California vs. Texas

[fmicle]

Alright boys and girls, I have an interesting subject up for debate. My company has opened an office in Austin a couple of years back which has been growing much more than the HQ here in Sunnyvale, CA and I was just asked a few days ago for the first time if I would like to move to Austin... I don't know anything about Texas (other than a few stereotypes and the famous "Houston, we got a problem" :wink:) and I've lived in California for 6 years.

So, I'd like to hear some opinions, pros and cons, should I consider moving or not? Is California ever going to get back on track, financially I mean? I just have the feeling that CA government is way too big and I don't see a chance of it getting any smaller and I think that only means higher taxes in the future...

On the other hand Texas looks very appealing, with no state income tax and more affordable housing...

Go! :smile: Keep it civil though, alright? No calling names! :smile:

[yaris-me]

If you're young, go for the new experience. You'll have an opportunity to travel and experience a different lifestyle. Something you might regret in later years.:thumbsup:

[zachryboles]

The cost of living is SUPER LOW compaired to what your looking at but it all depends on the household income changing and what will happen with any possible mortgage you might have in your area vs what you can bring to sale or if your company has corporate buyouts on housing. It's all kind of personal but whats "best" is whats going to be best financially for you. Don't look at a different place just because its different. If your not upside down on your real estate now, sell and come to texas and marvel at what you can buy for half the price. If you come on down let the SW USA board know, we host events and go out for fun sometimes.

[yarisitis]

My brother was in a similar situation as you.

His company location was moving to Texas and he could either move there or find a new job. He decided to move there and his company also paid for the move I think.

As far as I know, everything has been great for him and he loves it there. He says the people are very hospitable, going out of their way to help you. He bought a nice house in a nice area for dirt cheap compared to housing prices here in CA.

Like the other guy said, the cost of living there is dirt cheap. My brother works for a big company and makes very good money so that has a lot to do with it I bet, since it doesn't really matter where you live if you're making very good money you'll be comfortable either way.


As for me, I would never consider moving to Texas, you kidding me?!

[wildmongoose26]

born and raised in Dallas, I would say that I love it here!!!!!

Plus Austin is an amazing city, completely different from the rest of the state. Very laid back and kinda artsy. People down there are very nice

[MadMax]

Having lived in both States I can unequivocally recommend that you stay in California.

Texas isn't as broke as California because they don't do anything for the people other than keep the roads maintained. When the humidity gets below 70% it is the leading story on the evening news. More people on death row than the rest of the country combined. Their environmental policy is to fight the planet, and they are winning.

The worst part was how sugary sweet everyone is on the surface but finding nothing under it but apathy, conceit, greed and bigotry. My family could not wait to get out of Texas, and we've never looked back.

California does indeed have its problems, and I find a large part of the population there to be incredibly selfish and self-important, but it is nowhere near as bleak as Texas.

Way to insult two entire states...:rolleyes:

[yaris-me]

Way to insult two entire states...:rolleyes:

:bellyroll::laugh:

[fmicle]

Way to insult two entire states...:rolleyes:

And not any two states, but the biggest two :wink:

[QR25DE_SpecV]

Get your ass on a plane!

[Cosmonaut]

Originally Posted by BailOut View Post
Having lived in both States I can unequivocally recommend that you stay in California.

Texas isn't as broke as California because they don't do anything for the people other than keep the roads maintained. When the humidity gets below 70% it is the leading story on the evening news. More people on death row than the rest of the country combined. Their environmental policy is to fight the planet, and they are winning.

The worst part was how sugary sweet everyone is on the surface but finding nothing under it but apathy, conceit, greed and bigotry. My family could not wait to get out of Texas, and we've never looked back.

California does indeed have its problems, and I find a large part of the population there to be incredibly selfish and self-important, but it is nowhere near as bleak as Texas.


