse I have not. I will have to someday. But, I do enjoy playing board games at 4th Tap. One of many things I look forward to in the near future.

Justin Meisse

You missed my nearly a year run as one half of the PWR Best Friends Forever tag team champs. I'm Mr Massive Goliath and Space Lizard Super Wizard is another polycounter Tracy Hunt aka Rhinokio aka Mojo2K