Way to insult two entire states...:rolleyes:

No shit....thats really shortsighted and extremely ignorant. sure youll have bigoted ignorant assholes but dont lump us all together. BTW BailOut what part of texas did you live in for you to merit such remarks?

[Cosmonaut]

Con: when out of state some people assume you are a cowboy, ride horses and own a ranch.

if you have not heard already ULtraCons (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/13/texas-textbook-massacre-u_n_498003.html#s73775)

its hotter.


Pro: The main reason one of my friends moved here was the cost of living, the housing market was perfect for them.
if youre in to football: UT

we can add one more to the texas regional forums

its the blue dot in a red state.

you get to go to Texas Yaris Yak (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26281)

Oh yeah . Austin is kickass!

[QR25DE_SpecV]

Oh yeah . Austin is kickass!

Ain't that the truth.

[QR25DE_SpecV]

My biggest problem with California is the way they treat car enthusiasts.

Things like "You have an intake, there for you must be a street racer." and a V-TEC controller turning cars into 'death machines'. It's sickening.

That combined with the rolling emissions stations, it's just retarded.

California is full of unconstitutional bullshit laws.

[MadMax]

Oh yeah . Austin is kickass!

Actually, Austin is becoming an example of why Californians moving to Texas is such a bad thing! The town is becoming overly liberal, and a recent incident concerning a gun show there has convinced me the Left Coast influence has gone too far! The Austin PD and the show sponsor violated state laws to interfere with legal transactions involving firearms. There is on-going legal action concerning the case, so details are mute; but considering this is Texas it is just amazing that someone would even contemplate such actions!

Don't get me wrong, I love Austin the town; but the people and politics there are getting ridiculous. It is becoming a far-left liberal bastion and while in certain circumstances, such as a college environment, that can be entertaining; the fact that it has overflowed into the local and somewhat state governments there is concerning. It won't go unchecked for long.

That is why I prefer things down here is laid-back, conservative San Antonio! It is "Old School Texas" and while people may drive like idiots, the monthly gun shows are one of the most popular events around!

To the OP, Texas is a great place to live but very different to California in its mindset. If you can come here and adapt to the mainstream, you'll love it. Try to act or make it like it's California, and you will hate every minute of it.

By the way, had BailOut made those comments while in Texas, he'd probably get his ass kicked! People don't take too kindly to such arrogant criticism in this state!

Cheers! M2

[QR25DE_SpecV]

Sigh, I hate to admit it but you're right. The liberal hippy d-bags are in full force :(

[tomato]

California / SF Bay Area, Pros: weather; economy (?)(I mean supposedly we have more opportunities here with the concentration of high tech companies, etc... doesn't feel that way lately, though, let me tell ya :rolleyes:) :iono:; culturally diversity (in the Bay Area at least) so it's relatively easy to adapt (in that order).

California / SF Bay Area Cons: earthquakes (anytime, now :frown:); cost of living is insane; depending where in the State you are, the mentality can be irritating; some of our laws are downright stupid and irritating. The state is broke.

Keep in mind that I'm in the Bay Area and 100 miles away from here, people are completely different, cost of living drops sharply but economic opportunities are scarce, and the weather, even, is completely different, much harsher. So it's hard to generalize.

Should you move to Texas? Well, if it makes financial sense and you can stand the difference of temperature, I'd try it. TX has the reputation of being ultra conservative, seen from here, but I don't think that's a deal breaker, even if you're not.

[Altitude]

(no offense intended MadMax so please don't take any)

By the way, had BailOut made those comments while in Texas, he'd probably get his ass kicked! People don't take too kindly to such arrogant criticism in this state!

And that's a plus for Texas because...

I've spent considerable time in Texas and arrogance seems to be a very common quality - that is when it comes to being arrogant about how great Texas is.

I've lived in Maryland, California and now Colorado. I've never felt negative remarks about any of them rises to the level of requiring an ass-kicking, so why do Texans feel that way?

[fmicle]

Well the one thing that entices me to move is to get away from this overly exaggerated liberal shit... I wouldn't move to Austin if it was "little California" in the heart of Texas. I thought people are moving from California to Texas because they like Texas, not because they like California :confused:

I'm so sick of all this extreme liberal crap, that I just want to get away from it. Trust me, there are members of my wife's extended family that haven't worked for a day in their entire life and somehow are doing just fine, living in a single family home (paid for by the state) with a backyard and everything, while my wife and I, both working full-time jobs, were renting a unit in a four-plex until recently.

My brother-in-law used to complain that his car insurance was higher than his rent ($15 - he's on HUD as well). :mad:

Being from Europe I just could not believe the level of welfare services that I found here in California. Too much is too much I'm just sick of seeing my tax money being wasted like that...

The city of San Jose has postponed building a park across the street from our town-home complex to 2013 (which was one of the reasons why we bought there in the first place) because they say they don't have money to maintain the parks and are $100 million short in this year's budget. But get this, the builder has already paid the city for the park construction, it was part of the deal when they got the tract to develop it. Some people could call that stealing... They took the park money from the developer and used it for something else.

Here is another one: the San Jose PD chief is quitting and moving to Dallas for the top cop job (last I read) and since he's worked for SJPD for more than 15 years or so, he gets 90% of his last paycheck for the rest of his life. I'm sure his new paycheck won't be too shabby... way to go, living on 2 decent paychecks! There goes my park money...

I could spend the whole day writing stories that come to my mind, but I have to go back to work... someone has to pay the taxes around here, so that all these sweet state benefits can be paid...

Oh, some of the state workers had to take unpaid furloughs because California is $2 billion in the red? How sad, it's breaking my heart, cue violin music... When my company (and all the companies I worked for) is short on cash they LAY PEOPLE OFF.

California's state employee head count has increased by 40,000 in the last 5 years alone!

So yeah, I'm sick of this BS. :bs:

[Altitude]

fmicle - If you want to move to Texas to get away from "liberalism" Austin would not be the place.

As for the police chief, blame it on the public safety Unions. It's like that everywhere.

The rest of your complaints are not uncommon across the US. I live in one of the most ultra conservative and religious communities you would find in this country and we suffer from the same issues you've noted. The only difference is our problems come from the fact that no one here wants to pay taxes at all. Throw in hundreds of religious non-taxable organizations and you get a city that's dying a little bit every day.

I choose to live here for the geography and beautiful scenery not because I fit in with the crowd (I don't.) I guess what I'm trying to say is don't move thinking that local politics will make your life more enjoyable, move somewhere you find likeable for reasons other than politics.

[fmicle]

fmicle - If you want to move to Texas to get away from "liberalism" Austin would not be the place.

Don't scare me man :wink: Actually that was my feeling as well from what I've read about Austin. I was just hoping that it's not as exaggerated as it is in San Francisco for instance.

I mean San Francisco's official policy is to not comply with federal immigration law. When I read that I was like, WTF???

As for the police chief, blame it on the public safety Unions. It's like that everywhere.

The rest of your complaints are not uncommon across the US. I live in one of the most ultra conservative and religious communities you would find in this country and we suffer from the same issues you've noted. The only difference is our problems come from the fact that no one here wants to pay taxes at all. Throw in hundreds of religious non-taxable organizations and you get a city that's dying a little bit every day.

I choose to live here for the geography and beautiful scenery not because I fit in with the crowd (I don't.) I guess what I'm trying to say is don't move thinking that local politics will make your life more enjoyable, move somewhere you find likeable for reasons other than politics.

I hear you and I appreciate your feedback. My motives are economical and financial really. I use the political crap as an excuse to motivate myself that this is the right decision to make I guess...

The idea of being able to afford a nice single family home (which seems out of my reach around here, unless it's older than 50 years - yuck!) and not have all my money go to the mortgage payment is the biggest enticement.

[Gideon]

I do live next to one of the worst cities in the US, so I may be biased, but I lived in Wichita Falls for a few years (lived on base housing for Sheppard AFB) and it was very much an enjoyable place to live.

Cost of living is significantly cheaper, people are alot friendlier (so long as you say "Howdy!" and not "Ce faci" :laugh: )

Never encountered a tornado though while I was there. Lots of sirens and taking refuge in the hospital basement though. (Good place to socialize with neighbors I learned! :wink: )

[Altitude]

Well - I should qualify my comment about Austin being liberal, it's probably the most liberal city in Texas (odd because it's also the capital) but by comparison it's nothing like California (this is not a slight on California either so please don't anyone get upset.) I think the only reason Austin is considered and is becoming more liberal is due to the music and arts scene that has been growing there for a while. It's not a bad thing.

If I had to move to Austin for work I wouldn't have an issue with it. In fact, of the places I have been in Texas the only two I wouldn't consider would be Houston (for the horrible humidity and heat!!!) and El Paso (too desert-like for my tastes.)

As for housing everyone else is right, it's much, much cheaper in Texas than it is in Cali.

[fmicle]

Cost of living is significantly cheaper, people are alot friendlier (so long as you say "Howdy!" and not "Ce faci" :laugh: )

:bellyroll: wow, I'm impressed, that's perfect Romanian spelling :thumbsup:

My wife won't have problems, she's American and can even speak with a Southern accent... I on the other hand, will have some work to do :redface:

[fmicle]

Well - I should qualify my comment about Austin being liberal, it's probably the most liberal city in Texas (odd because it's also the capital) but by comparison it's nothing like California (this is not a slight on California either so please don't anyone get upset.) I think the only reason Austin is considered and is becoming more liberal is due to the music and arts scene that has been growing there for a while. It's not a bad thing.

If I had to move to Austin for work I wouldn't have an issue with it. In fact, of the places I have been in Texas the only two I wouldn't consider would be Houston (for the horrible humidity and heat!!!) and El Paso (too desert-like for my tastes.)

As for housing everyone else is right, it's much, much cheaper in Texas than it is in Cali.

I gotta start packing...

[Gideon]

:bellyroll: wow, I'm impressed, that's perfect Romanian spelling :thumbsup:

My wife won't have problems, she's American and can even speak with a Southern accent... I on the other hand, will have some work to do :redface:

You give me too much credit, I double checked it on Google since I speak Romanian (barely these days) but I've never written it before. :biggrin:

[fmicle]

You give me too much credit, I double checked it on Google since I speak Romanian (barely these days) but I've never written it before. :biggrin:

Wow wow wow, how come? :eyebulge: I actually assumed Google had played a role and I appreciated the thought and the effort to search and get it right, but now I'm even more impressed! :smile: It's not like they teach Romanian in highschool around here :wink: Although with some Spanish and even more so with Italian, one would be able to pick up certain words.

[DandiDani]

i say do it. you only live once. it will probably be a good experience and you will be able to save more money for your family if the cost of living is significantly cheaper like everyone says it is. i went to austin last year for about a week. i know thats not a long time lol but i did enjoy myself. next time we go tho we will NOT be driving there! 17houuurrss:eyebulge:

[fmicle]

Yeah, so far I'm very much inclined to do it...

[Gideon]

Wow wow wow, how come? :eyebulge: I actually assumed Google had played a role and I appreciated the thought and the effort to search and get it right, but now I'm even more impressed! :smile: It's not like they teach Romanian in highschool around here :wink: Although with some Spanish and even more so with Italian, one would be able to pick up certain words.

My best friend in school was Romanian. They had immigrated to the US a few years before I met him so the rest of his family much preferred to speak in Romanian a majority of the time, so after many sleepovers and dinners with them I asked them to teach me out of courtesy so I could join in on the conversation at the dinner table. :biggrin:

I actually was going to ask "Vorbiti romaneste?" when you were over picking up the seats, but it had been awhile since I had heard a Romanian accent and didn't want to embarrass myself if I ended up being wrong. :redface:

Hopefully you don't leave before the next meet that you can attend here locally so you can bounce some words off me. I've forgotten a lot but day to day stuff I still remember as well as some dirty phrases. :wink: :laugh:

[MadMax]

fmicle

Remember, when we Texans say Austin in liberal, that is judging by Texas standards. Compared to where you live, it may seem very conservative.

But it sounds like you'd like things a lot better out here in Texas!

Good luck with your decision!

Cheers! M2

[JBougie]

fmicle

Remember, when we Texans say Austin in liberal, that is judging by Texas standards. Compared to where you live, it may seem very conservative.

But it sounds like you'd like things a lot better out here in Texas!

Good luck with your decision!

Cheers! M2

I think that is standard for anywhere in the south - Southern liberals are still pretty conservative to the rest of the countries standards (most of the time).

[fmicle]

fmicle

Remember, when we Texans say Austin in liberal, that is judging by Texas standards. Compared to where you live, it may seem very conservative.

But it sounds like you'd like things a lot better out here in Texas!

Good luck with your decision!

Cheers! M2

I think that is standard for anywhere in the south - Southern liberals are still pretty conservative to the rest of the countries standards (most of the time).

And that's what makes American politics so interesting. Conservatives are pretty much the same around the country but democrats are different from California to South Dakota. That's why they can't pass anything, because they can't even agree among themselves. I like the core conservative values but when they start saying things like "if you vote for them, the terrorist will steal your liberties" I feel insulted... But that doesn't matter because I can't vote anyways... yet :wink: I have to pay taxes though :wink:

I hope this will work out well for me, fingers crossed :rolleyes:

[fmicle]

I actually was going to ask "Vorbiti romaneste?" when you were over picking up the seats, but it had been awhile since I had heard a Romanian accent and didn't want to embarrass myself if I ended up being wrong. :redface:

Hopefully you don't leave before the next meet that you can attend here locally so you can bounce some words off me. I've forgotten a lot but day to day stuff I still remember as well as some dirty phrases. :wink: :laugh:

Dude that is so awesome, you should have said something and watched my face. That's one more reason for me to try to make it to the next meet :laugh: besides showing off my supercharger of course :wink:

I don't think I'll be moving in less than six months unless my company has a contract with Harry Potter or something...

[Corykins]

I've lived in Texas for 19 years and I really like it! I'll try to be as unbiased as possible...

Pros:
-typically nice weather
-typically nice people
-Big Red (believe me...major pro)
-Austin is the live music capital of the world! Holla!
-As many have said, Austin is quite a bit more liberal than the rest of the state
-Austin is actually very green and environmentally friendly
-It's a new opportunity in a new place!
-No matter what time of day/night it is, there's always something going on!

Cons:
-lots of hobos
-traffic/bad highway system (this is Austin, San Antonio's hw system is awesome!)
-College town (don't let anyone know you haven't sipped the UT koolaid...)
-A little uppity in certain areas where there's an obvious "I'm better than you" vibe.
-lots and lots of bikers that LOVE to ride on the main streets. Seriously annoying.
-Cost of living is a little higher in Austin that in other parts of Texas
-It will take you 5 hours to leave the state driving in pretty much any direction.


Other than that some things that can be on either list depending on your preferences are the very diverse population regarding ethnicity, sexual preference, political views and income. Plus the majority of the population seems to be pretty young because we're a college town. Although we have been placed in the top 5 cities for singles! Not even sure if that's relevant but thought I'd through it in there, heh.

Hope that helps your decision a little, Texas isn't for everyone I'm sure, but if you decide to give it a try we'll be happy to have ya!

[tomato]

^ aww, man, what a nice comment! I'm on my way :biggrin:

BTW, Austin City 's live music FTW!!! I saw many, many awesome PBS broadcasts from Austin!! :headbang: :headbang:

[MadMax]

Oh, Austin rocks! Trust me, back in my younger days, it wasn't uncommon to hit the bars on 6th Street so much that we'd walk out of one wondering why it was so bright out, then realizing it was morning!

Of course, we'd end up sleeping until late afternoon, then doing it all over again!

But great live music is not confined to Austin (although they do have a great music scene). I live near Floore Country Store (http://www.liveatfloores.com/) in Helotes and there's always something going on there! Heck, the sign out front (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Helotes,+TX&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.710275,77.607422&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Helotes,+Bexar,+Texas&ll=29.577875,-98.690835&spn=0,359.993219&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=29.577801,-98.690769&panoid=UydHg0R27O0YdK8eHwDkUQ&cbp=12,89.97,,0,1.94) still says "Willie Nelson Every Saturday Night" on it!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/424157643_05d79c55cc.jpg

[zachryboles]

summer is highs of 105 but average is 90-100

[Corykins]

would love to visit Texas just might be too hot for me, what's the average weather?

haha funny thing about that. I'm sure you've heard the expression "If you don't like the weather in Texas, wait 5 minutes and it'll change!"

It's seriously like that. Yesterday was a high of 75 with blue skies and today we're dealing with heavy thunderstorms and flooding. If you're planning on coming in the summer, it gets hot...really hot. Especially in the city. Another one you'll hear constantly is "it's not the heat that gets ya...it's the humidity!" which is also true. On good days however, like yesterday, it's awesome!

[QR25DE_SpecV]

The strip clubs here are AWESOME.

[Corykins]

The strip clubs here are AWESOME.

Oh really? So THAT'S where all of your money goes! All of this time I thought you were spending it on car stuff, babe...:wink:

[Altitude]

The strip clubs here are AWESOME.

I was just going to comment on why this wasn't mentioned yet :wink: Not that I go to strip clubs, but there are definitely plenty to choose from all over Texas.

[JBougie]

Oh really? So THAT'S where all of your money goes! All of this time I thought you were spending it on car stuff, babe...:wink:

Is there a BUSTED icon? Because we need one ...

:laugh::laugh:

[JBougie]

are the strippers packing :biggrin:

If they are ... it's not the kind of conceal and carry a guy would like to find :bellyroll:

[QR25DE_SpecV]

Is there a BUSTED icon? Because we need one ...

:laugh::laugh:

Maybe I'm the one makin' the bills ;)

[fmicle]

I went on a short business trip to Austin last month, to check things out (aside from a presentation I had to give at the office). Wife and baby came with me, we stayed over the weekend as well, so we had some time to drive around a bit. It was hot, whew, but not as bad as I was expecting after everything I had heard. I guess Austin is not as bad as, say, Houston, in that respect. It does hit you, as you come out of the airport, right after midnight :-) In San Jose or San Francisco you would need a jacket, in Austin, all I wanted was to take off my shirt

The hotel had a pool, which completely changes the perspective on the hot weather. It makes it feel very nice actually

We checked out some homes for sale and were of course quite shocked - in a good sense. Talked to some people, a few of them happened to have moved from CA, so we had some first had impressions of how that worked out for them.

So, right now, it's up to wifey, to figure out some things with her work and if she says yes, we'll probably be moving...

[gmodder]

Nobody has mentioned the women...Oh man the women in texas...No blindfolds needed down here...:laugh:

[fmicle]

Nobody has mentioned the women...Oh man the women in texas...No blindfolds needed down here...:laugh:

So I've heard :drool:

[MadMax]

are the strippers packing :biggrin:

Hell yeah! Most look like this...

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1919/part0landscapefr5bp3.gif http://www.gifbin.com/bin/1234443439_sin_city_-_jessica_alba_stripper_dance.gif

God bless Texas! http://www.texasguntalk.com/forums/images/smilies/texas.gif

Cheers! M2

[fmicle]

Yeee-haaa :smile: